Enhancing the Physical Activity Levels of Frail Older Adults with a Wearable Activity Tracker-Based Exercise Intervention: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
; 18(19)2021 09 30.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34639644
A wearable activity tracker (WAT) incorporated with behavioral change techniques (BCTs) increases physical activity in younger adults; however, its effectiveness with frail older adults is unknown. The feasibility and preliminary effects of a WAT-based exercise intervention to increase physical activity levels in frail older adults was investigated in this pilot study involving 40 community-dwelling frail older adults. The experimental group received a 14-week WAT-based group exercise intervention and a 3-month follow-up, while the control group only received similar physical training and all BCTs. The recruitment rate was 93%, and the average attendance rate was 85.2% and 82.2% in the WAT and control groups, respectively, establishing feasibility. Adherence to wearing the WAT was 94.2% and 92% during the intervention and follow-up periods, respectively. A significant interaction effect between time and group was found in all physical assessments, possibly lasting for 3 months post-intervention. However, no significant difference between groups was observed in any daily activity level by the ActiGraph measurement. The majority of the WAT group's ActiGraph measurements reverted to baseline levels at the 1-month follow-up. Thus, the WAT-based exercise program has potential for employment among community-dwelling frail older adults, but sustaining the effects after the intervention remains a major challenge.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Frail Elderly
/
Fitness Trackers
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
Limits:
Aged
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Int J Environ Res Public Health
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Country of publication: