Mind-body interventions involving a home-based component to improve functional fitness outcomes in adults: A scoping review

Andrea Rivera Maza, J. J. Pionke, Neha P. Gothe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Introduction: Home-based physical activity has several advantages, considering the barriers that adults encounter to site-based studies (i.e., travel, time, weather). Mind-body interventions (MBIs) have the potential to not only improve cognitive and emotional regulation, but also affect functional fitness via gentle muscular movements and exercises. The purpose of this scoping review was to review the evidence for MBIs that incorporated a home-based component to improve functional fitness outcomes (FFO). Given the variety of populations studied, varied structure and style of the interventions, and various FFOs tested, a scoping review was identified as the most appropriate approach. Methods: For this scoping review, we searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, SportDiscus, PsycInfo and Cochrane Library using keywords related to MBIs with a home-based component, FFOs, and adults from inception to May 2021. Results: Of the 1,569 results identified, 14 studies met our inclusion criteria - 5 on Tai-chi, 5 on Yoga, 3 on Dance and 1 on Tai-chi and Yoga. Of these studies, 10 measured balance, 9 mobility, 4 fall risk, 4 strength and 2 flexibility. Study participants included healthy and clinical samples. The interventions ranged from 6 to 17 weeks with home exercise from 1 to 5 days/week. Home instruction was delivered via video (10), handouts (4), and live instruction (3). On-site MBIs were supplemented by home-based exercise instruction in 12 studies. Twelve of the 14 studies observed significant improvements in FFOs. Conclusion: Only 4 of the 14 studies included a fully-home based MBI. Although each one showed significant effects on their respective FFOs, more studies are needed to compare the efficacy of fully home-based MBIs to on-site MBIs. Future research on fully home-based MBIs is needed as they could offer advantages over in-person interventions in terms of fewer barriers, accessibility, cost-effectiveness and potential sustainability over time.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number102095
JournalEuropean Journal of Integrative Medicine
Volume49
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Dance
  • Functional fitness
  • Home-based
  • Mind-body
  • Tai-chi
  • Yoga

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Complementary and alternative medicine

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