Is It Really Home-Based? A Commentary on the Necessity for Accurate Definitions across Exercise and Physical Activity Programmes

Francesca Denton, Sofie Power, Alexander Waddell, Stefan Birkett, Michael Duncan, Amy Harwood, Gordon McGregor, Nikita Rowley and David Broom
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Francesca Denton: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK
Sofie Power: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK
Alexander Waddell: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK
Stefan Birkett: School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
Michael Duncan: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK
Amy Harwood: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK
Gordon McGregor: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK
Nikita Rowley: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK
David Broom: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2DS, UK

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-8

Abstract: Background : There is wide discrepancy in how published research defines and reports home-based exercise programmes. Studies consisting of fundamentally different designs have been labelled as home-based, making searching for relevant literature challenging and time consuming. This issue has been further highlighted by an increased demand for these programmes following the COVID-19 pandemic and associated government-imposed lockdowns. Purpose : To examine what specifically constitutes home-based exercise by: (1) developing definitions for a range of terms used when reporting exercise and physical activity programmes and (2) providing examples to contextualise these definitions for use when reporting exercise and physical activity programmes. Methods : A literature search was undertaken to identify previous attempts to define home-based exercise programmes. A working document, including initial definitions and examples were developed, which were then discussed between six experts for further refinement. Results : We generated definitions for universal key terms within three domains (and subdomains) of programme design: location (home-based, community/centre-based, or clinical setting), prescription (structured or unstructured) and delivery (supervised, facilitated, or unsupervised). Examples for possible combinations of design terms were produced. Conclusions : Definitions will provide consistency when using reporting tools and the intention is to discuss the issues presented as part of a Delphi study. This is of paramount importance due to the predicted increase in emerging research regarding home-based exercise.

Keywords: home-based exercise; definitions; exercise interventions; reporting (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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