Culturally Adapted, Clinician-Led, Bilingual Group Exercise Program for Older Migrant Adults: Single-Arm Pre-Post-Intervention

Abstract

Australia's aging migrant population experiences higher rates of chronic disease and social isolation, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate health promotion programs. This study evaluated the effectiveness of "Move Together", a culturally adapted community-based group exercise and education intervention for Mandarin-speaking Chinese Australians aged 65+ years. The Model for Adaptation, Design, and Impact framework guided the adaptation of this program. This single-arm pre-post-intervention was delivered bilingually by accredited exercise physiologists over nine weeks to 101 adults (mean age: 72.3 ± 5.3 years; 38% male). The physical health assessments measured waist circumference, aerobic capacity, strength, flexibility, and balance, while the questionnaires evaluated quality of life and social connectedness. The results showed significant improvements in all physical health measures (p < 0.001), with more participants meeting fitness standards for healthy independent living. Participants also reported significant improvements in self-perceived quality of life and social connectedness. The Move Together program effectively improved physical health and psychosocial well-being among older Chinese Australians through its culturally adapted, bilingual delivery model. These findings provide valuable insights for health professionals and policymakers adapting and implementing programs for culturally and linguistically diverse older populations to address chronic disease risks and social isolation.

Keywords: clinician led; community-based; culturally adapted; exercise physiologist; group exercise; health promotion; mental health; migrant; older adult; physical fitness.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of participant recruitment, inclusion, and analysis for the Move Together program. * Participants did not have COVID-19 but were fearful of exposure. ** One participant got COVID-19 and dropped out, and two had falls not related to the program. *** 6MWT—six-minute walk test.

Figure 2

Anthropometric and fitness measures at baseline and post-intervention (nine weeks). Units of measurement: cm = centimeters; reps = repetitions; secs = seconds; m = meters.