The effectiveness of synchronous tele-exercise to maintain the physical fitness, quality of life, and mood of older people-a randomized and controlled study

Purpose The study investigates the effects of synchronized tele-exercise on physical fitness level, quality of life (QoL), loneliness and mood of older people individuals who experience social isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. Methods A randomized controlled study was performed with 30 volunteers. A synchronized online exercise protocol was applied to the study group (SG) (n = 15; 10 females, 5 males) (mean age 67.1 +/- 3.7 years), while the control group (CG) (n = 15; 7 females, 8 males) (mean age 69.3 +/- 5.6 years) was placed on the waiting list. Physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test Battery-SFTB), health-related QoL (Nottingham Health Profile-NHP), loneliness (Loneliness Scale for the Elderly-LSE), and mood changes (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule-PANAS) were evaluated. Results There was a significant difference in all the subscales of SFTB (p < 0.05), physical activity and energy subscales, and total scores of NHP (p < 0.05) and PANAS positive emotional status score (p = 0.002) in the study group. While LSE scores worsened in the CG (p = 0.016), there was no significant difference in the SG (p = 0.162). Conclusion Synchronous tele-exercise can provide improvements in the physical fitness level and can be used to maintain QoL and to improve the mood of community-dwelling older people. Key summary pointsAim This study aims to investigate the effects of a synchronous tele-exercise program on physical fitness, quality of life, loneliness, and mood change when applied to older people under social isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. Findings Synchronous tele-exercise seems to be an effective method to provide improvements in the physical fitness level of community-dwelling older people and maintain their quality of life. In addition, it can make positive contributions to coping with loneliness in the older people and improve their mood. Message To maintain the physical fitness level and quality of life of community-dwelling older people, the exercises can be applied effectively via the synchronous tele-exercise method.