ECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH17
INTRODUCTION: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a training method that is generally well-tolerated and feasible in older adults1 and has been shown to lead to improvements in physical, mental, and overall health-related quality of life (HRQOL)2, as well as having a favourable effect on physical function (PF)3. In clinical populations, PF and HRQOL are strongly linked4. However, there has been less focus on the relationship between changes in these outcomes in non-clinical older populations. Moreover, the effectiveness of HIIT under free-living conditions as part of public health strategy has not been adequately investigated5. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a 6-month homebased HIIT programme in older adults on PF and HRQOL and determine whether there were associations between training-induced changes in these variables. METHODS: Healthy older adults (n=233, 60-84 yrs, 54% female) from Norway and the UK were randomized to a HIIT group (67.6±5.9yr, mean±SD), or a non-exercising control group (67.0±5.2yr, mean±SD). The training was carried out as a 6-month triweekly HIIT intervention. PF was calculated as a composite Z-score (PF Z-score) based on: Grip strength, 30-sec-chair-stand, Chair-sit-and-reach, Back scratch, Timed-up-and-go, and One-leg standing. HRQOL was assessed by the Short Form health survey questionnaire (SF-12), with an explicit focus on HRQOL-general, -physical- and mental health. General linear regression models (GLMs) assessed between-group differences in post-intervention PF Z-score, HRQOL-general, -physical- and mental health, with baseline values, age, sex and country as covariates, and group as a fixed factor. For associations between changes in PF and HRQOL within the HIIT group, GLMs were used, with age, sex, and country as covariates. Alpha level of 5% was chosen for statistical significance, with 95% CI presented. RESULTS: Significant between-group differences post-intervention were observed for PF Z-score (β=0.26, [0.16;0.36]), HRQOL-general health (β=0.76, [0.29;1.23]), and HRQOL-physical health (β=3.05, [0.34;5.77]), but not for HRQOL-mental health. No associations were observed between absolute changes in PF Z-score and HRQOL-general health (β=-0.80, [-1.83;0.23]), and PF Z-score and HRQOL-physical health (β =-1.85, [-8.52;4.83]). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that a non-clinical older population can improve their physical function through a 6-month home-based HIIT intervention, in addition to making improvements in HRQOL, although no associations were observed between these variables. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the potential role of HIIT as a valuable component of public health strategies for older adults. REFERENCES: 1.Marriott et al., Sports Medicine – Open, 2021 2.Griffiths et al., Journal of Public Health, 2024 3.Stern et al., Sports Medicine – Open, 2023 4. Sunde et al., European Geriatric Medicine, 2021 5.Gray et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2016
Read CV Hilde Lohne SeilerECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH17
INTRODUCTION: Online exercise classes have been popularised in recent years due to the improvement in internet connectivity and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restricting in-person exercise classes. Furthermore, the uptake of in-person exercise referral classes is poor and online exercise classes may offer an effective method of delivering exercise interventions in a cost-effective manner (e.g in remote and rural locations). Despite the potential, little is known about the intensity of exercise achieved between these two exercise delivery modes. Intensity is a key parameter for adaptation to exercise. Interestingly, research shows that older adults undertaking cardiac rehabilitation do not meet the prescribed intensity of 40-70% Heart Rate Reserve (HRR). The aim of this study was to assess the intensity that older adults achieved during online versus in-person exercise classes living in a rural location. METHODS: Eighteen, low-moderately active older adults (64.6 ± 6.5 years) completed four group exercise sessions delivered by the same exercise instructor (L4 Advanced Personal Trainer). Sessions combined aerobic and resistance exercises, following the same structure, and were completed at the same time of day, at least 5 days a part. Two of the exercise classes were completed online and two were completed in-person. Exercise intensity was monitored via a commercially available wearable device; Polar Verity Sense (Polar Electro OY, Kempele, Finland) and data was synced and shared via the Polar Beat app. HR data was categorised as either low or moderate and vigorous (MVPA) intensity based upon HRR training zones (< 40% HRR = Low Intensity [LOW], 40 – 69% = Moderate Intensity [MOD], >70% HRR = Vigorous intensity [VIG]) and percentage of session spent in each HR zone was compared between conditions. RESULTS: Adherence to the classes was 96.8% and compliance with the technology was 85.9%. Average HR during the sessions were lower during online vs in-person (online: 100 ± 15 b/min vs. in-person: 108 ± 17 b/min; p < 0.001). Time spent in LOW during the online class was significantly greater than the in-person class (online: 64.32 ± vs. in-person: 44.70 ± ; p < 0.001). Time spent in MVPA was significantly greater during in-person exercise and this was predominantly driven by an increased time spent in VIG activity but did not reach significance (online: 5.60 ± vs. in-person: 18.92 ± ; p = 0.113). CONCLUSION: Older adults achieve a higher intensity of exercise during in-person rather than online group exercise classes. This might have important implications when evaluating the health and economic impact of online exercise interventions as they may not be as effective as in-person classes due to decreased physiological stimulus. Nevertheless, adherence remains low amongst in-person exercise referral classes and therefore online exercise remains an exciting option for improving adherence, reach and choice amongst our diverse population.
Read CV Muggeridge DavidECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH17
INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) is critically important for health promotion; however insufficient physical activity is very prevalent in older adults. Currently, practicable implementation models to promote PA among community-dwelling older adults in China is limited. We aimed to develop and test the feasibility of a multicomponent PA promotion intervention model for the community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: The implementation model was developed by a multidisciplinary working group based on research evidence, and used several behavior change theories and techniques A 12-week feasibility study was conducted in a community in Hangzhou, China. We recruited 20 older adults aged ≥60 years. The intervention was to promote multicomponent exercise with the goal of achieving at least three times a week. The delivery modes of intervention were face-to-face group exercise (twice a week) in a community center and home-based exercise (once a week or more). A theory-based developed mobile application (app) or non-interactive exercise guide materials (exercise manual or video) was offered to assist home-based exercise. Feasibility was tested by the Bowen model for assessing the acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, adaptation, integration, expansion, and limited efficacy of the PA intervention program. Demographic and clinical information, group exercise attendance, experience questionnaires, physical measurements (grip strength and chair stand test), and self-reported app records of exercise were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 19 participants (95%) completed the intervention program (average age 77 (SD 9) years, 16 women (84%)), and 12 in the app group adopted the app and 7 in the non-app group received non-interactive guide materials to assist exercise at home. The implementation model satisfied all Bowen feasibility criteria. The average attendance of group exercise was 67% and the proportion of achieving the weekly exercise goal among all participants was almost 70%. The app group exhibited higher adherence of weekly exercise, reaching 93%. After 12-weeks, the physical function of the participants was significantly improved in grip strength (mean difference +1.41 kg, 95% CI 0.15 - 2.67) and chair stand test (mean difference -3.55 seconds, 95% CI -2.23 - -4.86). CONCLUSION: The theory-based implementation model of PA promotion intervention among older adults was feasible in community and home-based settings. The adherence of older adults was overall high and physical function were significantly improved after 12-weeks intervention. The validated implementation model provides a practical example for health behavior promotion in community and home-dominant setting in China. Future large-scale RCT is needed to test the long-term efficacy of the PA intervention program.
Read CV Nan HuaECSS Paris 2023: OP-MH17