IMProving older people's health through physical ACTivity: the implementation of a community-based framework to...

Outdoor environments such as recreational spaces with age-friendly exercise equipment offer promising and sustainable approaches to promote physical activity among older people. Strategies are needed to effectively engage older adults to use such spaces. The ENJOY IMP-ACT project aimed to increase physical activity participation among older people through a structured implementation framework across six communities in Victoria, Australia.

This hybrid type II implementation study used a pre-post mixed methods design across six public parks. Following a 3-month control phase, local councils implemented a 9-month TERM framework intervention (Training, Engagement, Resource development, and Marketing), followed by 3-months maintenance. Direct observations assessed park usage, user demographics, use of Seniors Exercise Park equipment and participation in physical activity. Intercept surveys with older park users collected physical activity levels and health-related characteristics. Generalised linear models were used to evaluate the number of older park users engaging in physical activity, while regression models adjusted for key sociodemographic characteristics were used to examine their physical activity levels.

A total of 12,444 visitors attended the six parks during all data collection periods, 15% (n = 1,884) were older people. The number of older park users was four times higher following the intervention (at 9-months intervention, IRR 4.03; 95% CI 2.55; 6.36) relative to the baseline period. The number of older people who were physically active in the parks was also higher at the 9-months intervention period (IRR 2.03; 95% CI 1.50, 2.75). Across study periods, 301 intercept surveys were collected. In the intervention and maintenance periods, over 70% of respondents met recommended physical activity levels although no change was observed following the intervention amongst park users.

The TERM intervention incorporating various community engagement and capacity building activities led to increased usage of active park equipment by older adults, demonstrating the value of a collaborative framework involving councils and community members.

This trial is prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Trial registration number ACTRN12622001256763. Date registered 20/09/2022.  https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622001256763.aspx .