Gerofit, a facility-based program transitioned to GTH, a completely virtual structured exercise program, at the onset of the pandemic and previously demonstrated that Veterans already engaged sustained performance with this transition (In-Person vs GTH, n=46; arm curls 19.7 vs 19.0 reps; 30-second chair stand 14.3 vs 15.9 reps). This study investigated whether gains in performance are achieved and sustained in Veterans who participated in GTH only, as it is unknown if virtual programs are as robust as facility-based programs. Measures of performance (3-month mean change, n=45, Arm Curls +3.4 reps; 30-second chair stand +1.5 reps) and self-reported function (SF-36 + 1.8 points) will be assessed from baseline to 3,6, and 12 months. Pooled results from 14 sites have been accumulated and change scores, age and gender-based percentile changes and clinically meaningful thresholds will be presented. This knowledge can have implications to support programs for older adults aging in place.

Group exercise provides social support, which is especially important among older adults. Gerofit conducted a telephone survey with participants (n=258) from 15 sites to learn about Veterans’ experiences with transition to Gerofit-specific telehealth-delivered group exercise to guide continuous improvement of the program. One, open-ended question was asked at the end, inviting respondents to reflect on any other thoughts they had about the telehealth-delivered exercise sessions. This yielded robust qualitative responses which constitute the data analyzed in this qualitative descriptive study. Key themes that emerged from participant responses included: 1) telehealth-delivered group exercise provides structure, motivation, and accountability; and 2) transitioning from in-person to telehealth-delivered exercise has many beneficial impacts on health such as retaining strength and ability to recover from injury, weight management, and positive impacts on mental health and quality of life. Telehealth-delivered group exercise sessions provide social support and are associated with positive health impacts.