Physical activity and nutrition behavioural outcomes of a home-based intervention program for seniors: a randomized controlled trial

Linda Burke (Lead / Corresponding author), Andy H Lee, Jonine Jancey, Liming Xiang, Deborah A Kerr, Peter A Howat, Andrew P Hills, Annie S Anderson

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    51 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    ABSTRACT:Background
    This intervention aimed to ascertain whether a low-cost, accessible, physical activity and nutrition program could improve physical activity and nutrition behaviours of insufficiently active 60–70 year olds residing in Perth, Australia.
    Methods A 6-month home-based randomised controlled trial was conducted on 478 older adults (intervention, n = 248; control, n = 230) of low to medium socioeconomic status. Both intervention and control groups completed postal questionnaires at baseline and postprogram, but only the intervention participants received project materials. A modified fat and fibre questionnaire measured nutritional behaviours, whereas physical activity was measured
    using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Generalised estimating equation models were used to assess the repeated outcomes over both time points.
    Results
    The final sample consisted of 176 intervention participants and 199 controls (response rate 78.5%) with complete data. After controlling for demographic and other confounding factors, the intervention group demonstrated increased participation in strength exercise (p < 0.001), walking (p = 0.029) and vigorous activity (p = 0.015), together with significant reduction in mean sitting time (p < 0.001) relative to controls. Improvements in nutritional behaviours for
    the intervention group were also evident in terms of fat avoidance (p < 0.001), fat intake (p = 0.021) and prevalence of frequent fruit intake (p = 0.008).
    Conclusions A minimal contact, low-cost and home-based physical activity program can positively influence seniors’ physical activity and nutrition behaviours
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number14
    Number of pages8
    JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
    Volume10
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2013

    Keywords

    • walking
    • fat avoidance
    • fibre intake
    • fruit intake
    • goal setting
    • sitting
    • strength exercise
    • vegetable intake

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Physical activity and nutrition behavioural outcomes of a home-based intervention program for seniors: a randomized controlled trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this