Feasibility and Acceptability of Incorporating Smartwatches Into an Exercise is Medicine Program in Older Individuals

The Exercise is Medicine (EIM) program involves a personalized exercise prescription and wellness coaching component. At the first 1:1 session, participants are provided with a Fitbit and onboarded with Fitabase, allowing for documentation of baseline health behaviors. Over the course of the program, the EIM fitness specialist reviews Fitbit data and progress towards goals, sending push notifications for encouragement and reminders. A personal training session is conducted, followed by sixteen group sessions including up to eight participants. The final session includes updating goals, incorporating Fitbits, and providing an updated exercise prescription. Upon program completion, participants will attend monthly webinars and health coaching sessions at 6- and 12-months post-program. The program aims to help individuals overcome barriers and maintain long-term exercise self-efficacy.