Online and on-site exercise appeared feasible for many older adults
In a 26-week pilot trial, 37% of participants dropped out, with no statistically significant difference between online and in-person exercise.
26 weeks, registered NCT05885308
The pilot randomised trial enrolled 35 community-dwelling adults aged 60 or older from three residential areas in Sweden. Researchers assigned areas, rather than individuals, to 26 weeks of exercise: prerecorded online videos for 12 participants or in-person group sessions for 23.
Overall, 37% (13 of 35) dropped out, mostly within the first two weeks. Dropout rates and adherence—how closely participants followed the programme—did not differ significantly between formats. Interviews with 17 completers and seven people who withdrew linked withdrawal mainly to physical health problems and a perceived poor fit with the programme. Routine, flexibility and often social contact supported participation. No intervention-related adverse events were reported. Researchers concluded that both formats appeared feasible for many older adults.
Why it matters
Physical activity is central to healthy aging, making sustained participation an important question. Understanding why people withdraw can help researchers design more inclusive, sustainable exercise programmes.
Caveats
This small, unblinded pilot was not powered to evaluate effectiveness; the lack of statistically significant differences does not establish that the formats worked equally well. Its findings concern community-dwelling adults aged 60 or older in Sweden, not all older adults.
