scholarly journals Examining Potential Psychosocial Mediators in a Physical Activity Intervention for Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 581-592
Author(s):  
Siobhan K McMahon ◽  
Beth Lewis ◽  
J Michael Oakes ◽  
Jean F Wyman ◽  
Weihua Guan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Psychosocial Mediators

The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial constructs targeted as potential mediators in a prior physical activity (PA) intervention study. This secondary analysis used data from 102 older adults randomized to one of four conditions—within a 2 (Interpersonal Strategies: yes, no) x 2 (Intrapersonal Strategies: yes, no) factorial design. We tested intervention effects on social support, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and goal attainment, and whether these constructs mediated intervention effects on PA. Participants who received interventions with interpersonal strategies, compared to those who did not, increased their readiness (post-intervention), the self-regulation subscale of self-assessment, and goal attainment (post-intervention, 6-months). Participants who received interventions with intrapersonal strategies, compared to those who did not, increased their social support from family (post-intervention). There was no statistically significant mediation. To understand mechanisms through which interventions increase older adults’ PA and to improve intervention effectiveness, researchers should continue to examine potential psychosocial mediators. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02433249.

scholarly journals “It makes me feel not so alone”: Features of the Choose to Move physical activity intervention that reduce loneliness in older adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thea Franke ◽  
Joanie Sims-Gould ◽  
Lindsay Nettlefold ◽  
Callista Ottoni ◽  
Heather A. McKay
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Baseline Factors ◽  
Meaningful Interaction

Abstract Background: Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and loneliness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) to describe factors within CTM components most likely to promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness.Methods:  CTM is a flexible, scalable, community-based health promoting physical activity intervention for older adults. Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n=458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults to understand how CTM facilitated or impeded their PA and social connectedness.Results: PA increased significantly from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased significantly from 3-6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained significantly above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Factors within CTM components that promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability.Conclusion: Health promoting interventions that focus on PA and social connectedness through group-based activities can effectively reduce social isolation and loneliness of older adults. Given the ‘epidemic of loneliness’ that plagues many countries currently, these kinds of interventions are timely and important. Research that further delineates mechanisms (e.g., sharing experiences vs. lectures), that modify the effect of an intervention on social connectedness outcomes for older adults engaged in community-based PA programs would be a welcome addition to the literature.

scholarly journals “It makes me feel not so alone”: features of the Choose to Move physical activity intervention that reduce loneliness in older adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thea Franke ◽  
Joanie Sims-Gould ◽  
Lindsay Nettlefold ◽  
Callista Ottoni ◽  
Heather A. McKay
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Baseline Factors ◽  
Meaningful Interaction

Abstract Background Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and loneliness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) to describe factors within CTM components most likely to promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness. Methods CTM is a flexible, scalable, community-based health promoting physical activity intervention for older adults. Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n = 458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults to understand how CTM facilitated or impeded their PA and social connectedness. Results PA increased significantly from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased significantly from 3 to 6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained significantly above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased significantly from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Factors within CTM components that promote social connectedness/reduce loneliness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability. Conclusion Health promoting interventions that focus on PA and social connectedness through group-based activities can effectively reduce social isolation and loneliness of older adults. Given the ‘epidemic of loneliness’ that plagues many countries currently, these kinds of interventions are timely and important. Research that further delineates mechanisms (e.g., sharing experiences vs. lectures), that modify the effect of an intervention on social connectedness outcomes for older adults engaged in community-based PA programs would be a welcome addition to the literature.

Adding family digital supports to classroom-based physical activity interventions to target in- and out-of-school activity: An evaluation of the Stay Active intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-228
Author(s):  
Bethany Forseth ◽  
Adrian Ortega ◽  
Paul Hibbing ◽  
Mallory Moon ◽  
Chelsea Steel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Family Based

