Effects of 12-Weeks of Home-Based Exercise Training on Physical and Cognitive Function of Older Adults: Randomized Trial Comparing Virtual Versus Minimal Supervision in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Brazil

Abstract

Background

We investigated the effects of a 12-week home-based exercise program delivered with virtual or minimal supervision on the physical and cognitive function of community-dwelling older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

Methods

The study was registered on the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials platform (code: RBR-8qby2wt). Thirty-eight older adults (81% female and 68±7 years old), non-disabled, and without cognitive impairment or dementia, were randomly assigned to a 12-week home-based exercise program: 1) virtual supervision (classes remotely delivered through video conference by trained staff), or 2) minimal supervision (once-weekly contact to touch base through standardized text messages). The participants initially performed two sets of 10 repetitions three times a week, with a 60-second interval. The volume and complexity of the exercises were progressively increased. (e.g., the number of sets increased to 3 and later to 4). At baseline and follow-up, we collected remote measurements of physical function (muscle strength and power, functional muscular fitness) and cognition (processing speed, inhibitory control, verbal fluency).

Results

Participants in the minimal supervision home-based exercise group significantly improved the Stroop test (-1.6 sec, 95% CI = -3.20; -0.09). No significant between-group differences were observed for physical and cognitive outcomes.

Conclusion

A home-based exercise program delivered with virtual or minimal supervision can produce similar effects, and may help to maintain physical and cognitive capabilities among healthy, high-functioning older adults who experienced mobility restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.