Feasibility, safety, and potential benefit of a virtual, community-based, task-oriented exercise program (TIME at Home) for people with balance and mobility limitations: a pre-post feasibility study.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and potential benefit of a virtual, community-based, task-oriented exercise program (TIME at Home) among people with balance and mobility limitations, and explore program experiences of participants, caregivers, and program providers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a pre-post study with a qualitative component, community-dwelling adults with balance and mobility limitations completed a virtual 8-week video-based exercise program (2 classes/week, 10 people/class) with 2 live facilitators, a post-class social time, and 3 healthcare partner visits. We administered physical and mental health measures pre- and post-program, and an online questionnaire regarding program acceptability mid- and post-program, and interviewed 10 participants, 7 caregivers, and 6 program providers post-program.

RESULTS

A priori benchmarks were achieved for feasibility (e.g., 80% of classes attended) and safety (no serious adverse events). In 17 participants with pre and post data (median age 73 years, 53% post-stroke), significant improvement on measures of leg strength, balance self-efficacy, mood, mobility, everyday functioning, and health status (but not caregiver mood), was observed. Qualitative analysis identified two themes: the program is safe, beneficial, and enjoyable; and implementation considerations.

CONCLUSION

TIME at Home appears feasible, safe, and beneficial to physical and mental health in adults with balance and mobility limitations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05369741. Registered May 11, 2022 - retrospectively registered.