The purpose of this study is to evaluate different types of exercise programs (virtual group-based exercise program; personal exercise program; wait-list control) across 12-weeks on the physical and mental health of older adults during the current Covid-19 pandemic.
Behavioral: Virtual Group Intervention
Participants will receive weekly exercise courses delivered virtually to a group of older adults. This intervention will last for 12 weeks. Participants in addition to participating in exercise will have designated time after each exercise class to socially connect. Participants in this condition will also receive a t-shirt.
Behavioral: Personal Exercise Intervention
Participants will receive weekly exercise courses delivered virtually. These classes will be pre-recorded so the individual can complete sessions at any time that is convenient for them.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 65+ years old
- be able to speak and read English
- one participant in the study per household (Spouses, significant others, or family
members can take part in the exercise programs with the study participant; however,
they will not be able to provide data and won't be remunerated for participating)
- not experience any contraindication which might prevent that person from participating
in moderate-intensity physical activity.
- participants must be able to access the internet at home via a personal smartphone,
tablet (e.g., ipad), or computer (device used must have camera capabilities)
- low active individuals (i.e., less than 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical
activity per week)
- currently living in Canada
Exclusion Criteria:
- age of less than 65 years
- unable to read and speak in English
- inability to participate in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (including a lack
of ability to receive doctor's clearance for participating in physical activity)
- lack of internet access which does not allow them to access online materials
- device used to access the internet does not have a camera/video capabilities
- active individuals (e.g., participate in greater than 150 minutes of
moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week)
- living outside Canada
- not the first person from a household to enroll in the study
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Mark R Beauchamp, PhD, Principal Investigator
University of British Columbia