Feasibility of Online and On-Site Physical Activity Delivery Among Older Adults: Mixed Methods Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Anna Nilstomt, Johanna Gustavsson, Charlotte Bäccman et al.
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In 30 seconds
This unblinded, site-cluster-randomized mixed methods pilot trial assessed the feasibility of a 26-week Otago physical activity program delivered online or in person to community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older in Sweden (N=35). Overall attrition was 37% (13/35), with no significant difference between delivery modes (P=.29); most withdrawals occurred in the first 2 weeks. Mean adherence was numerically higher online than on-site, but the difference was not significant. The study was not powered to assess effectiveness, and no intervention-related adverse events were reported.
Key findings
- Overall attrition was 37% (13/35), with no significant difference between online and on-site delivery (P=.29); most dropouts occurred within 2 weeks.
- Mean adherence was 17.0 (SD 6.7) online and 12.1 (SD 10.1) on-site, without a significant difference (P=.15).
- Physical health issues and perceived lack of fit were key reasons for withdrawal; appeal, routine, flexibility, feedback, and social presence supported adherence.
- No intervention-related adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that both online and in-person exercise delivery can be feasible for some older adults, while early attrition remains an important challenge. Participants’ accounts point to practical and motivational factors that may support continued participation across formats. These pilot results can inform the design of larger trials, but they do not establish comparative effectiveness.
What to keep in mind
This was a small pilot trial and was not powered to evaluate effectiveness or detect reliable between-mode differences. Participants were recruited from three residential areas in Sweden, and the trial was unblinded.