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Technology Support Challenges and Recommendations for Adapting an Evidence-Based Exercise Program for Remote Delivery
Nancy Gell1, Elise Hoffman2, Kushang Patel2
1Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States.
JMIR Aging
|December 10, 2021
Summary
Older adults can successfully engage in tele-exercise with proper technology support. Tailored orientation and accessible assistance are key for participation and overcoming tech challenges in remote fitness programs.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Technology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Tele-exercise emerged as a vital option for older adults' group exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Limited understanding exists regarding older adults' technology support needs for tele-exercise access.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine older adults' needs for transitioning to tele-exercise.
- Identify barriers and facilitators for tele-exercise adoption and sustained engagement.
- Describe technology support challenges and successes experienced by older adults initiating tele-exercise.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory, sequential mixed methods design with older adults (N=44) having knee osteoarthritis.
- Semistructured interviews (n=10) explored technology needs, adoption barriers, and facilitators.
- Surveys (Senior Technology Acceptance Model scale, technology needs assessment) and session attendance data were collected over 16 weeks.
Main Results:
- Key themes: desire for accountability features, importance of direct tech support, motivation from high-value activities, and belief in learning ability.
- Many participants (41%) had limited videoconferencing experience; 24% needed follow-up orientation.
- Technical assistance needs decreased significantly after the initial 2 weeks, with high attendance rates (median 100% initially, 93% overall).
Conclusions:
- Older adults can successfully participate in tele-exercise with adequate support.
- Recommendations include personalized tech orientations, hands-on learning, and readily available technical assistance, especially early on.
- Developing best practices can enhance access to evidence-based exercise for hard-to-reach older adult populations.
