Internet Intervention Promotes Physical Activity in Sedentary Older Adults

Oregon Center for Applied Science

Status: Completed

Conditions: Sedentary Older Adults; Exercise

Treatments: Other: Internet exercise program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Industry; NIH

Identifiers

NCT01579240

R44AG020002 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

SBIR51 Sr. Exercise

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study evaluated the efficacy of a 12-week Internet intervention to help sedentary older adults adopt and maintain an exercise regimen. A total of 368 men and women over 55 years of age (x = 60.3; SD 4.9 ) were recruited and screened on line. They randomized into treatment and control groups and assessed at pre-test, 12 weeks, and at six months.

The multivariate model was significant at posttest (p = .001; large effect size) and at six months (p = .001; medium effect size). At posttest, intervention participation showed significant improvement on 13 of 14 outcome measures compared to the control group. At six months, treatment group participants were found to maintain large gains compared to the Ctrl participants on all 14 measures.

Full description

Based on the treatment group users self reported fitness level, activity goals, and self-identified barriers to exercise, the program helped users select exercise activities in the areas of endurance, flexibility, strengthening, and balance enhancement. They returned weekly for automated video and text support and education, with the option to change or increase in their exercise plan, and on-going problem solving to overcome barriers to exercise.

Enrollment: 368 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 55+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• > 54 years of age;
• < 61 minutes of exercise per week;
• internet connection; email address

Exclusion criteria

• too young;
• too active;
• no web access;
• no email

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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368 participants in 1 patient group

program visits

Experimental group

Description:

visits to intervention program

Treatment:

Other: Internet exercise program