Prescription of Physical Exercise Through Mobile Application in Elderly

Effects of a Training Program of Physical Exercise Administered Through Mobile Application in Elderly

Physical inactivity is a health problem that affects people worldwide and has been identified as the fourth largest risk factor for overall mortality (contributing to 6% of deaths globally). Many researchers have tried to increase physical activity (PA) levels through traditional methods without much success. Thus, many researchers are turning to mobile technology as an emerging method for changing health behaviours.The study consists of a physical activity intervention through a mobile application in elderly. The study is a 3x2 model, in which the sample is distributed in three study groups (over 53 years) and were evaluated at 10 weeks from baseline.

Objectives of the study:

• Evaluate effectiveness of a physical exercise program for 10 weeks to improve fitness, cardiovascular, anthropometric and body composition parameters in people over 53 years.
• Examine effects of exercise intervention delivered through a mobile application (WhatsApp) on fitness, cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric and body composition in people over 53 years.

Hypotheses of the study:

• An intervention of exercise administered via mobile application (WhatsApp) is effective in reducing cardiovascular risk factors in people over 53 years.
• An intervention of exercise administered via mobile application (WhatsApp) is effective to increase physical fitness in people over 53 years.
• An intervention of exercise administered via mobile application (WhatsApp) is effective in reducing BMI, percent body fat; and in increasing the percentage of muscle mass in people over 53 years.
• 10-weeks face-to-face intervention of physical exercise obtains greater improvements in fitness parameters than an intervention delivered via mobile application in people over 53 years.
• 10-weeks face-to-face intervention of physical exercise obtains greater improvements in anthropometric and body composition than an intervention delivered via mobile application in people over 53 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have own mobile phone and Internet
• Be clinically stable
• Be able to perform physical activity
• Be able to understand and complete the informed consent
• Ability to cope assessment tests

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to perform physical activity
• Have an acute or chronic disease
• Have medical conditions or other physical problem that needs special attention (history of fracture of any upper or lower limb, dementia, psychological problems, neuromuscular disease, history of myocardial infarction, osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes).