Acceptability and feasibility of an online physical activity program for women over 50: a pilot trial.

Regular physical activity benefits health at all ages. Women in middle-age years often juggle carer and work responsibilities. We investigated the acceptability, feasibility, and effect of a scalable physical activity program targeting this group. Participants were randomly assigned to immediate access to the [Active Women over 50 Online] program or after a 3-month wait. [Active Women over 50 Online] program included: (1) study-specific website with information, case studies and links to physical activity opportunities, (2) email or SMS motivation-based messages, (3) telephone health-coaching session. We recruited 62 participants, who were on average aged 59 years, active, and had at least two medical conditions. At the 3-month follow-up, 83% of participants would recommend study participation. Participants who received the program immediately agreed to receive health coaching (81%) and messages (87%). They accessed an average of five web sessions each in a 3-month period and reported the program supported their physical activity. These participants were also more likely to take an average of 2000+ daily steps more than at baseline, and increased their physical activity at light, moderate, and vigorous intensities more than those who had not received the program. The high uptake, engagement, positive recommendation, and promising impact on physical activity warrants further program testing in a larger trial.