Web-based intervention to promote physical activity by sedentary older adults: randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) offers significant physical and cognitive benefits for older adults.
• Most seniors do not meet recommended PA guidelines, highlighting a need for effective interventions.
• Existing interventions often fall short in engaging sedentary older populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a 12-week Internet-based intervention.
• To promote adoption and maintenance of exercise regimens in sedentary adults over 55.
• To assess the long-term impact of the online program on physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 368 sedentary older adults (mean age 60.3) for an online assessment.
• Randomized participants into treatment and control groups, with assessments at baseline, 12 weeks, and 6 months.
• The intervention group received personalized exercise plans (endurance, flexibility, strength, balance) with weekly online support and problem-solving for barriers.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in 13 of 14 outcome measures were observed in the treatment group at 12 weeks (P=.001, large effect size).
• These substantial gains were maintained at 6 months, with significant improvements across all 14 outcome measures (P=.001, medium effect size).
• The online intervention demonstrated a large effect size in improving physical activity in older adults.

Conclusions:

• An online physical activity program can effectively enhance and sustain exercise in sedentary older adults.
• The study suggests a promising digital health approach for promoting active aging.
• Further research is recommended to validate self-report findings and explore effects in diverse older populations.