MODERNIZING EXERCISE WITH TELE-VIDEO TO REACH A RURAL GERIATRIC POPULATION OF VETERANS. (8th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jennings, Stephen C; Manning, Kenneth; Massey, Oliver; Bettger, Janet Prvu; Brown, Candace S; Morey, Miriam C
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 3(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S34
• Page End: S34
• Publication Date: 2019-11-08
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz038.135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Rural Veterans often lack access to health care. Veterans Affairs (VA) supports telehealth technologies to provide services remotely that are comparable to onsite in-person care. We piloted VA Video Connect (VVC), to deliver an interactive exercise program for Veterans modeled on the VA Gerofit Program, a successful facility-based exercise program. VVC connects an exercise physiologist directly to the home with smart devices. Invitations to join Gerofit were mailed to 216 rural Veterans. Of 17 respondents, 7 (mean age 68) agreed to VVC tele-exercise 1x week for 12 weeks. Two Veterans were lost to follow-up prior to enrollment. Baseline VVC assessments (N=5) were indicative of high functional impairment in comparison to age-based norms: 2-minute step test (67.2 steps, 5th%tile), 30-second chair stands (12.4 stands, 26th%tile), and 30-second arm curls (15.3 curls, 25th%tile). Feasibility, barriers, and program impact will be discussed. Functional impairment indicates need for telehealth to reach Rural Veterans.