Digital Peer-Supported App Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults:...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Mobile apps can enhance physical activity levels.
• Older adults are increasingly using the internet, making app-based interventions feasible for this demographic.
• Digital peer support apps (DPSAs) combine app technology with peer support for health behavior change, an area not yet explored for physical activity in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using DPSAs in older adults.
• To assess the impact of DPSAs on physical activity and physical function in this population.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week nonrandomized controlled trial involving adults aged 65 years and older.
• Participants chose between an intervention group (DPSA + exercise instruction) or a control group (exercise instruction only).
• Feasibility was measured by retention and adherence rates; physical activity by accelerometers (step count, MVPA); physical function by grip strength and chair-stand tests.

Main Results:

• The DPSA intervention demonstrated good feasibility with 88% retention and 87.7% adherence.
• Intervention group participants increased daily step count by ≥1000 steps and MVPA by ≥10 minutes.
• DPSAs effectively increased physical activity, particularly in older adults with lower baseline activity levels.

Conclusions:

• DPSAs are a feasible intervention for enhancing physical activity in older adults.
• The study indicates positive effects on daily step count and MVPA.
• Future randomized controlled trials are recommended to further investigate DPSA effects on physical activity and function in older adults with low baseline activity.