MoveStrong at Home

Sufficient muscle strength helps you to get out of a chair, can prevent falls and reduce the likelihood of becoming frail. Exercise helps to build muscle, maintain bone density, and prevent chronic disease, especially as we age. Furthermore, research now indicates that low protein intake may lead to poor physical function. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the potential for physical inactivity, undernutrition, and isolation among older adults, especially those with pre-existing health or mobility impairments. Now and in the future, we need alternate ways to promote exercise and proper nutrition.

MoveStrong is an 8-week education program combining functional strength and balance training with strategies to increase protein intake. This program was co-developed with patient advocates, Osteoporosis Canada, Community Support Connections, the YMCA, and others. The exercises are informed by the GLA:D program for arthritis, BoneFitTM, and meta-analyses on resistance exercise and fall prevention. The MoveStrong at Home project aimed to adapt the MoveStrong model to be delivered by telephone or web conference to older adults in their homes, using mailed materials, online nutrition videos, weekly 1:1 training sessions and virtual discussion groups. The primary aim of the study was to assess feasibility.

30 participants were recruited and 28 completed the intervention. 84% of all recommended exercise (3x/week) and 82% of Nutrition Q&A sessions were completed. Participants reported feeling stronger, steadier, more mobile and improved mood. Private exercise sessions allowed participants to gain the confidence needed to exercise on their own. Education on protein intake was informative and helpful. According to our statistical analysis, the 30 second chair stand test, levels of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy (confidence to exercise), overall health, fatigue, dietary risk, and protein consumption improved over time. Balance, mental wellbeing, and quality of life did not change significantly. Factors such as the lockdown, surgery and illness/injury may have influenced our results; a larger study is needed to confirm these findings.