Physical exercise benefits various aspects of physical and cognitive health in older adults. Previous studies utilize an intensive, structured exercise regimen, which highlight several difficulties: challenges in monitoring compliance and controlling for extraneous exercise, and potential lack of participant autonomy with predetermined regimens. It is important to explore factors influencing the feasibility of administering an independent exercise trial.

A three-arm, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of unsupervised, in-home exercise over a four-week period. Subjects were randomized to a placebo group, regimented exercise group, or an independent exercise group. All participants wore a Fitbit charge HR device for duration of trial. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was administered at initial study visit. Measured Compliance (MC) was obtained from the Fitbit device, Reported Compliance (RC) was collected from a self-recorded daily exercise log, and Difference in Compliance (DC) was calculated.