Texting Older Sisters to Step (TOSS) Using Fitbits to Promote Physical Activity: A Feasibility Study

Abstract Black women are disproportionately diagnosed with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Obesity is a preventable but complex, public health problem that is multifaceted, chronic, and approximately 58% of Black women 60 years and older are classified as obese, compared to 38% of their White counterparts. This 12 week, pre/post, 2-group study aimed to determine if a peer-informed physical activity (PA) intervention with peer support would be feasible among community- dwelling, obese, older Black women to promote regular PA. Forty-eight potential participants were screened, 24 categorized as obese were enrolled and completed the study. The mean age was 64 (SD 3.0) years. Steps were measured by a Fitbit-Inspire with data successfully collected on 98% of days with the treatment group averaging a daily increase of 700-steps more than the control. Evaluation of intervention’s acceptability revealed that 100% enjoyed the study and using the Fitbit device. Text message readability was 100% and 95% said the study was motivational. Additionally, 8.3% said daily prompts were too frequent, 12% indicated that future studies should include additional social support, and 88% did not comment on the Fitbit community option for support, suggesting that this feature was not practical. Findings demonstrated that this intervention meets the criteria of being scalable, low cost, feasible, and acceptable for the older Black women. Using self-monitoring techniques in combination with at least one other behavioral strategy, such as our TOSS messages (cues for motivation) as the delivery channel for health promotion messages are a promising approach to increase PA behaviors.

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Modifiable factors of vitamin D status among a Brazilian osteoporotic population attended a public outpatient clinic

Arquivos Brasileiros de Endocrinologia & Metabologia ◽

10.1590/0004-2730000003393 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 58 (5) ◽

pp. 572-582 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marília Brasilio Rodrigues Camargo ◽

llda Sizue Kunii ◽

Lilian Fukusima Hayashi ◽

Patrícia Muszkat ◽

Catherine Gusman Anelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Modifiable Factors ◽

The Mean

Objectives To evaluate the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in Brazilian osteoporotic patients and the modifiable factors of vitamin D status in this population. Subjects and methods In a cross-sectional study, 363 community-dwelling patients who sought specialized medical care were evaluated between autumn and spring in São Paulo, Brazil. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and parathormone (PTH), biochemical and anthropometric measurements, and bone density scans were obtained. The group was assessed using two questionnaires: one questionnaire covered lifestyle and dietary habits, skin phototype, sun exposure, medical conditions, and levels of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol); the other questionnaire assessed health-related quality-of-life. Logistic regression and a decision tree were used to assess the association between the variables and the adequacy of vitamin D status. Results The mean age of the overall sample was 67.9 ± 8.6 years, and the mean 25(OH)D concentration was 24.8 ng/mL. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin D status was high (73.3%), although 81.5% of the subjects were receiving cholecalciferol (mean dose of 8,169 IU/week). 25(OH)D was positively correlated with femoral neck bone mineral density and negatively correlated with PTH. In the multivariate analysis, the dose of cholecalciferol, engagement in physical activity and the month of the year (September) were associated with improvement in vitamin D status. Conclusions In this osteoporotic population, vitamin D supplementation of 7,000 IU/week is not enough to reach the desired 25(OH)D concentration (≥ 30 ng/mL). Engagement in physical activity and the month of the year are modifiable factors of the vitamin D status in this population.

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Feasibility of a 6-Month Exercise and Recreation Program to Improve Executive Functioning and Memory in Individuals With Chronic Stroke

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair ◽

10.1177/1545968310368684 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 24 (8) ◽

pp. 722-729 ◽

Cited By ~ 62

Author(s):

Debbie Rand ◽

Janice J. Eng ◽

Teresa Liu-Ambrose ◽

Amira E. Tawashy

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Executive Functioning ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Response Inhibition ◽

Dual Task ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Stroop Test ◽

Chronic Stroke ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

The Mean

Background. Physical activity is beneficial for improving cognitive function in healthy older adults. However, research results on the benefits of physical activity on cognitive performance after stroke are limited. Objective. To determine if a combined exercise and recreation program can improve the executive functioning and memory of individuals with chronic stroke. Methods. In all, 11 ambulatory participants with chronic stroke (mean age 67 ± 10.8 years) participated in a 6-month program of exercise for 2 hours and recreation for 1 hour weekly. Executive functions and memory were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months by a battery of standard neuropsychological tests, including response inhibition, cognitive flexibility, dual task (motor plus cognitive), and memory. Motor ability was also assessed. Nonparametric statistics were used to obtain the differences between the 3 assessments. Results . At baseline, substantial deficits in all aspects of executive functioning were revealed. From baseline to 3 months, the mean improvement was 10% ± 14% for the dual task (Walking While Talking), -3% ± 22% (χ 2 = 2.4; P > .05) for response inhibition (Stroop Test), and 61% ± 69% for memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test—long delay). From baseline to 6 months, the mean improvement was 7% ± 7.5% for response inhibition (Stroop Test). In addition, knee strength and walking speed improved significantly at 3 months. Conclusions. This pilot study suggests that exercise and recreation may improve memory and executive functions of community-dwelling individuals with stroke. Further studies require a larger sample size and a control group.

