Table 6 Intervention characteristics of the three interventions: ProMuscle, ProMuscle in Practice and the ProMuscle Implementation Pilots
Intervention characteristics | |||
|---|---|---|---|
An extensive description of the PM, PiP, and IP interventions was provided in Table 1 (exercise program) and Table 2 (nutrition program). Under this table, similarities and differences between the interventions were indicated separately for the exercise and the nutrition program. | |||
| Â | ProMuscle | ProMuscle in Practice | ProMuscle Implementation Pilots |
Adaptability | Exercise â–ª Strict guidelines implemented by researchers. Participants conducted training sessions according to protocol. Nutrition â–ª Participants received standard product for protein supplementation. | Exercise â–ª Most physiotherapists adhered to the training protocol, adjusting when necessary (intensity too high/too low). â–ª Participants and professionals indicated they would have liked more variation in type of exercises. â–ª Older adults could indicate their preference for a timeslot of the training sessions. Nutrition â–ª Number of consultations with dietitian was set. Dietitian provided individual advice, based on three-day food diary and preferences of participants, primarily including protein-rich products that were distributed for free. â–ª Participants mentioned they would like more variation in products, and that advice was hard to adhere to (25g per main meal). â–ª Consultations were scheduled together with participant. | Exercise â–ª Physiotherapists personalized the training intensity, based on the training protocol and adjusting when necessary (intensity too high/too low). â–ª Additional exercises were added based on capabilities of participants. â–ª Training sessions were scheduled considering daily activities of older adults. Nutrition â–ª Number of consultations with dietitian was personalized (minimum of three, more if needed). Dietitians provided individual advice, based on 24hr recall and preferences of participants, also included plant-based protein. Dietary protein intake around training sessions was emphasized in advice. â–ª Dietitian realized 25g protein per main meal might be hard to achieve and maintain on the long term, therefore she focused on 20-25g protein per main meal. â–ª Consultations were scheduled together with participant. â–ª Group-based meetings were scheduled prior to training sessions, to facilitate participation. |
Complexity | â–ª Duration of total intervention was 6 months. In this study, focus is on first 3 months. â–ª No implementation of intervention. | â–ª Duration of total intervention was 6 months. In this study, focus is on first 3 months. â–ª Logistics at the start and during the program were sometimes constraining. Professionals were dependent on others for: receiving/repairing fitness machines and weights, receiving information on medical background and baseline food intake of participants, and provision of protein rich products. This led to delays, and some participants trained on a lowered intensity because of this. | â–ª Duration of total intervention was 3 months; dietitian indicated this as a manageable period for participants. â–ª Professionals are project leader of their own intervention implementation, and therefore less dependent on others. |
Cost | â–ª Research was subsidized. â–ª Older adults could participate in the program for free. â–ª Researchers could conduct the program within their regular working hours. | â–ª Research was subsidized. â–ª Older adults could participate in the program for free (first 12 weeks). â–ª Most professionals could conduct the program within their regular working hours. | â–ª Research was not subsidized. â–ª Older adults could participate in the program for 70 euros per month (for training sessions with physiotherapist). Professionals indicated that this might lead to a selected group of participants, who can afford it. â–ª Consultations with the dietitian were reimbursed from the basic health insurance. â–ª Professionals could conduct the program within their regular working hours, and could cover the costs of the program using the participation contribution (physiotherapists) or the reimbursement from the health insurance (dietitians). |