Providing Rural Veterans With Access to Exercise Through Gerofit

Functional Circuit Exercise. In Tele-Gerofit, exercise training is delivered by CVT broadcast from the Salem VAMC to veterans in a room (equipped with steps, dumbbells, chairs, and bands) at the CBOC. This type of exercise training, which uses only mobile equipment and plyometric (weight-bearing) exercises, is referred to as functional exercise. The AEX includes marching in place, moving on and off a raised step, and body-weight exercises, while RT uses dumbbells, resistance bands, and plyometric exercises (Table 2). 

Progression of intensity is achieved by increasing the rate of stepping and the size of the steps (AEX) or the number of repetitions and the weight of the dumbbells or bands (RT). Each veteran exercises at an intensity level that is appropriate for his or her baseline limitations and medical conditions. The exercise instructor uses different forms of the same equipment (eg, heavier dumbbells, higher steps) to vary intensity among individuals while having them perform the same exercises as a group. The challenge is to adjust the pace of the AEX or the timing of the RT repetitions for individuals new to the class.

Delivery of exercise training in the form of circuits allows for a diverse exercise program in a setting with limited space. Circuit training is an exercise modality that consists of a series of different exercises, each usually completed in 30 to 60 seconds, with minimal rest between each type of exercise. Each Tele-Gerofit circuit has a mix of AEX and RT exercises performed for 3 minutes consecutively (Figure). 

The design of the circuit training can be adjusted based on the number of individuals in the class. Larger classes can be split into 2 groups that alternate between exercise sets, while smaller classes have 1 group performing the same exercise set and then rotating to either the AEX or RT set. Total exercise time to complete the circuit depends on the number of different exercises, number of repetitions, and the rest between repetitions and the different exercises. In this way, total exercise time can be made shorter or longer depending on the veteran’s capacity.

Frequency. Tele-Gerofit exercise classes are currently offered twice weekly and last about 1 hour, which includes warm-up (8-10 minutes), functional circuit training (40 minutes), and cooldown/stretching (8-10 minutes). A challenge for the exercise instructor is the need to provide ongoing clear instructions both to the class and to individuals as needed. As the exercise prescription for each patient is based on physical performance testing, the exercise instructor for the training must be familiar with the test results. Derivation of the exercise prescription in Tele-Gerofit follows the same process as center-based Gerofit.