Young Elderly and Digital Coaching : A Quantitative Intervention Study on Exercise Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Sport and wellness technology devices are becoming an increasingly relevant topic when discussing health and wellness. This study focuses on the use of a “digital coach”, within a specific population, young elderly people. This research explored how the use of a digital coach would affect self-efficacy related to physical activity and exercise among young elderly. Thisquantitative intervention study provided a digital coaching device to a group of young elderly people ranging from 61-78 in age for 10-weeks. It was found that a digital coach may be useful for this population, particularly in increasing their perceived confidence in exercising independently. However, the participants’ perceptions of the device were more negative after the intervention period, although the overall perception was still positive. These results provide insight for sport technology companies and people who work with the young elderly on the possibilities of digital coaching and its usage for health promotion.