Development of an exercise expert system for older adults

The purpose of this study was to develop a computerized exercise expert system (CEES) that creates tailored exercise plans for older adults. A panel of experts was selected in the areas of medicine, exercise physiology, health promotion, exercise psychology, and gerontology. The experts communicated with the principal investigator and the project members by mail, email, telephone, and expert meetings. A two-day workshop was held during the second year for the project members as well as local and national experts to review the CEES. The CEES demonstrated adequate inter-rater reliability (0.80) and criterion validity (0.70). Content validity was achieved by literature review and expert opinion. The CEES gathers information on the elder's health status, clinical factors, and exercise determinants that characterize specific barriers or incentives to exercise. The software program then develops individualized exercise prescriptions that are customized to older adults.