Author(s): MADEIRA, R., ESTEVES, D., NEIVA, H.P., PINTO, N., NUNES, C., MAIA, A., VERCELLI, A., VAZ PATO, M., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BEIRA INTERIOR , Country: PORTUGAL, Abstract-ID: 384

INTRODUCTION:
The rapid growth of the older adult population presents increasing challenges worldwide. Physical exercise is widely recognized as a key strategy for promoting healthy ageing; however, access to supervised exercise programs remains limited, particularly among institutionalized older adults. Online exercise interventions may represent a cost-effective and safe alternative for reducing sedentary behavior in this population. This study aimed to compare the effects of a videoconference-supervised multicomponent exercise program with those of a traditional face-to-face intervention.
METHODS:
Eighty-four institutionalized older adults (mean age = 83.13 ± 7.63 years) were allocated to a face-to-face group, a videoconference group or a control group. Both intervention groups completed the same 12-week multicomponent exercise program, performed twice weekly. Body composition, muscular strength, flexibility, functional mobility, and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed at baseline, at 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. Data was analyzed using a two-way mixed-design ANOVA to examine the effects of time, group, and time × group interactions. Between-group comparisons of the Δ values were performed using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test.
RESULTS:
Both intervention groups showed significant improvements in body composition, muscular strength, flexibility, functional mobility, and cardiorespiratory fitness compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Both intervention formats resulted in reductions in body fat percentage and improvements in fat-free mass and performance-based physical fitness (p ≤ 0.05). The control group showed no improvement and, in several outcomes, demonstrated functional decline (p ≥ 0.05). Overall, differences between face-to-face and videoconference delivery were minimal, with both modalities producing comparable adaptations across most variables (p ≥ 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Videoconference-supervised multicomponent exercise can be considered an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face training for improving physical and functional outcomes in institutionalized older adults. These findings support the use of remotely supervised exercise programs as a viable strategy to enhance physical function in settings where access to face-to-face interventions is limited.