We are NO LONGER RECRUITING for our MoveStrong at Home study. This study was completed by Master's student Ellen Wang, and Principal Investigator Lora Giangregorio, through the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo.
As we age, we lose muscle mass and strength. Exercise helps maintain muscle and improve balance, while eating the right kinds of foods supports muscle health. However, getting enough physical activity and protein can be challenging, especially during periods of mandated social distancing. Alternate ways to promote safe exercise and proper nutrition became more important than ever.
The study evaluated the feasibility of delivering exercise and nutrition education over the phone or computer to older adults with health conditions who were losing weight or had concerns with fatigue or mobility. The research aimed to identify what worked well, what didn’t, and whether the MoveStrong program could improve mobility, physical activity levels, diet, mental health, and quality of life.
The study recruited 25 older adults in Ontario. Participants were eligible if they:
- Were aged 60 or over
- Spoke English
- Experienced fatigue, recent unexplained weight loss, or difficulties with stairs or walking long distances
- Had one or more diagnosed conditions (arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, obesity, osteoporosis, or stroke)
The study took place over 12 weeks (about three months). Participants communicated with the research team via telephone or online using a computer, or a combination of both.
Assessments of health, physical activity, physical function, and nutrition were conducted over the phone or computer at the start of the study, after the 8-week intervention, and one month later (12 weeks).
Participants attended phone or online sessions to learn about exercise and nutrition. Exercise sessions were led by an exercise physiologist who selected exercises, answered questions, and monitored progress or any illnesses or injuries. Private exercise sessions were initially held twice per week, each lasting 30 minutes, and later reduced to once per week as progress was made. Participants were encouraged to exercise independently outside of these structured sessions.
Nutrition and exercise education materials were sent by mail or email. At weeks 2, 4, and 6 of the study, participants attended group seminars conducted over the phone or online by a dietitian to learn about nutrition and protein intake. Optional support group sessions were held during weeks 3, 5, and 7.
Although we are no longer recruiting for this study, if you are interested in learning more, please contact us at boneslab@uwaterloo.ca.
This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.