Physiological and psychological data collected during AgeWell Europe

IntroductionAgeing, sedentary behaviour and/or poor nutrition contribute to increased vulnerability to chronic disease, frailty and loss of independence. An ageing population places greater demands on healthcare systems; thus highlighting the need for accessible, intrinsically motivating and scalable strategies to promote healthy ageing. This study investigated the efficacy of ‘AgeWell Europe’ an 8-week, online and on-demand structured multimodal exercise programme designed specifically for middle-aged (MAA) and older-aged adults (OAA). Methods167 participants were recruited in four countries. Balance (45-second eyes open balance test), lower-body and upper-body muscular endurance (sit-to-stand test (STS) and press-up test, respectively), cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test (6MWT)), muscular strength (knee flexion and extension maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)) and vertical jump were assessed pre and post intervention. Physical activity (PA) level (M1 question), wellbeing (WHO-5 Index) and physical self-efficacy (LIVAS) were examined using online questionnaires. Results A total of 121 participants completed the intervention. The age-group analysis (all MAA and OAA) identified STS, press-up and 6MWT performance significant improvements (p<0.001). A significant increase in M1 (p<0.001) and LIVAS (MAA: p=0.02; OAA: p=0.04) was observed in both groups. MAA improved vertical jump (p=0.02) and balance on the left leg (p=0.02). No significant changes were found for right leg balance, knee strength, or WHO-5 scores (p>0.05). Sex based analyses revealed significant group-by-time interactions for STS (F=5.62, p=0.02) and 6MWT (F=5.72, p=0.02), with greater improvements in males than females. Both sexes significantly improvement their press-up score (p<0.001). Females significantly increased M1 (p<0.001), LIVAS (p=0.003) and right-leg balance (p=0.03), whereas vertical jump improved in males only (p=0.03). ConclusionThe ‘AgeWell Europe’ intervention significantly improved upper- and lower-body muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory fitness, weekly PA participation and physical self-efficacy in both MAA and OAA. These findings support the effectiveness of digital exercise in promoting functional health in MAA and OAA across Europe.