WhatsApp Radio Taiso Exercise Program for Adults Aged 60+

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Radio Taiso exercises, conducted via the WhatsApp application, on exercise habits, physical performance, and quality of life in individuals over 60 years of age. Establishing and maintaining regular exercise habits in the elderly is a fundamental component of healthy aging. However, low participation in exercise and difficulties in developing these habits constitute a significant problem. Digital communication tools have the potential to offer supportive and sustainable interventions for health behaviors in the elderly. This study is important because it examines the role of Radio Taiso, a short-duration, low-intensity, and easy-to-learn exercise model, delivered via WhatsApp, a digital platform, in establishing exercise habits. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of accessible and sustainable exercise programs for the elderly. The fact that Radio Taiso exercises, considered one of the secrets to the longevity of the Japanese, one of the longest-living societies in the world, will be applied and evaluated in the Turkish population highlights another important aspect of the study.

Radio Taiso exercises are a full-body exercise program consisting of low-to-moderate intensity, rhythmic, and controlled movements. The exercises do not involve sudden, strenuous, or high-load movements and are tailored to the individual's physical capacity. The program consists of short-duration, equipment-free exercises that can be safely performed on elderly individuals.

The short duration of the Radio Taiso exercises used in this study is important for habit formation, their rhythm is important for memorability, and their WhatsApp-based nature is important for sustainability. The fact that Radio Taiso exercises largely resemble gymnastic movements performed in physical education classes is thought to facilitate the adaptation of elderly individuals to exercise.

WhatsApp is an application that allows smartphone users to send short messages and other media types (such as videos) to their contacts. It also facilitates the creation of groups; this allows multiple users to participate in and follow a chat as a social network. Therefore, the WhatsApp application will be used in our study. All participants in our study will be added to a common chat group. It is known that older adults are positively affected by group interaction. It is thought that having group participants perform 5-minute Radio Taiso exercises for 6 weeks is important in terms of developing a regular exercise habit.

Participants will be enrolled in a 6-week Radio Taiso exercise program delivered via WhatsApp. Physical performance and quality of life measurements will be conducted before and after the intervention. Regular feedback will be collected and recorded during the exercise program. Feedback will be obtained through surveys created via WhatsApp. Details of the study will be explained and tests will be conducted during preliminary interviews with participants. Data collection will be done via WhatsApp. The data collection process will be carried out twice, before and after the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Being 60 years of age or older
• Being able to use a smartphone and the WhatsApp application
• Having internet access
• Being able to walk independently (including using assistive devices)
• Being able to understand verbal instructions
• Agreeing to participate in the research voluntarily

Exclusion criteria

• Having undergone major orthopedic surgery within the last 6 months
• Having uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
• Having a serious neurological disease that prevents participation in exercise
• Being unable to exercise due to severe balance disorders or a history of falls