Web-Based Exercise and Nutrition Intervention to Improve Leg Muscle Strength and Physical Functioning in Older...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Science
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• The ProMuscle lifestyle intervention, combining resistance exercise and increased protein intake, effectively enhanced muscle strength, mass, and physical functioning in older adults.
• Healthcare professional shortages necessitate scalable solutions to support the growing aging population's health needs.
• Uni2Move, a web-based adaptation of ProMuscle, was developed to provide accessible lifestyle interventions to a larger elderly demographic without increasing healthcare burdens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of the Uni2Move web-based lifestyle intervention on muscle strength, protein intake, and physical functioning in healthy older adults.
• To explore older adults' perceptions and experiences with web-based lifestyle interventions through qualitative research.

Main Methods:

• A 24-week pre-post pilot study involving 19 healthy adults aged over 55 in the Netherlands.
• Participants engaged in twice-weekly home-based resistance training via web-based videos and received dietary advice on protein intake through online consultations and e-learning.
• Muscle strength (1 repetition maximum knee extension), physical functioning (repeated chair rise test), and protein intake were measured at baseline, week 13, and week 25. Qualitative data were collected via semistructured interviews.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in 1 repetition maximum knee extension strength (mean difference 7.0 kg) and the repeated chair rise test (mean difference -1.2 seconds).
• While total daily protein intake did not change, protein intake during breakfast significantly increased after 13 weeks (mean difference 6.9 g).
• Qualitative findings highlighted the convenience of exercising at home but noted a lack of physical interaction and trainer feedback.

Conclusions:

• The Uni2Move web-based intervention shows promise for improving muscle strength and physical functioning in healthy middle-aged and older adults.
• Internet-based lifestyle interventions like Uni2Move can significantly expand reach, supporting the health and independence of the aging population.
• Addressing barriers such as lack of physical interaction and trainer feedback is crucial for optimizing future web-based health interventions.