Purpose
To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and potential benefit of a virtual, community-based, task-oriented exercise program (TIME(TM) at Home) among people with balance and mobility limitations, and explore program experiences of participants, caregivers, and program providers.
Materials And Methods
In a pre-post study with a qualitative component, community-dwelling adults with balance and mobility limitations completed a virtual 8-week video-based exercise program (2 classes/week, 10 people/class) with 2 live facilitators, a post-class social time, and 3 healthcare partner visits. We administered physical and mental health measures pre- and post-program, and an online questionnaire regarding program acceptability mid- and post-program, and interviewed 10 participants, 7 caregivers, and 6 program providers post-program.
Results
A priori benchmarks were achieved for feasibility (e.g., 80% of classes attended) and safety (no serious adverse events). In 17 participants with pre and post data (median age 73 years, 53% post-stroke), significant improvement on measures of leg strength, balance self-efficacy, mood, mobility, everyday functioning, and health status (but not caregiver mood), was observed. Qualitative analysis identified two themes: the program is safe, beneficial, and enjoyable; and implementation considerations.
Conclusion
TIME(TM) at Home appears feasible, safe, and beneficial to physical and mental health in adults with balance and mobility limitations.
Trial Registration
www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05369741. Registered May 11, 2022 - retrospectively registered. Participating in community-based exercise programs (CBEPs) can improve the health and well-being of adults with mobility limitations; however, participant access and program delivery are challenges of in-person programs.Study results suggest that a virtual, group, task-oriented CBEP, with trained facilitators who stream an exercise video, and moderate a social time, and a healthcare professional who supports the program, is feasible, safe, and potentially beneficial for adults with mobility limitations.Virtual, group CBEPs, that involve non-exercise specialists who stream a prerecorded video and moderate social interaction, may offer rehabilitation professionals new, accessible options for referring patients with mobility limitations to ongoing tailored exercise. eng