Effects of videoconference-supervised exercise training program on physical and cognitive conditions, and mental well-being in older adults: A randomized trial

Aging is associated with declines in physical, cognitive, and physical and mental well-being. This randomized trial aimed to assess the effects of a supervised, home-based multicomponent physical training program delivered via videoconferencing on physical fitness, cognitive performance, and mental well-being in healthy older adults. Thirty participants aged 60-70 years completed either a physical training intervention (PT), a health education intervention (active control, AC), or no intervention (passive control, PC) over a period of 12 weeks. Physical fitness (daily movements, handgrip, knee extension, peak oxygen consumption, timed up and go, and balance), cognition (stroop, trail making tests, dual-task performance), and mental well-being (short form 36 item questionnaire, geriatrics depression scale, anxiety scales) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. The intervention demonstrated high adherence, supporting the feasibility and acceptability of remote exercise programs. Results showed no significant improvements in physical fitness across groups. However, only the PT group demonstrated significant improvements in mental well-being, whereas depressive symptoms decreased similarly across all groups. Cognitive improvements in executive functions were observed across groups, and dual-task performance improved specifically in the PT and AC groups. While limited by small sample size, these findings suggest that supervised videoconferencing-based exercise is a promising, accessible strategy that could improve mental well-being and promote fitness and cognitive functioning in older adults. Further research is needed among larger and more diverse populations.