Perceptions from People Aging with a Mobility Impairment towards using Tele-Technology for Exercise

Abstract

Persons aging with a mobility disability encounter barriers to exercise engagement including accessibility to transportation, facilities, and adequately trained instructors. A tele-exercise platform could reduce these barriers as it utilizes video conferencing to enable remote exercise classes. For this feasibility study, participants ( N = 19; 40+ years of age) who identified as aging with a mobility impairment for at least five years or longer, participated in a seated, one-on-one, gentle movement exercise class via web-based video conferencing (OneClick.chat). We present data from semi-structured interviews regarding participants’ perceptions of the tele-exercise class. Participants discussed their perceptions of benefits, concerns, technology usability, and intent to adopt. Participants expressed positive attitudes, overall, stating that they would likely benefit physically, emotionally, and socially from regular participation in a tele-exercise exercise program, and most expressed an interest in adopting such a program. Participants also expressed concern about the usability of the technology platform. We provide design recommendations to address participants’ concerns. These findings provide guidance for how to improve the design of a remote tele-exercise class for adults aging with mobility disability.