Abstract details
| Abstract-ID: | 1931 |
| Title of the paper: | Effectiveness of a face-to-face and video-assisted multicomponent exercise program on physical fitness in rural older adults |
| Authors: | Medrano Galech, C., Calvo-Sánchez, M; Castillo-Bernad, S; Moradell-Fernández, A; Gómez-Bruton, A; Casajús-Mallén, JA; Matute-Llorente, A; Gómez-Cabello, A |
| Institution: | University of Zaragoza |
| Department: | Physical Medicine and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine |
| Country: | Spain |
| Abstract text | INTRODUCTION: Aging in rural Spain presents challenge due to geographical barriers that restrict access to health programs. To address this issue, it is necessary to explore alternative strategies, such as digital health interventions, to reduce inequalities between rural and urban areas. This study aims to evaluate changes in physical fitness among older adults in rural areas following both face-to-face and video-assisted multicomponent training. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included older adults from rural areas in Aragon (Spain), divided into an intervention group (IG: n=58; 73.6+/-5.7 years; 75.7 percent females) and a control group (CG: n=37; 74.2+/-5.7 years; 67.6 percent females). The multicomponent intervention comprised 12 weeks of supervised, biweekly strength training, followed by a 12-week video-assisted phase after a summer break. Functional capacity was assessed using the Senior Fitness Test battery (strength, agility, flexibility, aerobic endurance). Body Mass Index was measured using a TANITA scale and stadiometer. Data was collected at baseline (T1), after the face-to-face (T2) and after the video-assisted training phase (T3). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVAs. RESULTS: Significant main effects for Time were found in lower and upper body strength, aerobic endurance, agility, BMI, and lower body flexibility (all p<0.05). TimeXGroup interactions were detected for upper body strength, agility and BMI (all p<0.05). In upper body strength and agility, the IG improved during T1-T2 (p<0.001; p<0.001) and these improvements were maintained at T1-T3 (p<0.001; p<0.001). The CG showed no significant changes (p=1.000). For BMI, the IG improved in T1-T2 (p=0.005), although the final difference (T1-T3) did not reach statistical significance (p=0.095). The CG showed no changes (p=1.000). No significant improvements occurred during the video-assisted phase T2-T3 (p>0.05 all). In aerobic endurance and lower body strength, a global continued progression was observed with increases in T1-T2 (p<0.001; p<0.002) and T2-T3 (p<0.001), resulting in significant total improvements by T1-T3 (p<0.001). Lower body flexibility showed significant improvement over time, occurring in T1-T2 (p=0.041) and consolidating in the final assessment (T1-T3: p=0.003). Upper body flexibility showed no changes in any phase (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Face-to-face multicomponent training programs improved physical fitness, while video-assisted training maintained it in older adults living in rural areas. While the face-to-face phase yielded initial improvements, video assistance preserved these adaptations and mitigated physical decline. These findings support the use of this training approach as an effective strategy to combat physical decline, promoting health and functional autonomy in rural communities. |
| Topic: | Training and Testing |
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