User attitudes and implementation requirements of a tele-exercise intervention for people aging with lower body mobility impairment
Jenay M. Beer PhD*, Taylor E. Mackin MSW, George Mois PhD, Lyndsie M. Koon PhD, Amber Datta, Tracy L. Mitzner PhD, Wendy A. Rogers PhD
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AbstractBackground: Persons aging with mobility disabilities encounter barriers to exercise participation, such as lack of transportation, inaccessible facilities, and absence of tailored exercises programs. Tele-exercise lessens these barriers by enabling participation in remote exercise classes from home.
Objective: This study's goal was to assess the feasibility (user attitudes and implementation requirements) of a tele-exercise (Tai Chi) class for adults aging with mobility disabilities.
Method: This was a mixed-method feasibility study; participants (N=19; age M=61.2±10.81) aging with a mobility impairment participated in a seated Tai Chi exercise class via video-conferencing software. User attitudes and usability were assessed using questionnaires and a semi-structured interview, while implementation requirements were assessed using a semi-structured interview and observational methods.
Results: Participants expressed positive attitudes toward the tele-exercise class, specifically the physical, emotional, and social benefits. Age- and disability-specific requirements to implement a tele-exercise intervention were identified, including large font size, adjustable volume, tailored exercises, and environmental design.
Conclusion: Findings provide guidance for the implementation and deployment of remote tele-exercise classes and interventions for persons aging with mobility disabilities.Keywords: self-care, technology, exercise, disability
Jenay M. Beer PhD*, Taylor E. Mackin MSW, George Mois PhD, Lyndsie M. Koon PhD, Amber Datta, Tracy L. Mitzner PhD, Wendy A. Rogers PhD (2021). User attitudes and implementation requirements of a tele-exercise intervention for people aging with lower body mobility impairment. Gerontechnology, 20(2), 1-12
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2021.20.2.6.429.09