Online Exercise Training Program for Brazilian Older Adults: Effects on Physical Fitness and Health-Related Variables of a Feasibility Study in Times of COVID-19

Wagner Albo da Silva, Valéria Feijó Martins, Aline Nogueira Haas and Andréa Kruger Gonçalves ()
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Wagner Albo da Silva: LaBiodin Biodynamics Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil
Valéria Feijó Martins: LaBiodin Biodynamics Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil
Aline Nogueira Haas: LaBiodin Biodynamics Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil
Andréa Kruger Gonçalves: LaBiodin Biodynamics Laboratory, School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90010-150, Brazil

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-10

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic brought negative consequences such as social isolation and limited access to health services, especially for older adults. The objective was to evaluate effects of an online exercise training program and physical fitness and health-related variables on Brazilian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and secondarily to assess the feasibility and application of an online program. A study was developed with twenty older adults who participated in a 9-month online exercise program. The physical fitness, depressive symptoms, concern about falling, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-intervention. One-way repeated measures ANOVA and effect size was used. The feasibility was proven by the adherence to the program, in addition to the absence of identification of adverse effects. The results showed that physical fitness was improved (upper limb strength) or maintained (lower limb strength, lower and upper limb flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness), as well as for most of the health-related variables (depressive symptoms, concern about falling, and quality of life domains). The study was developed in the first COVID-19 lockdown in Brazil, but positive and important results were obtained. This research supports the feasibility of the online exercise training program and provides a basis for an online exercise program for older adults.

Keywords: older adult; internet-based intervention; exercise; feasibility studies; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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