Development and Validation of a Telephone Coaching Program to increase Physical Activity among Community-Dwelling Older Individuals
Abstract
Problem: Exercise rehabilitation is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality in older individuals, particularly after a fall. This pilot tudy evaluated whether a home-based exercise program combined with telephone coaching increases physical activity (PA) among community-dwelling older individuals. Methods: Participants were randomized to either an intervention group (IG), receiving the “Vivifrail” home-based exercise program and weekly motivational telephone coaching, or a control group (CG), receiving general PA recommendations. PA (via accelerometer) and physical function (via Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Thirty individuals (15 IG, 15 CG; mean age±SD: 76.2±6.1 years; 87% female) completed the study. There was little evidence for between-group differences in pre-to-post changes for accelerometer-derived outcomes (β (95 % CI)), including daily steps (734.6 (-737.5, 2206.7) p=0.315) and daily walking time in minutes (7.72 (-8.72, 24.15) p=0.344). However, physical function improved significantly (t(26)=2.96, p=0.006) in the IG compared to the CG. Discussion: A short-term home-based exercise program with weekly telephone coaching did not increase objective PA in community-dwelling older individuals. This lack of effect might be influenced by high sample heterogeneity or unaddressed environmental barriers. Conclusion: WProblem: Exercise rehabilitation is essential for reducing morbidity and mortality in older individuals, particularly after a fall. This pilot tudy evaluated whether a home-based exercise program combined with telephone coaching increases physical activity (PA) among community-dwelling older individuals. Methods: Participants were randomized to either an intervention group (IG), receiving the “Vivifrail” home-based exercise program and weekly motivational telephone coaching, or a control group (CG), receiving general PA recommendations. PA (via accelerometer) and physical function (via Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Thirty individuals (15 IG, 15 CG; mean age±SD: 76.2±6.1 years; 87% female) completed the study. There was little evidence for between-group differences in pre-to-post changes for accelerometer-derived outcomes (β (95 % CI)), including daily steps (734.6 (-737.5, 2206.7) p=0.315) and daily walking time in minutes (7.72 (-8.72, 24.15) p=0.344). However, physical function improved significantly (t(26)=2.96, p=0.006) in the IG compared to the CG. Discussion: A short-term home-based exercise program with weekly telephone coaching did not increase objective PA in community-dwelling older individuals. This lack of effect might be influenced by high sample heterogeneity or unaddressed environmental barriers. Conclusion: While the intervention failed to increase immediate daily physical activity, it significantly enhanced physical function. These functional gains may serve as a crucial precursor to promote long-term engagement in PA. Key Words: Gerontology, Accelerometry, Home-Based Exercises, Fall Risk, Fall Preventionhile the intervention failed to increase immediate daily physical activity, it significantly enhanced physical function. These functional gains may serve as a crucial precursor to promote long-term engagement in PA. Key Words: Gerontology, Accelerometry, Home-Based Exercises, Fall Risk, Fall Prevention