MitoFit: Evaluation of a Mitochondrial Fitness Science Communication Intervention for Aging Adults

A key driver that leads to age-associated decline and chronic disease is mitochondrial dysfunction. Our prior work revealed strong community interest in the concept of mitochondrial fitness that led to development of a video based science communication intervention to prompt behavior change in adults aged 50+. Aim: To conduct formative and summative evaluations of MitoFit, an instructional, biologically based communication intervention aimed at improving physical activity (PA) in older adults, aged 50+. Methods: Phase 1 formative evaluation- Community-dwelling older adults (N=101), rated the acceptability, appropriateness and helpfulness of our MitoFit video series, titled, How to Slow Down Aging Through Mitochondrial Fitness. (4 out of five on a Likert-scale survey). Phase II summative evaluation- A subgroup of phase I participants (N=19) participated in a 1-month MitoFit intervention prototype to evaluate intervention and data collection feasibility (70% completion). Results: Phase I: Participants (mean age: 67.8 [SD 8.9]; 75% female) rated the MitoFit videos as acceptable (agree: 97%-100%), appropriate (agree: 100%) and helpful (agree: 95%-100%) to support adaptation and continued work on our novel approach. Phase II: Participants (mean age: 71.4 [SD 7.9]; 72% female) demonstrated MitoFit competencies (obtaining pulse, calculating maximum and zone 2 heart rate, demonstration of exercises). At one-month post-instruction, 13 participants (68.4%) had completed a self-initiated daily walking/exercise plan and submitted a daily activity log. Feasibility scores ranged from 89.4% to 94.7%. Fifteen participants (78.9%) stated an intention to continue the MitoFit intervention. Conclusion: MitoFit was enthusiastically embraced, and is a cost-effective, scalable, and efficacious intervention to advance with community-dwelling older adults.