New approaches are needed to address low physical activity levels among older adults and to promote daily physical activity tailored to their interests and abilities. This study aimed to review the current literature analyzing the physiological demands of exergames in older adults. A systematic database search was conducted in October 2020 and March 2022. A total of 3,540 studies were screened, and 16 were incorporated into the data analysis. The studies included 527 participants, 61% female, with a mean age of 72.3 ± 4.7 years. Analyzed physiological parameters included mean heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, and metabolic equivalents or oxygen uptake. Exergames are capable of offering light- to moderate-intensity activity for older adults (mean heart rate: 108 ± 9.1 bpm; mean rate of perceived exertion: 11.5 ± 1.8; metabolic equivalents: 2.7 ± 0.7). Although implications are positive, high diversity was found in the study design according to intervention duration and assessment of physiological parameters.
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Physiological Demands of Exergames in Older Adults—A Systematic Literature Review
Claudia Kubica, Benjamin Dütschler, Timo Felder, Dario Querciagrossa, and Claudio R. Nigg
Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order in Active Older Adults: A Qualitative Study
Maria E. Damewood, Savannah-Faith Clark, and Ashley L. Artese
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, in March of 2020, the state of Virginia issued a stay-at-home order requiring fitness center closures for 2.4 months. The purpose of this study was to explore how the fitness center closures influenced physical activity (PA) in older adults who previously participated in the centers’ exercise classes. Eleven older adults (69.0 ± 6.6 years) completed semistructured interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed to identify emergent themes. Ten participants reported engaging in PA during the stay-at-home order; four participants maintained/increased PA compared to prepandemic levels. Four themes emerged regarding PA are as follows: recognition of the value of PA, high self-efficacy in regard to PA, adaptation to circumstances, and functional limitations. Findings suggest that prior exercise class participation positively influenced PA. While most participants did not maintain prepandemic PA levels, they remained active because they recognized the benefits of PA, had high self-efficacy for exercise, and adapted to their circumstances.
Identifying Ageism Within Australian Local Government Physical Activity Policy: A Critical Discourse Analysis
Michael Butson, Ruth Jeanes, and Justen O’Connor
This research aims to identify ageist content concerning older adults within local government physical activity policy. Policies are not passive texts; they can comprise hidden or disputed connotations. To identify ageism, the study utilizes a critical discourse analysis approach to analyze physical activity policy documents (n = 61) from 16 local government areas in Victoria, Australia, and the perceptions of local government employees trusted with developing these policies, which were gathered during semistructured interviews (n = 11). Results from the critical discourse analysis indicate that local government policies are imbued with ageism, leading to the construction and perpetuation of various stereotypes of older adults. The discourse analysis points to potentially ageist descriptions including older adults being vulnerable, incapable, and a financial burden. Nonetheless, older adults were also revealed to be significant contributors to the community including in paid employment, caregiving roles, and volunteering.
Immediate Effects of High-Cadence Cycling on Core Outcomes in Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease
Daniel G. Miner and Kevin Chui
Despite a strong body of evidence supporting benefits of exercise to reduce severity of motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) over time, research on the immediate impact of exercise as an adjunctive therapy for nonpharmacologic management of motor symptoms and mobility performance in people with PD is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine immediate effects of a single bout of high-cadence cycling on motor symptoms of PD and performance-based outcomes. Twenty individuals with idiopathic PD participated in a pretest/posttest study investigating immediate impacts of a single high-cadence cycling session on performance-based outcomes across multiple domains of motor function, mobility, and balance. Outcomes were analyzed based on time since last dose of levodopa/carbidopa medication. Immediate improvements were observed in motor symptoms of PD with significant improvements in performance across multiple balance systems, dynamic gait, and upper-extremity coordination following a cycling intervention.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Physical Exercise Program Embedded Into the Daily Lives of Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Eva Barrett, Paddy Gillespie, John Newell, and Dympna Casey
The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a staff-delivered physical exercise program embedded into the daily lives of older adults living in nursing homes. A randomized controlled pilot feasibility study was carried out, which included quantitative, qualitative, and economic assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 12 months. Two nursing homes (one intervention and one control) took part. The exercise program was carried out on 3 days per week for 12 weeks and consisted of a program of Morning Movement (walking and sit-to-stand exercises) and Activity Bursts. The results confirm that the intervention and study processes are largely acceptable and feasible to implement in the nursing home setting. Potential short-term improvements in physical mobility and quality of life were noticed as positive mean changes and supported by qualitative assessment. Future randomized controlled trials should consider using the 6-meter walk test and refining nursing home and participant eligibility criteria.
