Internet Intervention Promotes Physical Activity in Sedentary Older Adults

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Exercise; Sedentary Older Adults
• Interventions: Other: Internet exercise program

• Registration Number: NCT01579240
• Lead Sponsor: Oregon Center for Applied Science, Inc.

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2006-02
• Primary Completion: 2006-10
• Study Completion: 2006-10
• Status Verified: 2006-12
• Study First Submitted: 2012-04-13
• Study First Submitted QC: 2012-04-16
• Last Update Submitted: 2012-04-16
• Study First Posted: 2012-04-17
• Last Update Posted: 2012-04-17

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 368

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
program visits	Internet exercise program	visits to intervention program

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cardiovascular exercise	Baseline-6 months	Self report: minutes/week

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Psycho-social measures (attitudes, knowledge, self efficacy, intentions)	Baseline - 6 months.	Self rated survey items

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

ORCAS; 🇺🇸 Eugene, Oregon, United States