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Effects of a physical activity and healthy eating intervention to reduce stroke risk factors in older adults
Amy L Silva-Smith1, Julie Fleury, Michael Belyea
1Graduate Nursing Department, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, United States.
Objective:
To evaluate the effects of a theory-based physical activity and healthy eating intervention aimed at reducing stroke risk factors among overweight/obese and sedentary older adults.
Methods:
Between 12/2009-1/2011, participants (n=69) were randomly assigned to an 8-week group motivational intervention or biweekly newsletters by mail. Physical activity (blinded pedometer, 7-day recall) body composition, theoretical mediator, and dietary (24-hour recall) variables were measured at pre-test and post-test. The physical activity and dietary outcomes are reported.
Results:
For outcome measures, the follow-up was 90% for the intervention group (n=29) and 91% for the control group (n=34) for this sample. Statistically significant differences in the 7-day physical activity self-report were noted at post-test in the intervention group. The dietary measures were not statistically significant at post-test; however, the intervention group increased the quantity of vegetable servings.
Conclusion:
Limited efficacy testing was supported for a combined physical activity-dietary intervention, framed by a wellness-motivation theory, and designed to reduce stroke risk factors in older adults who are sedentary and overweight/obese. Limitations were identified and recommendations for additional research provided.
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