Is it really home-based? The necessity for accurate definitions across exercise and physical activity programmes

Oral Presentation C7.3

Authors

  • Francesca Denton Coventry University
  • Sofie Power Coventry University
  • Alexander Waddell Coventry University
  • Stefan Birkett University of Central Lancashire
  • Michael Duncan Coventry University
  • Amy Harwood Coventry University
  • Gordon McGregor Coventry University
  • Nikita Rowley Coventry University
  • David Broom Coventry University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.682

Keywords:

Home-Based-Exercise, Definitions, Exercise Interventions, Reporting

Abstract

Background: There is a wide discrepancy in how published research defines and reports home-based exercise programmes. Studies consisting of fundamentally different designs have been labelled as home-based, making searching for relevant literature challenging and time-consuming. This issue has been further highlighted by an increased demand for these programmes following the COVID-19 pandemic and associated government-imposed lockdowns. Purpose: To examine what specifically constitutes home-based exercise by 1) developing definitions for a range of terms used when reporting exercise and physical activity programmes and 2) providing examples to contextualise these definitions for use when reporting exercise and physical activity programmes. Methods: A literature search was undertaken to identify previous attempts to define home-based exercise programmes. A working document, including initial definitions and examples were developed, which were then discussed between seven experts for further refinement. Results: We generated definitions for universal key terms within three domains (and subdomains) of programme design: location (home-based, community-based or centre-based), prescription (structured or unstructured) and delivery (supervised, facilitated, or unsupervised). Examples for possible combinations of design terms were produced. Conclusion: Definitions will provide consistency when using reporting tools and will be tested as part of a proposed Delphi study. This is of paramount importance due to the predicted increase in emerging research regarding home-based exercise. Funding: No funding to declare. 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Denton, F., Power, S., Waddell, A., Birkett, S., Duncan, M., Harwood, A., McGregor, G., Rowley, N., & Broom, D. (2021). Is it really home-based? The necessity for accurate definitions across exercise and physical activity programmes: Oral Presentation C7.3. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.682