Do pedometers increase physical activity in sedentary older women? A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Sedentary lifestyles are prevalent among older adults, increasing risks for chronic diseases.
• Physical activity interventions are crucial for maintaining health and independence in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a behavior change intervention (BCI) for increasing physical activity in sedentary older women.
• To determine if incorporating a pedometer enhances the BCI's impact on physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled trial involving 204 sedentary women aged 70 and older.
• Interventions included a BCI, BCI with a pedometer, or usual care for six months.
• Primary outcome was change in daily activity counts measured by accelerometry.

Main Results:

• The BCI group showed a significant increase in activity counts at 3 months compared to the control and pedometer groups.
• By 6 months, activity levels in both intervention groups returned to near baseline, with no significant differences.
• No significant changes were observed in secondary outcomes, including physical performance, quality of life, or mood.

Conclusions:

• The behavior change intervention was effective in objectively increasing physical activity in sedentary older women.
• A pedometer did not provide additional benefits for physical activity but may have improved participant adherence to the trial.