Authors
Alexander H.K. Montoye, Alma College
Makenzie J. Rajewski, Alma College
Drew A. Marshall, Alma College
Sylvia E. Neph, Alma College
Karin A. Pfeiffer, Michigan State University
International Journal of Exercise Science 15(7): 1395-1417, 2022.
DOI: 10.70252/MBPL1671
Abstract
Physical activity levels are low in individuals with chronic disease (e.g., obesity) and have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: Our pilot study tested a virtual exercise intervention for rural-dwelling adults with chronic disease from January-April 2021 for changes in mental health, physical fitness, and physical activity and for intervention fidelity. Methods: Participants (n = 8 [7 female]; age = 57.5 ± 13.8 years, body mass index = 38.2 ± 8.0 kg/m2) completed an exercise intervention led virtually by collegiate health science majors. Participants attended two 60-minute sessions/week for 12 weeks, completing individually-tailored and progressed aerobic and muscle-strengthening training. A non-randomized control group matched on gender and age continued normal activity during the 12 weeks. Changes in mental health, physical fitness, and physical activity measures were evaluated using a 2×2 (group x time) analysis of covariance. Results: Both groups improved mental health, but only intervention participants lost weight (3.1 ± 1.0 kg; no change in controls). Step test, arm curls, and chair stands improved by 16.1-20.6% in the intervention and 7.8-12.1% in the control groups. Intervention participants did not increase overall physical activity during or after the intervention. Intervention fidelity was high; participants attended ~73% of sessions and rated the sessions 4.7 ± 0.6 (out of 5). Researcher observations rated exercise sessions as meeting 12.7 ± 0.6 of 16 goals. Conclusions: Our virtual exercise program was associated with positive mental health and physical fitness changes. Such programs may provide a method, even beyond the pandemic, to improve fitness in adults with chronic disease.
Recommended Citation
Montoye, Alexander H.K.; Rajewski, Makenzie J.; Marshall, Drew A.; Neph, Sylvia E.; and Pfeiffer, Karin A. (2022) “A Pilot, Virtual Exercise Intervention Improves Health and Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Vol. 15 : Iss. 7, Pages 1395 – 1417.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70252/MBPL1671