Introduction: Interventions targeting multiple levels of influence and settings may have a greater impact on children’s total daily physical activity than those targeting a single setting. This study evaluated the addition of family supports to a classroom-based physical activity intervention. Methods: 6 schools were randomized to a remotely delivered classroom-based physical activity only (CBPA) or classroom-based physical activity plus family (CBPA+) arm. The latter added behavior change tools (e.g., self-regulation) delivered via text messages and newsletters to caregiver/child dyads. The intervention lasted for 7 weeks with a 1-week baseline and 1-week post-intervention assessment (9 weeks total). Children who enrolled in the evaluation study received a Garmin activity monitor, which was used to tailor the text messages and evaluate changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Caregivers completed surveys evaluating intervention acceptability. Results: The 53 child participants (CBPA n=35; CBPA+ n=18) were 9.7±0.7 years old, 64% were female, 59% were Black, and 23% were Hispanic/Latinx. Almost 90% of caregivers reported high satisfaction with the added family-based intervention content. Adherence to wearing the Garmin was higher in the CBPA+ arm. MVPA was low at baseline and during the first 3 weeks of the intervention (CBPA 7.5±3.1 minutes/day; CBPA+ 7.9±2.7 minutes/day) and increased by ~45 min/day by weeks 6-8 (CBPA 56.8±34.2 minutes/day; CBPA+ 49.2±18.7minutes/day). Changes in MVPA were similar between arms. Conclusion: The high acceptability and intervention engagement in the CBPA+ arm show promise for integrating mHealth tools to provide additional family support in multilevel multiapproach interventions targeting children’s physical activity.

scholarly journals Choose to Move: A Health Promoting Physical Activity Intervention Can Also Enhance Social Connectedness

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thea Franke ◽  
Joanie Sims-Gould ◽  
Lindsay Nettlefold ◽  
Callista Ottoni ◽  
Heather A. McKay
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Meaningful Interaction ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background: Despite the well-known health benefits of physical activity (PA), older adults are the least active citizens. Older adults are also at risk for loneliness. Given that lonely individuals are at risk for accelerated loss of physical functioning and health with age, PA interventions that aim to enhance social connectedness may decrease loneliness and increase long-term PA participation. The objectives of this mixed-method study are to: (1) evaluate whether an evidence-based PA intervention (Choose to Move; CTM) influenced PA and social connectedness differently among self-identified ‘lonely’ versus ‘not lonely’ older adults and (2) describe features of CTM that promote social connectedness.Methods:  Two community delivery partner organizations delivered 56 CTM programs in 26 urban locations across British Columbia. We collected survey data from participants (n=458 at baseline) at 0 (baseline), 3 (mid-intervention) and 6 (post-intervention) months. We conducted in depth interviews with a subset of older adults at baseline (n=43), mid-intervention (n=38) and post-intervention (n=19).Results: PA increased from baseline to 3 months in lonely and not lonely participants. PA decreased from 3-6 months in lonely participants; however, PA at 6 months remained above baseline levels in both groups. Loneliness decreased from baseline to 3 and 6 months in participants identifying as lonely at baseline. Features of CTM that influence social connectedness include: Activity coach characteristics/personality traits and approaches; opportunity to share information and experiences and learn from others; engagement with others who share similar/familiar experiences; increased opportunity for meaningful interaction; and accountability.Conclusion: PA interventions that focus on social connectedness, through group-based activities can improve the health of older adults by addressing both loneliness and PA. Building social connectedness within a PA intervention for older adults may support long term changes in PA behaviours.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Culturally Tailored Smartphone-delivered Physical Activity Intervention among Midlife African American Women (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney P Joseph ◽  
Barbara E Ainsworth ◽  
Kevin Hollingshead ◽  
Michael Todd ◽  
Colleen Keller
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
African American ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Discussion Board ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Increased Risk