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Validity and usability of low-cost accelerometers for internet-based self-monitoring of physical activity in patients with COPD

10.1183/13993003.congress-2015.pa3555 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Martijn Vooijs ◽

Laurence Alpay ◽

Jiska Snoeck-Stroband ◽

Thijs Beerthuizen ◽

Petra Siemonsma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Low Cost ◽

Self Monitoring

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A novel model to quantify balance alterations in older adults based on the center of pressure (CoP) measurements with a cross-sectional study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0256129 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0256129

Author(s):

Ángel Gabriel Estévez-Pedraza ◽

Lorena Parra-Rodríguez ◽

Rigoberto Martínez-Méndez ◽

Otniel Portillo-Rodríguez ◽

Zoraida Ronzón-Hernández

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Fall Risk ◽

Center Of Pressure ◽

Low Cost ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Mean Velocity ◽

Cross Sectional

Background The timely detection of fall risk or balance impairment in older adults is transcendental because, based on a reliable diagnosis, clinical actions can be taken to prevent accidents. This study presents a statistical model to estimate the fall risk from the center of pressure (CoP) data. Methods This study is a cross-sectional analysis from a cohort of community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and over living in Mexico City. CoP balance assessments were conducted in 414 older adults (72.2% females) with a mean age of 70.23 ± 6.68, using a modified and previously validated Wii Balance Board (MWBB) platform. From this information, 78 CoP indexes were calculated and analyzed. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted in order to estimate the relationship between balance alteration and the CoP indexes and other covariables. Results The CoP velocity index in the Antero-Posterior direction with open eyes (MVELAPOE) had the best value of area under the curve (AUC) to identify a balance alteration (0.714), and in the adjusted model, AUC was increased to 0.827. Older adults with their mean velocity higher than 14.24 mm/s had more risk of presenting a balance alteration than those below this value (OR (Odd Ratio) = 2.94, p<0.001, 95% C.I.(Confidence Interval) 1.68–5.15). Individuals with increased age and BMI were more likely to present a balance alteration (OR 1.17, p<0.001, 95% C.I. 1.12–1.23; OR 1.17, p<0.001, 95% C.I. 1.10–1.25). Contrary to what is reported in the literature, sex was not associated with presenting a balance alteration (p = 0.441, 95% C.I. 0.70–2.27). Significance The proposed model had a discriminatory capacity higher than those estimated by similar means and resources to this research and was implemented in an embedded standalone system which is low-cost, portable, and easy-to-use, ideal for non-laboratory environments. The authors recommend using this technology to support and complement the clinical tools to attend to the serious public health problem represented by falls in older adults.

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Effectiveness of a resistance training program on physical function, muscle strength, and body composition in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care: a cluster-randomized controlled trial

European Review of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1186/s11556-020-00243-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hilde Bremseth Bårdstu ◽

Vidar Andersen ◽

Marius Steiro Fimland ◽

Lene Aasdahl ◽

Truls Raastad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Body Composition ◽

Resistance Training ◽

Home Care ◽

Physical Function ◽

Low Cost ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cluster Randomized ◽

Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Background Aging is associated with reduced muscle mass and strength leading to impaired physical function. Resistance training programs incorporated into older adults’ real-life settings may have the potential to counteract these changes. We evaluated the effectiveness of 8 months resistance training using easily available, low cost equipment compared to physical activity counselling on physical function, muscle strength, and body composition in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care. Methods This open label, two-armed, parallel group, cluster randomized trial recruited older adults above 70 years (median age 86.0 (Interquartile range 80–90) years) receiving home care. Participants were randomized at cluster level to the resistance training group (RTG) or the control group (CG). The RTG trained twice a week while the CG were informed about the national recommendations for physical activity and received a motivational talk every 6th week. Outcomes were assessed at participant level at baseline, after four, and 8 months and included tests of physical function (chair rise, 8 ft-up-and-go, preferred- and maximal gait speed, and stair climb), maximal strength, rate of force development, and body composition. Results Twelve clusters were allocated to RTG (7 clusters, 60 participants) or CG (5 clusters, 44 participants). The number of participants analyzed was 56–64 (6–7 clusters) in RTG and 20–42 (5 clusters) in CG. After 8 months, multilevel linear mixed models showed that RTG improved in all tests of physical function and maximal leg strength (9–24%, p = 0.01–0.03) compared to CG. No effects were seen for rate of force development or body composition. Conclusion This study show that resistance training using easily available, low cost equipment is more effective than physical activity counselling for improving physical function and maximal strength in community-dwelling older adults receiving home care. Trial registration ISRCTN1067873

