scholarly journals Evaluation of a Blended Physical Activity Intervention for Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/16380 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. e16380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumit Mehra ◽  
Jantine van den Helder ◽  
Bart Visser ◽  
Raoul H H Engelbert ◽  
Peter J M Weijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
The Self ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Blended Intervention

Background Physical activity can prolong the ability of older adults to live independently. Home-based exercises can help achieve the recommended physical activity levels. A blended intervention was developed to support older adults in performing home-based exercises. A tablet and a personal coach were provided to facilitate the self-regulation of exercise behavior. Objective In line with the Medical Research Council framework, this study aimed to carry out process evaluation of a blended intervention. The objectives were (1) to assess the long-term usability of the tablet adopted in the blended intervention and (2) to explore how the tablet, in conjunction with a personal coach, supported older adults in performing home-based exercises. Methods The process evaluation was conducted with a mixed-methods approach. At baseline, older adults participating in the blended intervention were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their general experience with information and communication technology (ICT) devices and rate their own skill level. After 6 months, participants filled out the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of use (USE) questionnaire to assess the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use of the tablet. With a random selection of participants, in-depth interviews were held to explore how the tablet and coach supported the self-regulation. The interviews were double coded and analyzed with the directed content analysis method. Results At baseline, 29% (65/224) of participants who started the intervention (mean age 72 years) filled out the ICT survey and 36% (37/103) of participants who used the tablet for 6 months (mean age 71 years) filled out the USE questionnaire. Furthermore, with 17% (18/103) of participants (mean age 73 years), follow-up interviews were held. The results of the baseline questionnaire showed that the large majority of participants already had experience with a tablet, used it regularly, and reported being skillful in operating ICT devices. After 6 months of use, the participants rated the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use of the tablet on average as 3.8, 4.2, and 4.1, respectively, on a 5-point scale. The analysis of the interviews showed that the participants felt that the tablet supported action planning, behavior execution, and self-monitoring. On the other hand, especially during the first few months, the personal coach added value during the goal setting, behavior execution, and evaluation phases of self-regulation. Conclusions The results of the process evaluation showed that older adults who participated in the study were positive about the blended intervention that was designed to support them in performing home-based exercises. Participants reported that the tablet helped them to perform the exercises better, more frequently, and safely. It supported them in various phases of self-regulation. The availability of a personal coach was nevertheless crucial. To support physical activity in older adults, a blended approach is promising.

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Blended Physical Activity Intervention for Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumit Mehra ◽  
Jantine van den Helder ◽  
Bart Visser ◽  
Raoul H H Engelbert ◽  
Peter J M Weijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
The Self ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Blended Intervention

BACKGROUND Physical activity can prolong the ability of older adults to live independently. Home-based exercises can help achieve the recommended physical activity levels. A blended intervention was developed to support older adults in performing home-based exercises. A tablet and a personal coach were provided to facilitate the self-regulation of exercise behavior. OBJECTIVE In line with the Medical Research Council framework, this study aimed to carry out process evaluation of a blended intervention. The objectives were (1) to assess the long-term usability of the tablet adopted in the blended intervention and (2) to explore how the tablet, in conjunction with a personal coach, supported older adults in performing home-based exercises. METHODS The process evaluation was conducted with a mixed-methods approach. At baseline, older adults participating in the blended intervention were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their general experience with information and communication technology (ICT) devices and rate their own skill level. After 6 months, participants filled out the Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of use (USE) questionnaire to assess the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use of the tablet. With a random selection of participants, in-depth interviews were held to explore how the tablet and coach supported the self-regulation. The interviews were double coded and analyzed with the directed content analysis method. RESULTS At baseline, 29% (65/224) of participants who started the intervention (mean age 72 years) filled out the ICT survey and 36% (37/103) of participants who used the tablet for 6 months (mean age 71 years) filled out the USE questionnaire. Furthermore, with 17% (18/103) of participants (mean age 73 years), follow-up interviews were held. The results of the baseline questionnaire showed that the large majority of participants already had experience with a tablet, used it regularly, and reported being skillful in operating ICT devices. After 6 months of use, the participants rated the usefulness, satisfaction, and ease of use of the tablet on average as 3.8, 4.2, and 4.1, respectively, on a 5-point scale. The analysis of the interviews showed that the participants felt that the tablet supported action planning, behavior execution, and self-monitoring. On the other hand, especially during the first few months, the personal coach added value during the goal setting, behavior execution, and evaluation phases of self-regulation. CONCLUSIONS The results of the process evaluation showed that older adults who participated in the study were positive about the blended intervention that was designed to support them in performing home-based exercises. Participants reported that the tablet helped them to perform the exercises better, more frequently, and safely. It supported them in various phases of self-regulation. The availability of a personal coach was nevertheless crucial. To support physical activity in older adults, a blended approach is promising.

