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Exercise Prescribing

Computer Application in Older Adults

^a Department of Geriatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland
^b Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA

Correspondence: Katharina V. Echt, PhD, Atlanta VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Center, Mail Code 151/R, 1670 Clairmont Rd., Decatur, GA 30033. E-mail: kecht{at}emory.edu.

Decision Editor: Eleanor S. McConnell, RN, PhD

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if older adults are capable and willing to interact with a computerized exercise promotion interface and to determine to what extent they accept computer-generated exercise recommendations. Design and Methods: Time and requests for assistance were recorded while 34 college-educated volunteers, equal numbers of men and women, ranging in age from 60 to 87, interfaced with a health promotion tool. The computerized exercise promotion tool's ease of use and the acceptability of the exercise recommendations made were rated by the participants. Results: On average, completion of the items on the computer took 33 min and each participant made 3 requests for assistance, of which only 22% were mouse related. The system's ease of use and the exercise prescription acceptability ratings were high and independent of prior experience with computers. Implications: User friendliness of computerized health promotion tools will determine if, and how, health providers integrate these new technologies into daily practice. The participants in the study were able to complete the computerized items within a reasonable amount of time and with minimal assistance from the provider. These data support the potential of interactive technology in health promotion among the expanding older population.

Key Words: Aging • Elderly • Computer technology • Usability • Expert system • Exercise counseling

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