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THE COYOACAN COHORT STUDY: DESIGN, METHODOLOGY, AND PARTICIPANTS’ CHARACTERISTICS OF A MEXICAN STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL MARKERS OF FRAILTY

Journal of Frailty & Aging ◽

10.14283/jfa.2013.11 ◽

2013 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

L. RUIZ-ARREGUI ◽

J.A. ÁVILA-FUNES ◽

H. AMIEVA ◽

S.A. BORGES-YÁÑEZ ◽

A. VILLA-ROMERO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

The Elderly ◽

Biological Data ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Face To Face ◽

Clinical Evaluations ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Cohort Study Design ◽

The Mean

Background:“Frailty” has emerged as a condition associated with an increased risk of functionaldecline among the elderly, which may be differentiated from aging, disability, and co-morbidities. Objective: TheMexican Study of Nutritional and Psychosocial Markers of Frailty among Community-Dwelling Elderly hasemerged to help answer many questions about frailty among the older adults. This report presents the design ofthe study and baseline data of its participants. Design: The “Coyoacan cohort” is a longitudinal observationalstudy developed in Mexico City. Participants:A representative sample of 1,294 non-institutionalized men andwomen aged 70 years and older were randomly recruited to undergo a face-to-face interview and acomprehensive geriatric assessment (including clinical evaluations and blood samples) between 2008 and 2009.Measurements:Data collected included socio-demographic and economic characteristics, medical history, oralhealth, drug use, cognitive function and mood, nutritional status, physical performance and functional status,physical activity, quality of life, social networks, and biological data. Frailty was defined as the presence of ≥3 ofthe following components: slowness, poor muscle strength, low physical activity, exhaustion and unintentionalweight loss. Results: A total of 1,124 participants completed the interview. The mean age was 79.5 ± 7.1 years,and 55.9% were female. Nine hundred and forty-five subjects completed the clinical evaluation and 743 bloodsamples were collected. The baseline prevalence of frailty was 14.1%. Conclusions:Understanding the medical,biological, and environmental factors that contribute to the phenomenon of frailty is the goal of the currentresearch in the field.

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Sweat the Fall Stuff: Physical Activity Moderates the Association of White Matter Hyperintensities With Falls Risk in Older Adults

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fnhum.2021.671464 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Rachel A. Crockett ◽

Ryan. S. Falck ◽

Elizabeth Dao ◽

Chun Liang Hsu ◽

Roger Tam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

White Matter ◽

White Matter Hyperintensities ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Falls Risk ◽

Experienced Radiologist

Background: Falls in older adults are a major public health problem. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are highly prevalent in older adults and are a risk factor for falls. In the absence of a cure for WMHs, identifying potential strategies to counteract the risk of WMHs on falls are of great importance. Physical activity (PA) is a promising countermeasure to reduce both WMHs and falls risk. However, no study has yet investigated whether PA attenuates the association of WMHs with falls risk. We hypothesized that PA moderates the association between WMHs and falls risk.Methods: Seventy-six community-dwelling older adults aged 70–80 years old were included in this cross-sectional study. We indexed PA using the Physical Activity Score for the Elderly (PASE) Questionnaire. Falls risk was assessed using the Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), and WMH volume (mm3) was determined by an experienced radiologist on T2-weighted and PD-weighted MRI scans. We first examined the independent associations of WMH volume and PASE score with PPA. Subsequently, we examined whether PASE moderated the relationship between WMH volume and PPA. We plotted simple slopes to interpret the interaction effects. Age, sex, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score were included as covariates in all models.Results: Participants had a mean age of 74 years (SD = 3 years) and 54 (74%) were female. Forty-nine participants (66%) had a Fazekas score of 1, 19 (26%) had a score of 2, and 6 (8%) a score of 3. Both PASE (β = −0.26 ± 0.11; p = 0.022) and WMH volume (β = 0.23 ± 0.11; p = 0.043) were each independently associated with PPA score. The interaction model indicated that PASE score moderated the association between WMH volume and PPA (β = −0.27 ± 0.12; p = 0.030), whereby higher PASE score attenuated the association between WMHs and falls risk.Conclusion: PA is an important moderator of falls risk. Importantly, older adults with WMH can reduce their risk of falls by increasing their PA.

