Virtual motivational interviewing for physical activity among older adults: A non-randomised, mixed-methods feasibility study

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of Virtual Motivational Interviewing (VIMINT) for improving physical activity among community-dwelling older adults. A feasibility study using a mixed-method single-group pre- and post-design. Each participant received five sessions of motivational interviewing (MI) through the Zoom platform. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through recruitment, attrition and retention rates; adherence; satisfaction; counsellors' competency; and interviews with participants and counsellors. Other outcomes including physical activity were assessed at baseline, post- and 2-month follow-up. Eight participants were recruited; the mean age was 68.9 ± 3.9 years. The retention rate was 88%, 92.5% of the sessions were attended, and the participants' satisfaction score was 24.14 ± 7.3/32. The counsellors were rated as "good" and "fair" in relational and technical components, respectively. The categories derived from qualitative analysis were session composition, acceptability of outcome measures, positive impact of the VIMINT study and suggestions to improve future studies. The findings showed that VIMINT intervention should be feasible and acceptable for older adults. Evidence from this study provides relevant information that will guide the planning of future studies investigating the effectiveness of virtual MI on physical activity among community-dwelling older adults.