Feasibility, safety, and potential benefit of a virtual, community-based, task-oriented exercise program (TIME^TM at Home) for people with balance and mobility limitations: a pre-post feasibility study

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and potential benefit of a virtual, community-based, task-oriented exercise program (TIME^TM at Home) among people with balance and mobility limitations, and explore program experiences of participants, caregivers, and program providers. In a pre-post study with a qualitative component, community-dwelling adults with balance and mobility limitations completed a virtual 8-week video-based exercise program (2 classes/week, 10 people/class) with 2 live facilitators, a post-class social time, and 3 healthcare partner visits. We administered physical and mental health measures pre- and post-program, and an online questionnaire regarding program acceptability mid- and post-program, and interviewed 10 participants, 7 caregivers, and 6 program providers post-program. A priori benchmarks were achieved for feasibility (e.g., 80% of classes attended) and safety (no serious adverse events). In 17 participants with pre and post data (median age 73 years, 53% post-stroke), significant improvement on measures of leg strength, balance self-efficacy, mood, mobility, everyday functioning, and health status (but not caregiver mood), was observed. Qualitative analysis identified two themes: the program is safe, beneficial, and enjoyable; and implementation considerations. TIME^TM at Home appears feasible, safe, and beneficial to physical and mental health in adults with balance and mobility limitations. www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05369741. Registered May 11, 2022 - retrospectively registered. Participating in community-based exercise programs (CBEPs) can improve the health and well-being of adults with mobility limitations; however, participant access and program delivery are challenges of in-person programs.Study results suggest that a virtual, group, task-oriented CBEP, with trained facilitators who stream an exercise video, and moderate a social time, and a healthcare professional who supports the program, is feasible, safe, and potentially beneficial for adults with mobility limitations.Virtual, group CBEPs, that involve non-exercise specialists who stream a prerecorded video and moderate social interaction, may offer rehabilitation professionals new, accessible options for referring patients with mobility limitations to ongoing tailored exercise. Participating in community-based exercise programs (CBEPs) can improve the health and well-being of adults with mobility limitations; however, participant access and program delivery are challenges of in-person programs. Study results suggest that a virtual, group, task-oriented CBEP, with trained facilitators who stream an exercise video, and moderate a social time, and a healthcare professional who supports the program, is feasible, safe, and potentially beneficial for adults with mobility limitations. Virtual, group CBEPs, that involve non-exercise specialists who stream a prerecorded video and moderate social interaction, may offer rehabilitation professionals new, accessible options for referring patients with mobility limitations to ongoing tailored exercise.