Feasibility of a Virtual Health-Promoting Intervention (Choose to Move) for Older Adults: A Rapid Adaptation in Response to COVID-19
Samantha M. Gray, Lindsay Nettlefold, Dawn Mackey, Joanie Sims Gould, and Heather A. McKay
To support older adults during the first wave of COVID-19, we rapidly adapted our effective health-promoting intervention (Choose to Move [CTM]) for virtual delivery in British Columbia, Canada. The intervention was delivered (April–October 2020) to 33 groups of older adults (“programs”) who were a convenience sample (had previously completed CTM in person; n = 153; 86% female; 73 [6] years). We compared implementation outcomes (recruitment, dose received, retention, and completion of virtual data collection) to predetermined feasibility targets. We assessed mobility, physical activity, and social health outcomes pre- and postintervention (3 months) with validated surveys. We met most (dose received, retention, and virtual data collection), but not all (recruitment), feasibility targets. Approximately two thirds of older adults maintained or improved mobility, physical activity, and social health outcomes at 3 months. It was feasible to implement and evaluate CTM virtually. In future, virtual CTM could help us reach homebound older adults and/or serve as support during public health emergencies.
Validity of the German Version of Daily Activity Behaviours Questionnaire Among Older Adults
Kaja Kastelic, Stefan Löfler, Špela Matko, and Nejc Šarabon
Time spent in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep collectively impact health of older adults. There is a need for valid self-reported methods for the assessment of movement behaviors across the entire 24-hr day. The aim of this study was to explore the validity of the German version of Daily Activity Behaviours Questionnaire (DABQ), the “Schlaf- und Aktivitätsfragebogen (SAF),” among older adults. Participants were asked to wear activity monitor (activPAL) for a period of 8 days and to complete the German version of DABQ. Seventy-seven participants (45 females; 68 ± 5 years of age) completed the protocol. Spearman’s correlation coefficients between DABQ and activPAL estimates for time spent in sleep, sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity were .69, .35, .24, and .52, respectively. The German version of the DABQ showed satisfactory validity to be used in epidemiological research and population surveillance among older adults.
Effects of Dancing Associated With Resistance Training on Functional Parameters and Quality of Life of Aging Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Lucas Betti Domingues, Carlos Eduado Payano, Maykon da Silva Peres, Vitor Hugo Sant’Anna, Eduardo Lusa Cadore, Josianne da Costa Rodrigues-Krause, and Rodrigo Ferrari
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a dance intervention associated with resistance training or health education program on functional paramaters and quality of life of aging women. Thirty-six women were allocated to dance plus resistance training group (D + RT) or dance plus health education group (D + HE). Both interventions lasted 8 weeks and were performed twice a week. Dance sessions lasted 60 min. Resistance training was composed by two to three sets of 10–15 repetitions in five exercises. Improvements were found in 30-s chair stand (D + RT: 6 ± 1 repetitions; D + HE: 7 ± 1 repetitions), 30-s arm curl (D + RT: 7 ± 1 repetitions; D + HE: 7 ± 1 repetitions), 6-min walk (D + RT: 43 ± 12 m; D + HE: 55 ± 12 m), timed up and go (D + RT: −1.1 ± 0.3 s; D + HE: −1.4 ± 0.2 s), and psychological domain of quality of life (D + RT: 6 ± 2%; D + HE: 5 ± 3%), with no difference between groups. Both groups improve functional parameters and quality of life of aging women.