Construction of an Exercise Intervention Program for Patients with Sarcopenic Obesity: A Delphi Method Study

Purpose: Construct an exercise intervention program for patients with sarcopenic obesity.
Material and Methods: Based on the COM-B theoretical model and evidence-based principles, the program was constructed using qualitative methods of literature analysis and Delphi method. The Delphi panel consisted of 15 experts from the fields of clinical medicine, rehabilitation medicine, medical technology, and nursing.
Results: Fifteen experts were consulted, and the consultation recovery rate was 100%; the authority coefficient of the 1st round was 0.83, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.00 to 0.27, and importance scores ranging from (4.13± 1.13) to (5± 0); the authority coefficient of the 2nd round was 0.82, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.00 to 0.20, and importance scores ranging from (4.53± 0.64) to (5± 0); Kendall’s harmony coefficient was 0.102, 0.115, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05). The constructed exercise intervention program for patients with sarcopenic obesity included 4 primary indicators, 12 secondary indicators, and 28 tertiary indicators.
Conclusion: The constructed exercise intervention program for patients with sarcopenic obesity is scientific, feasible and generalizable, and can provide useful reference for related personnel to develop exercise programs for patients with sarcopenic obesity.

Keywords: sarcopenic obesity, exercise, older adults, COM-B theoretical model, evidence-based nursing, delphi method