Attitudes of Older Adults in a Group-Based Exercise Program Toward a Blended Intervention; A Focus-Group Study

Abstract

Ageing is associated with a decline in daily functioning and mobility. A physically active life and physical exercise can minimize the decline of daily functioning and improve the physical-, psychological- and social functioning of older adults. Despite several advantages of group-based exercise programs, older adults participating in such interventions often do not meet the frequency, intensity or duration of exercises needed to gain health benefits. An exercise program that combines the advantages of group-based exercises led by an instructor with tailored home-based exercises can increase the effectiveness. Technology can assist in delivering a personalized program. The aim of the study was to determine the susceptibility of older adults currently participating in a nationwide group-based exercise program to such a blended exercise program. Eight focus-groups were held with adults of 55 years of age or older. Two researchers coded independently the remarks of the 30 participants that were included in the analysis according to the three key concepts of the Self Determination Theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The results show that maintaining self-reliance and keeping in touch with others were the main motives to participate in the weekly group-based exercises. Participants recognized benefits of doing additional home-based exercises, but had concerns regarding guidance, safety, and motivation. Furthermore, some participants strongly rejected the idea to use technology to support them in doing exercises at home, but the majority was open to it. Insights are discussed how these findings can help design novel interventions that can increase the wellbeing of older adults and preserve an independent living.

Exercise Instructors for Older Adult Fitness: A Review of the Literature

“…The literature reviewed underscored the importance of having a competent exercise instructor, as older exercisers attributed great value to having an instructor who was knowledgeable about exercise, as well as about gerontology. Herein, exercise participants acknowledged the instructor's role as competent practitioner, recognizing that certification was vital toward the assurance of technical proficiency, thus ensuring some degree of safe practice (Beaudreau, 2006;Brehm, 2004;Forsyth, Handcock, Rose, & Jenkins, 2005;Mehra et al 2016;Olsen, Telenius, Engedal, & Bergland, 2015;Taylor & Pescatello, 2016;Vseteckova et al, 2018). Moreover, Oldridge (1977) argued that instructors should teach safety techniques to exercisers in order to increase exerciser self-efficacy and further reduce the likelihood of injury.…”

“…The literature reviewed indicated that older adults preferred instructors who demonstrated leadership behaviors and possessed interpersonal skills, specifically the ability to understand and communicate with exercise participants; motivate and demonstrate enthusiasm; personalize instruction and show interest in the client; be patient, caring, passionate, fun, flexible, and realistic; and foster trust with clients (Beauchamp, Welch, & Hulley, 2007;Beaudreau, 2006;Bray, Gyurcsik, Culos-Reed, Dawson, & Martin, 2001;Caperchione, Mummery, & Duncan, 2011;Manson et al, 2017;McAuley & Jacobson, 1991;Mehra et al, 2016;Miyawaki et al, 2016;Olsen et al, 2015;Poole, 2001;Vseteckova et al, 2018;Wininger, 2002). Literature in this domain also demonstrated that older adults desired instructors who were organized and prepared, encouraging, understanding, in good physical shape themselves, and persuasive but also respectful of individual abilities (Costello, Kafchinshi, Vrazel, & Sullivan, 2011;Estabrooks et al, 2004;Hawley-Hague et al, 2016;Olsen et al, 2015;Vseteckova et al, 2018).…”

A functionality, safety and validity study of innovative REACH devices

“…Improvements are needed to engage the person deeper, especially for the interface. Motivation for regular exercise may come from a number of sources such as strengthening of a sense of self-reliance and independence, attractiveness of the human-computer interface or fear of progressive dementia 21 .…”

A physical exercise program using music-supported video-based training in older adults in nursing homes suffering from dementia: a feasibility study

“…As a result of the social aspect, motivation towards an exercise program is higher in a group setting in comparison to individual therapy in older adults [5]. However, for people with AD, it is hard to focus on the exercises for 30 minutes or longer in group due to attentional problems.…”