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CC Tranchant, M Gallibois, G Handrigan, H Omar, L Yetman, J Haché, K Faig, P Jarrett, A Bohnsack, CA McGibbon, 2788 Exercise trainers as key enablers in the remote delivery of dementia prevention interventions in the homes of older adults, Age and Ageing, Volume 54, Issue Supplement_1, January 2025, afae277.105, https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afae277.105
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Abstract
Social support for physical activity is important for engaging older adults in physically active lifestyles. Few studies examined the impact of individual exercise trainers (IETs) in the context of dementia prevention interventions with physical activity. We aimed to assess the contributions of IETs in the remote delivery of a home-based dementia prevention program combining physical exercise and cognitive training targeting older adults at risk for dementia.
Convergent mixed-method analysis was conducted using data from SYNERGIC@Home, a feasibility study of a 16-week intervention that included one-on-one supervised physical exercise (3 sessions/week) fully delivered through Zoom. Quantitative data consisted of descriptive statistics, measures of adherence, participants’ preference and satisfaction. Qualitative interviews centred on participants’ experience and motivation were conducted post-intervention.
Of the 60 participants randomised to one of four intervention arms (mean age 68.9, 76.7% female), 52 completed the interventions with high overall adherence (87.5%). Pre-intervention, participants expressed a clear preference for cognitive interventions, but post-intervention preference shifted to exercise. IETs (n = 21) were part-time research assistants, each assigned to one participant after completing CSEP Certified Personal Trainer® or Clinical Exercise Physiologist™ certification as part of their training. One full-time Lead IET coordinated and supervised the other trainers. IETs worked the closest with study participants, also working closely with study coordinator and with study physician for adverse event monitoring. Interviewed participants (n = 15) often described the positive relationships that developed with their IET. Trainers were instrumental in participants’ motivation and enjoyment, personalising the sessions and addressing technological issues. Satisfaction rates with IETs (n = 54 exit survey respondents) were high.
Exercise trainers played crucial roles that extended beyond the supervision of exercise sessions and contributed to participant engagement in the interventions. Access to these allied health professionals should be featured more prominently in strategies/programs promoting active lifestyles among older adults.
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