Assessing the usability and adherence to wearable technology and the RADAR-base platform in online home-based exercise (pilot study)

There are a number of reasons for the undertaking of the current project. With reference to overcoming the barriers to physical activity within remote and rural residents, the implementation of such a study is warranted (Gilbert et al., 2019). There is literature focused on home-based exercise for individuals living with health conditions, however, there appears to be a lack focusing on increasing physical activity levels in older, sedentary adults. Few studies have explored the qualitative experiences of staff who deliver the programmes and participants during online home based exercise programmes. The use of technology, specifically wearables is still in its infancy in measuring adherence to online exercise programmes (Argent et al., 2018). Kölle, Alt and Wagner (2020) note that future studies should include a control group to confirm any pre-post differences observed within the experimental group, which is implemented in the current project. The findings from the current study may be used to provide rationale for a future study into the effects of online based home-exercise cardiac rehabilitation.

Aims and Objectives:

•Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and uptake of online exercise classes delivered in a home setting for older adults with low activity levels.

•Assess the feasibility/ usability of deploying wearable activity trackers and a locally hosted digital platform.

•This pilot data will enable further design, development, and implementation of connected health exercise programmes.