scholarly journals Translating Behavior Change Principles Into a Blended Exercise Intervention for Older Adults: Design Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumit Mehra ◽  
Bart Visser ◽  
Tessa Dadema ◽  
Jantine van den Helder ◽  
Raoul HH Engelbert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Change Principles ◽  
Remote Feedback ◽  
Blended Intervention

BACKGROUND Physical activity can prevent or delay age-related impairments and prolong the ability of older adults to live independently. Community-based programs typically offer classes where older adults can exercise only once a week under the guidance of an instructor. The health benefits of such programs vary. Exercise frequency and the duration of the program play a key role in realizing effectiveness. An auxiliary home-based exercise program can provide older adults the opportunity to exercise more regularly over a prolonged period of time in the convenience of their own homes. Furthermore, mobile electronic devices can be used to motivate and remotely guide older adults to exercise in a safe manner. Such a blended intervention, where technology is combined with personal guidance, needs to incorporate behavior change principles to ensure effectiveness. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify theory-based components of a blended intervention that supports older adults to exercise at home. METHODS The Medical Research Council framework was used to develop the blended intervention. Insights from focus group, expert panels, and literature were combined into leading design considerations. RESULTS A client-server system had been developed that combined a tablet app with a database in the cloud and a Web-based dashboard that can be used by a personal coach to remotely monitor and guide older adults. The app contains several components that facilitate behavior change—an interactive module for goal setting, the ability to draw up a personal training schedule from a library containing over 50 exercise videos, progress monitoring, and possibilities to receive remote feedback and guidance of a personal coach. CONCLUSIONS An evidence-based blended intervention was designed to promote physical activity among older adults. The underlying design choices were underpinned by behavior change techniques that are rooted in self-regulation. Key components of the tablet-supported intervention were a tailored program that accommodates individual needs, demonstrations of functional exercises, monitoring, and remote feedback. The blended approach combines the convenience of a home-based exercise program for older adults with the strengths of mobile health and personal guidance.

scholarly journals Screening for frailty in older adults using a self-reported instrument

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniella Pires Nunes ◽  
Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira Duarte ◽  
Jair Lício Ferreira Santos ◽  
Maria Lúcia Lebrão
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Screening Instrument ◽  
The Self ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Frailty Phenotype ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Physical Strength

OBJECTIVE To validate a screening instrument using self-reported assessment of frailty syndrome in older adults.METHODS This cross-sectional study used data from the Saúde, Bem-estar e Envelhecimento study conducted in Sao Paulo, SP, Southeastern Brazil. The sample consisted of 433 older adult individuals (≥ 75 years) assessed in 2009. The self-reported instrument can be applied to older adults or their proxy respondents and consists of dichotomous questions directly related to each component of the frailty phenotype, which is considered the gold standard model: unintentional weight loss, fatigue, low physical activity, decreased physical strength, and decreased walking speed. The same classification proposed in the phenotype was utilized: not frail (no component identified); pre-frail (presence of one or two components), and frail (presence of three or more components). Because this is a screening instrument, “process of frailty” was included as a category (pre-frail and frail). Cronbach’s α was used in psychometric analysis to evaluate the reliability and validity of the criterion, the sensitivity, the specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values. Factor analysis was used to assess the suitability of the proposed number of components.RESULTS Decreased walking speed and decreased physical strength showed good internal consistency (α = 0.77 and 0.72, respectively); however, low physical activity was less satisfactory (α = 0.63). The sensitivity and specificity for identifying pre-frail individuals were 89.7% and 24.3%, respectively, while those for identifying frail individuals were 63.2% and 71.6%, respectively. In addition, 89.7% of the individuals from both the evaluations were identified in the “process of frailty” category.CONCLUSIONS The self-reported assessment of frailty can identify the syndrome among older adults and can be used as a screening tool. Its advantages include simplicity, rapidity, low cost, and ability to be used by different professionals.