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Determinants of Behaviour Change in a Multi-Component Telemonitoring Intervention for Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10081062 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 1062 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marije van Doorn-van Atten ◽

Lisette de Groot ◽

Jeanne de Vries ◽

Annemien Haveman-Nies

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Control Group ◽

Behaviour Change Techniques ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Behavioural Determinants

Optimal diet quality and physical activity levels are essential for healthy ageing. This study evaluated the effects of a multi-component telemonitoring intervention on behavioural determinants of diet quality and physical activity in older adults, and assessed the mediating role of these determinants and two behaviour change techniques in the intervention’s effects. A non-randomised controlled design was used including 214 participants (average age 80 years) who were allocated to the intervention or control group based on municipality. The six-month intervention consisted of self-measurements of nutritional outcomes and physical activity, education, and follow-up by a nurse. The control group received regular care. Measurements took place at baseline, after 4.5 months and at the end of the study. The intervention increased self-monitoring and improved knowledge and perceived behavioural control for physical activity. Increased self-monitoring mediated the intervention’s effect on diet quality, fruit intake, and saturated fatty acids intake. Improved knowledge mediated the effect on protein intake. Concluding, this intervention led to improvements in behavioural determinants of diet quality and physical activity. The role of the hypothesised mediators was limited. Insight into these mechanisms of impact provides directions for future development of nutritional eHealth interventions for older adults, in which self-monitoring may be a promising behaviour change technique. More research is necessary into how behaviour change is established in telemonitoring interventions for older adults.

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Feasibility and Acceptability of Using Pedometers as an Intervention Tool for Latinas

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.10.3.451 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 451-457 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Dorothy Pekmezi ◽

Shira Dunsiger ◽

Ronnesia Gaskins ◽

Brooke Barbera ◽

Becky Marquez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Stages Of Change ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Low Cost ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Chronic Illnesses ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Activity Behavior ◽

To Receive

Background:Due to high rates of inactivity and related chronic illnesses among Latinas,1 the current study examined the feasibility and acceptability of using pedometers as an intervention tool in this underserved population.Methods:Data were taken from a larger randomized, controlled trial2 and focused on the subsample of participants (N = 43) who were randomly assigned to receive a physical activity intervention with pedometers and instructions to log pedometer use daily and mail completed logs back to the research center each month for 6 months.Results:Retention (90.7% at 6 months) and adherence to the pedometer protocol (68.89% returned ≥ 5 of the 6 monthly pedometer logs) were high. Overall, participants reported increased physical activity at 6 months and credited pedometer use for helping them achieve these gains (75.7%). Participants who completed a high proportion (≥ 5/6) of pedometer logs reported significantly greater increases in physical activity and related process variables (stages of change, self-efficacy, behavioral processes of change, social support from friends) than those who were less adherent (completed < 5 pedometer logs).Conclusions:Pedometers constitute a low-cost, useful tool for encouraging self-monitoring of physical activity behavior in this at-risk group.

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Self-Care Posters Serve as a Low-Cost Option for Physical Activity Promotion of Hospital Nurses

Health Promotion Practice ◽

10.1177/1524839918763585 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 354-362 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marcella Raney ◽

Erin Van Zanten

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Low Cost ◽

Self Care ◽

Physical Activity Promotion ◽

Hospital Nurses ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Activity Promotion ◽

Short And Long Term ◽

The Impact

Hospital nurses play an important role in the nation’s short- and long-term patient care. At the same time, nurses often experience high levels of occupational stress and participate in low levels of physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of self-monitoring and a poster campaign on the PA behaviors of hospital nurses. Motivational and instructional exercise posters were hung in break rooms of experimental units and replaced biweekly for 8 weeks. A total of 26 nurses (control: n = 13; experimental: n = 13) wore accelerometers for 3 workdays pre-, mid-, and postintervention. Participants were provided a step counter at baseline and a PA report at each stage. Moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and step count (SC) increased pre- to midintervention for control (MVPA: 14.8 ± 7.6%; SC: 19.1 ± 7.8%) and experimental (MVPA: 26.7 ± 18.5%, SC: 17.6 ± 8.3%) participants. Physical activity levels returned to baseline postintervention for control ( p > .05) and increased mid- to postintervention for experimental (MVPA: 16.2 ± 5.2%, SC: 10.7 ± 4.7%, p < .05) participants. In conclusion, a low-cost, self-care poster campaign may increase PA levels of hospital nurses when combined with personalized PA feedback.

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