Ojo 2-barriers and recommendations for the recruitment, retention, and implementation of remote physical activity interventions for older Latinos.

BACKGROUND: Older Latinos participate in low levels of physical activity (PA), despite it being a protective factor against chronic diseases, like Alzheimer's disease and related dementias . PA interventions, like the BAILAMOS™ dance program and ¡En Forma y Fuerte! (Fit & Strong!®) exercise program, were created to address a lack of culturally relevant PA programs for older Latinos. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed for these in-person PA interventions to be adapted for remote delivery. The Cognitive Enhancement and Risk-Reduction through Exercise for Brain-Related Outcomes study examined the feasibility and impact of BAILAMOS™ and ¡En Forma y Fuerte! delivered remotely to inactive older Latinos with memory concerns. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present paper is to describe challenges in the implementation and delivery of remote PA-interventions for older Latino adults; and potential strategies to overcome those challenges. METHODS: Barriers to implementation and delivery of BAILAMOS™ and ¡En Forma y Fuerte!, and strategies developed by the research team to overcome them, were documented by the research team as they arose. Challenges/strategies were grouped using the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS: A total of 38 participants were enrolled and randomized into either BAILAMOS™ or ¡En Forma y Fuerte!. Barriers were grouped into the following themes: (i) Environmental Context and Resources, (ii) Skill & Knowledge, and (iii) Social Influences. CONCLUSIONS: The delivery of a remote PA-intervention to older Latino adults is possible, but researchers should consider barriers that they are likely to encounter. Our findings highlight the importance of technology orientation sessions, ongoing device assistance, flexible program schedules, and participant safety protocols. Additional recommendations include considering the cost of purchasing devices as participants might not already own one, and the time-investment needed for technology support and developing new safety protocols for remote delivery. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: C.E.R.E.B.R.O.: NCT05588778 and Fit & Strong!: NCT03180008.