Promoting Physical Activity and Reducing Frailty of Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Community: The Effects of a Health Promotion Program Combining Smart Phone Learning and Exercise

Abstract

Background: To intervene the health and frailty of middle-aged and older adults lived in community is an important subject for health-related professions as society fostering healthy aging. Engaging in proper physical activity and adequate usage of smart phone are beneficial. This study explored the effects of a health promotion program on enhancing heath and reducing frailty of middle-aged and older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental, two-group study design was conducted with purposive sampling of middle-aged and older adults from eight community care centers. The study period expanded from January to September, 2019. An intervention of smart phone learning and balance/flexibility exercise introduced to the experimental. A structural questionnaire used to collect pretest and posttest data: demographics; self-reported assessment of health, exercise, and frailty; measurement of handgrip and body mass. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0. Results: Completed dataset consisted of 93 subjects: 39 in experimental and 54 control. For within-group comparison, exercise frequency improved significantly (p ＜ .05) in the experimental group. For between-group comparison, exercise intensity and exercise duration improved significantly at posttest. Furthermore, frailty measuring by Study of Osteoporotic Fracture (SOF) index reduced significantly for both within- and between-group comparisons. Conclusion: The health promotion program combining smart phone learning of and the moderate exercise was effective to encourage physical activity and reduce frailty for middle-aged and older adults in community. The study could provide valuable information for future studies investigating healthy aging and frailty.