BACKGROUND Performing regular aerobic physical activity (PA) is an important component for healthy aging. Yet, only 27-40% of African American (AA) women achieve national PA guidelines. Available data also show clear decline in PA as AA women transition from young adulthood (i.e., 25-44 years) into midlife. This decline of PA among during midlife coincides with increased risk for AA women developing cardiometabolic disease conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, effective efforts are needed to promote PA among sedentary AA women during midlife. OBJECTIVE To examine the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally tailored, smartphone-delivered PA intervention, originally developed to increase PA among AA women aged 24-49, among a slightly older sample of midlife AA women aged 50-65. METHODS A single-arm pre-posttest study design was implemented. Twenty insufficiently active AA (i.e., >60 minutes/week of PA) women between the ages of 50 and 65 years participated in the 4-month feasibility trial. The intervention, entitled Smart Walk, was delivered through the study Smart Walk smartphone application and text messages. Features available on the Smart Walk app include: personal profile pages, multi-media PA promotion modules, discussion board forums, and an activity tracking feature that integrates with Fitbit activity monitors. Self-reported PA and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) mediators targeted by the intervention (i.e., self-regulation, behavioral capability, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, social support) were assessed at baseline and 4-months. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using a post-intervention intervention satisfaction survey that included multiple choice and open-ended questions evaluating participant perceptions of the intervention and suggestions for intervention improvement. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine pre-post intervention changes in PA and SCT variables. Effect size estimates were calculated using the Pearson r test statistic. RESULTS Participants increased in moderate-to-vigorous PA (median 30 minutes/week increase, r =1.0, p=.002) and reported improvements in two theoretical mediators (self-regulation, r=.397, p=.012; behavioral capability, r=.440, p=.006). Nearly all participants (93%) indicated they would recommend intervention to a friend. Participant suggestions for improving the intervention included enhancing the intervention’s provisions of social support for PA. CONCLUSIONS Results provide preliminary support for feasibility of the smartphone-based approach to increase PA among middle-aged AA women. However, prior to larger scale implementation among midlife AA women, enhancements to the social support components of the intervention are warranted.

Role Of Self-regulation In A Community-based Physical Activity Intervention For Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (5S) ◽  
pp. 544
Author(s):  
Carly E. Babino ◽  
Michelle A. Peterson ◽  
Wan-chin Kuo ◽  
Randall J. Gretebeck ◽  
Kimberlee A. Gretebeck
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Community Based

scholarly journals Pathways to Increasing Adolescent Physical Activity and Wellbeing: A Mediation Analysis of Intervention Components Designed Using a Participatory Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Corder ◽  
André O. Werneck ◽  
Stephanie T. Jong ◽  
Erin Hoare ◽  
Helen Elizabeth Brown ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Psychosocial Mediators ◽  
Mentor Support ◽  
Leadership Class

We assessed which intervention components were associated with change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and wellbeing through proposed psychosocial mediators. Eight schools (n = 1319; 13–14 years) ran GoActive, where older mentors and in-class-peer-leaders encouraged classes to conduct two new activities/week; students gained points and rewards for activity. We assessed exposures: participant-perceived engagement with components (post-intervention): older mentorship, peer leadership, class sessions, competition, rewards, points entered online; potential mediators (change from baseline): social support, self-efficacy, group cohesion, friendship quality, self-esteem; and outcomes (change from baseline): accelerometer-assessed MVPA (min/day), wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh). Mediation was assessed using linear regression models stratified by gender (adjusted for age, ethnicity, language, school, BMI z-score, baseline values), assessing associations between (1) exposures and mediators, (2) exposures and outcomes (without mediators) and (3) exposure and mediator with outcome using bootstrap resampling. No evidence was found to support the use of these components to increase physical activity. Among boys, higher perceived teacher and mentor support were associated with improved wellbeing via various mediators. Among girls, higher perceived mentor support and perception of competition and rewards were positively associated with wellbeing via self-efficacy, self-esteem and social support. If implemented well, mentorship could increase wellbeing among adolescents. Teacher support and class-based activity sessions may be important for boys’ wellbeing, whereas rewards and competition warrant consideration among girls.

Social Cognitive Determinants of Physical Activity in Czech Older Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiri Mudrak ◽  
Pavel Slepicka ◽  
Steriani Elavsky
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Cognitive Model ◽  
Cognitive Constructs

We tested a social cognitive model of physical activity (PA) in the cultural context of the Czech Republic, a postcommunist central European country. In total, 546 older Czech adults (mean age = 68 years, data collected in 2013) completed a battery of questionnaires assessing indicators of PA and related social cognitive constructs, including self-efficacy, social support, and self-regulation strategies. Subsequently, a structural equation model was used to test the relationship between the social cognitive constructs and PA. Our analyses indicated an acceptable fit of the proposed model (CFI = .911; SRMR = .046; RMSEA = .073). Self-regulation was predicted by self-efficacy (β = .67) and social support (β = .23), which predicted PA (β = .45). The model explained 60.4% of the variance in PA self-regulation and 20.5% of the variance in PA participation. The results provide further evidence for the role of self-efficacy and social support in enabling PA in older adults, and suggest that this relationship is partially mediated by self-regulation.

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