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Updated: May 30, 2026
11:21
Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study: design and methods
Roger A Fielding1, W Jack Rejeski, Steven Blair
1Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, and Sarcopenia Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA. roger.fielding@tufts.edu
Summary
The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study investigated if physical activity prevents major mobility disability in older adults. Results are expected to inform public health strategies for aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Maintaining functional independence in older adults is a public health priority.
- Mobility loss in seniors is linked to adverse health outcomes and reduced quality of life.
- Evidence is lacking on preventing major mobility disability through physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if a supervised physical activity program can prevent major mobility disability in sedentary older adults.
- To compare the efficacy of physical activity versus health education in promoting successful aging.
- To address the need for Phase 3 evidence on mobility disability prevention.
Main Methods:
- The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study is a Phase 3 multicenter randomized controlled trial.
- 1,600 sedentary older adults were randomized to either a physical activity program or a health education program.
- Participants were followed for an average of 2.7 years.
Main Results:
- The primary outcome is major mobility disability, defined as the inability to walk 400 meters.
- Secondary outcomes include cognitive function, fall injuries, and activities of daily living.
- Cost-effectiveness and combined outcomes (disability or death) were also assessed.
Conclusions:
- The study's findings will have significant public health implications.
- Results will inform interventions for the growing population of older adults.
- Evidence from this trial is crucial for promoting independence in aging.
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