Feasibility, safety, and potential benefit of a virtual, community-based, task-oriented exercise program (TIMETM 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 (TIMETM 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

TIMETM 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.