The Effects of Short-Term Home-Based Exercise Training via Video Call in Older Adults with Physically Inactive and Sedentary Life

Abstract

Objectives Investigating the physical and mental effects of short-term exercise program and motivation with video communication methods such as telephone and internet applications on physically inactive and sedentary older adult's daily lives. Methods Thirty participants were reached by video calling method. Participants were evaluated twice before and after the program. A 6-min walk test (6MWT), Barthel index for activities of daily living, Tinetti performance oriented mobility assessment (Tinetti POMA) and Geriatric depression scale (GDS) were applied. The standard daily exercise program was applied to all participants for 1 week. Exercise programs were created as endurance, strengthening, stretching and balance exercises. Results All participants (16 female and 14 male) completed the program. In terms of 6MWT, Tinetti POMA and GDS, a statistically significant improvement was found after the program compared to the pre-program (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions It is possible and effective to organize exercise programs and to follow these with distance video calling applications in physically inactive and sedentary older adults.