Leveraging Social Networks: a Novel Physical Activity Intervention for Senior Housing

This pilot study will test the feasibility of pairing a social network-based approach with a 6-week Occupational Therapist (OT)-led intervention administered remotely (via Zoom) to increase physical function and activity among residents of a HUD subsidized independent-living senior housing community. The intervention is called Tele-Video to Improve Daily Activity (T-VIDA) and will be administered with two cohorts of residents in a single community. The study has two main goals: 1) To determine if an OT-led program administered remotely over the internet using Zoom is useful in helping residents increase their physical activity; and 2) to determine if involving respected members of the community in the program as Advisory Committee members has an impact on how much other residents participate in program activities and engage in behaviors discussed. The OT intervention will be comprised of a combination of adapted components from multiple evidence-based interventions including individual meetings with an OT and OT-led group sessions. To evaluate the intervention pre- and post-program interviews will be conducted with participants over the phone, and activity monitoring will be conducted after both the pre- and post-program interviews for 7-days using an activity monitoring device. The following hypotheses will be tested: 1) at least 75% (3 of 4) of identified residents will accept the invitation to serve on the Advisory Committee; 2) Advisory Committee Members will attend at least 2 of 3 committee meetings; 3) Participants will on average participate in at least 70% (7 of 10) of intervention activities; 4) Residents knowing one or more committee members at baseline will participate in more intervention activities compared to those who do not; and 5) The influence of knowing a committee member on participation will be greater among residents reporting more pain at baseline compared to those reporting less pain.