Increasing the physical activity level in older women

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Authors
Gurnsey, Jennifer
Advisors
Rogers, Nicole L.
Issue Date
2012-05
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Thesis
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Abstract

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends older adults (OA) spend 30min/5d/wk engaging in moderate intensity physical activity (MVPA). PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of detailed feedback (FB) to increase OA time spent in MVPA compared to a verbal recommendation (VREC) and control (CON) group. METHODS: Sixty-eight women recruited from senior-based programs for an 8-wk, 3-intervention arm trial, were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: VREC, FB, and CON. Individuals meeting ACSM recommendations were excluded. All participants wore an accelerometer (ACCEL) to monitor 8 weeks of daily physical activity. VREC were read/received ACSM recommendations similar to mass media dialogue promoting MVPA and asked to meet recommendations by the 8-wk point. FB walked 3 d/wk on a monitored indoor walking track, and on their own 2 d/wk. FB received all VREC procedures, received MVPA walking instruction (HR monitored) and weekly ACCEL feedback (time spent in MVPA and MVPA goals for the next wk). CON continued their normal activities. RESULTS: Differences were noted between all 3 groups at Week 4 (p ≤ 0.05) and Week 8 (p ≤ 0.05). This reflects improvement in both the FB and VREC as well as a greater improvement by the FB compared to VREC. FB improved 264% over 8 weeks. VREC improved 85% from baseline to Week 8. There was no change in the CON. Difference between groups with respect to meeting ACSM recommendations (yes/no) were noted (, p ≤ 0.01). The only group to improve was FB. CONCLUSIONS: Providing simple feedback significantly improved time spent in moderate intensity physical activity by the 4th week. Based on the results of this study, which indicate that the detailed feedback is more effective than recommendation alone, this walking program should be implemented by healthcare providers as a means to improve the amount of moderate intensity physical activity engaged in by older adults.

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Thesis (M.A.)--Wichita State University, College of Health Professions, Dept. of Public Health Sciences
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Wichita State University
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