Abstract
Background: Falls are common among the older adults, leading to severe consequences such as bone fractures and hampered physical and psychological well-being. Injurious falls is one type of preventable hospitalization. Regular physical activity is essential for reversing sarcopenia and preventing falls. However, frail older adults are concerned about transportation, class location, and infection risk, particularly during the COVID pandemic. Tele-exercise, which provides an option for frail older adults, is a method of remotely delivering exercise training under supervision using technology such as video-conferencing software. It is unclear whether older adults will embrace technology and welcome tele-exercise classes at home. Another issue to consider is exercise safety.
Methods: This study aims to evaluate the safety and acceptance of tele-exercise among older adults at risk of falls. The elderly will be recruited from community centres in Hong Kong and all of them will participate in a 12-week exercise programme at home using Zoom. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), Senior Technology Acceptance Model (STAM)-14 item scale, attendance rate, and dropout rate will be used to assess their acceptance of tele exercise. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with all the participants. Their overall experience of tele-exercise will be coded using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The safety of the tele-exercise programme will be reflected by any adverse events during the study.
Discussion: The findings of this study will provide insight into older adults at risk of falls who engage in tele-exercise. Their acceptance of technology, the method of delivering the home-based exercise and the challenges they encountered will be examined. The TDF allows a theory-driven approach to classifying barriers and enablers into fourteen domains. We will propose guidelines on delivering tele-exercise to older adults at risk of falls regarding exercise intensity, safety precautions and technological support.
Methods: This study aims to evaluate the safety and acceptance of tele-exercise among older adults at risk of falls. The elderly will be recruited from community centres in Hong Kong and all of them will participate in a 12-week exercise programme at home using Zoom. The Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), Senior Technology Acceptance Model (STAM)-14 item scale, attendance rate, and dropout rate will be used to assess their acceptance of tele exercise. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with all the participants. Their overall experience of tele-exercise will be coded using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). The safety of the tele-exercise programme will be reflected by any adverse events during the study.
Discussion: The findings of this study will provide insight into older adults at risk of falls who engage in tele-exercise. Their acceptance of technology, the method of delivering the home-based exercise and the challenges they encountered will be examined. The TDF allows a theory-driven approach to classifying barriers and enablers into fourteen domains. We will propose guidelines on delivering tele-exercise to older adults at risk of falls regarding exercise intensity, safety precautions and technological support.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | CPCE Health Conference 2023 |
| Place of Publication | Hong Kong |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Apr 2023 |