Home-Based Physical Activity Program Improves Depression and Anxiety in Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 692-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Aguiñaga ◽  
Diane K. Ehlers ◽  
Elizabeth A. Salerno ◽  
Jason Fanning ◽  
Robert W. Motl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Self Worth

Background: Late-life depression and anxiety among older adults is an important public health concern. This study examined the effect of a DVD-delivered exercise intervention on the secondary outcomes of depression and anxiety in older adults and the extent to which physical self-worth mediated the relationship between leisure-time physical activity and depression and anxiety. Methods: Older adults (N = 307) were randomized to a 6-month flexibility, toning, and balance DVD (FlexToBa™, FTB) or healthy aging DVD control. Self-reported physical activity and questionnaires were administered at baseline and postintervention. Statistical analyses were conducted in the total sample and in a subsample of participants with elevated levels of depression or anxiety. Results: FTB participants with elevated depression and anxiety symptoms at baseline had significantly greater reductions in depression and anxiety (d = 1.66 and 2.90) than the control condition (d = 0.77 and 0.73). The effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety was partially mediated by increases in physical self-worth in the total sample but not in those with elevated depression or anxiety. Conclusion: A home-based physical activity intervention may be a viable treatment for reducing depression and anxiety in older adults with elevated baseline scores.

Understanding the Relationship Between Pet Ownership and Physical Activity Among Older Community-Dwelling Adults—A Mixed Methods Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-139
Author(s):  
Mandy Peacock ◽  
Julie Netto ◽  
Polly Yeung ◽  
Joanne McVeigh ◽  
Anne-Marie Hill
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Pet Ownership ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Daily Step Count

Pet ownership is associated with increased levels of physical activity (PA) in older adults. Studies have mainly focused on the association between PA and dog walking; however, broader aspects of pet ownership may influence PA. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between pet ownership and incidental and purposeful PA using a mixed methods approach. Participants’ (N = 15) PA was measured for 7 days using accelerometers and diaries. Semistructured interviews explored participants’ perspectives regarding pet-related activities. Participants’ mean (SD) daily step count was 14,204 (5,061) steps, and mean (SD) sedentary time per day was 8.76 (1.18) hr. Participants strongly concurred that their pets were an integral part of their daily lives. Incidental and purposeful PA resulted from participants undertaking pet care and socially interacting with their pets. Pets may interrupt sedentary behaviors by nudging older adults to engage in PA as part of their daily lived experience.

Conducting a Mixed-Methods Study with Older Adults in Five Languages: Lessons from the Field

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Catherine E. Tong ◽  
Joanie Sims-Gould
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Visible Minority ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Canadian Population

ABSTRACT One third of older adults in Canada are foreign-born, yet there is a dearth of literature on this population. When our team set out to engage in a mixed-methods study on the physical activity and mobility of foreign-born older adults (FBOAs), we found limited guidance. The objective of this Research Note is to share the lessons that we learned in implementing a mixed-methods study in five languages, with 49 visible minority FBOAs from diverse ethno-cultural groups. With an emphasis on practical implementation, here we share our reflections on early community engagement, linguistic accessibility and literacy considerations, facilitating communication with the research team, creating a support role for multilingual family members, organisational suggestions, and working with interpreters and monolingual transcribers. The older Canadian population is projected to become increasingly diverse in the coming decades, and it is our hope that this note will further facilitate research in this understudied area.

Correlates of Self-Regulation for Physical Activity Among Older Adults

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 710-719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Rene Umstattd ◽  
Ruth Saunders ◽  
Sara Wilcox ◽  
Robert F. Valois ◽  
Marsha Dowda
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Regulation
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