Improving Autonomy and Social Participation with a Home-based Exercise Program

Problem StatementThe home-based exercises programs are a method to promote health, quality of life and autonomy of elderly. Low levels of adherence are the major problem of these programs.Research QuestionsWhy did elderly people change from a home-based exercise program to a group program? Which are the results of this change after three and six months from the exercise program?Purpose of the StudyTo evaluate the adherence to a home-based exercise and understand how the participants transformed the author's protocol into a group experience. To evaluate the participants reasons to make this change.Research MethodsThe study was made in a Portuguese rural community; initial sample of 15 subjects who performed a home-based exercise program, during 8 weeks. The program was later transformed into a group program. Balance, mobility, cognitive state, health state and depression were evaluated also at 3 and 6 months after the program. A final interview revealed the opinions of the participants about the group program.FindingsAdherence to the home-based exercise program revealed that participants recognized the value of the program and this is expressed in the creation of a community group.ConclusionsSocial participation of elderly in a Portuguese small rural community was developed with a home-based exercise program, and its transformation in a group program.