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Elsevier, Preventive Medicine Reports, (2), p. 595-597, 2015

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2015.07.008

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A novel approach to the issue of physical inactivity in older age

Journal article published in 2015 by Anne Tiedemann, Leanne Hassett ORCID, Catherine Sherrington
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Objective: Well-designed exercise can prevent falls in older people but previous research indicates that promoting general physical activity may increase falls. This study aimed to evaluate uptake and adherence to a physical activity promotion and fall prevention intervention among community-dwelling people aged 60. + years. Methods: This was a process evaluation of intervention group data from an ongoing randomised controlled trial. Participants were 38 Australian community-dwelling older people assigned to intervention group who had completed 3. months of a physical activity and fall prevention intervention. Study measures included baseline daily step count assessed by Actigraph accelerometers, 12. week follow-up step count assessed by Fitbit pedometers and rating of participant engagement with the health coaching intervention. Results: 35 participants remained in the study at week 12 and were analysed. Mean daily steps significantly increased in week 12 compared with steps at baseline (change in mean = 1101 steps, 95% CI: 285-1917, p = 0.01). Health coaching engagement was rated as high for 19 people (54%), medium for 12 (34%) and low for 4 people (12%). All participants used the Fitbit to provide feedback about daily activity. Conclusion: The excellent intervention compliance and promising physical activity results demonstrate the acceptability and feasibility of this novel intervention.