Title : Feasibility and effectiveness of exercise snacking in older adults undergoing Chronic Disease Management (CDM)
Abstract:
Introduction: Sedentary behaviour significantly contributes to morbidity, particularly in patients with chronic disease. Exercise snacking, defined as short bouts of higher-intensity exercise performed periodically, offers a potential solution. However, there is a paucity of studies examining exercise snacking in this cohort. This trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of exercise snacking in older patients enrolled in a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program.
Methods: A 4-week primary care-based pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 63 adults aged >60 years(mean age 73.5 years) who were enrolled in a CDM program. Participants were randomly assigned to an exercise snacking intervention or an active control group. The intervention consisted of five resistance exercises, performed over five minutes, at least twice per day for approximately four weeks. The only equipment required was access to a chair, flat wall and water bottle/milk carton. Outcomes measured included retention, adherence, physical function (sit-to-stand repetitions, hand grip strength, and balance), and self-reported physical activity. Statistical analyses included only those who completed follow up.
Results: 53 adults completed the study, a retention rate of 84%. The median rate of adherence was 79% based on participant logbooks. Those in the exercise snacking group significantly increased their hand grip strength scores(η2=0.102, p=0.024) compared with the control group. However, no significant differences were observed when comparing sit-to-stand repetitions or balance scores.
Discussion: A recent scoping review of exercise snacking interventions in adults has demonstrated a reduction in morbidity and mortality (Jones et al., 2024). However, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to explore potential benefits of exercises snacking in adults with chronic diseases. The results show acceptance and utility of exercise snacking in this cohort and suggest a role for integration of exercise snacking discussions into healthcare consultations. In conclusion, a short-term exercise snacking intervention is feasible and potentially effective in adults with chronic disease. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is required to further characterise the potential benefits of exercise snacking in this population.
