Evaluation of an Implementation Project - Exercise Prescription (EP) in Aged Care

The intervention being evaluated is a targeted and individually specific exercise physiologist-led intervention that includes one-to-one exercise prescription and group opportunities for exercise for residents in an aged care facility. Residents are free to engage in either or both opportunities. The intervention involves a 12-week control period, where normal activity occurs, then the 12-week intervention period, when the exercise program is implemented. The one-to-one sessions were usually completed within the unit, or for some who are more able-bodied, in the gym. These sessions allowed tailoring of the exercises to appropriately challenge and specifically meet the needs of the individual, depending on their physical and cognitive abilities. This may have been asking residents to stand on one leg to challenge their balance in a controlled environment, or taking them through passive range of motion. There were attempts to incorporate some cardio-respiratory fitness using bike pedals, arm ergo or walking, resistance training using weights and therabands, balance training, coordination and cognition. Sessions occurred once a week, and lasted between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the capacity of the individual. The group sessions were generally completed in the lounge room or dining room of the unit. These sessions comprised of mostly seated exercises that were quite basic and suitable for majority of the participants. Residents followed along with an Exercise Physiologist (EP), or EP student, who demonstrated the exercises in front of the group, and encouraged the residents . Equipment such as dumbbells, wrist weights, ankle weights, therabands, and different sized balls were used to challenge the residents. These sessions were intended to be as fun, enjoyable and socially engaging as possible. During the intervention period these sessions ran twice a week for participating residents. Sessions were between 45 and 60 minutes in length, dependent on the circumstances on the day. Where possible, the EPs also tried to challenge the residents cognitively throughout these sessions, whether this be encouraging them to count the repetitions aloud, or asking them to report, while exercising, how many fingers the EPs were holding up. Fidelity was not assessed; however, adherence was registered by the EPs, with a maximum attendance of 12 individual and 24 group sessions. As evaluators, we are not responsible for the design or delivery of the exercise program. Instead, our evaluation seeks to measure the impact of the intervention on cognitive and functional factors.