Exercise Intensity Among Older Adults Participating From Home in Remotely Delivered EnhanceFitness

Abstract

We aimed to examine exercise intensity among older adults participating from home in remotely delivered EnhanceFitness (Tele-EF). Exercise intensity was assessed through Fitbit-measured heart rate and the Borg 10-point rating of perceived exertion over 1 week of a 16-week exercise program. Outcomes included mean minutes spent at or above the heart rate reserve calculated threshold for moderate intensity and mean rating of perceived exertion. Pearson and Spearman rank correlations were used to examine associations between baseline characteristics with exercise intensity. During the 60-min classes, the 55 participants achieved moderate intensity for a mean of 21.0 min (SD = 13.5) and had a mean rating of perceived exertion of 4.9 (SD = 1.2). There were no significant associations between baseline characteristics and exercise intensity. Older adults can achieve sustained moderate-intensity exercise during Tele-EF supervised classes. Baseline physical function, physical activity, and other health characteristics did not limit ability to exercise at a moderate intensity, though further investigation is warranted.