Multilevel mHealth Intervention Increases Physical Activity of Older Adults Living in Retirement Community

Katie R Hosteng; Jacob E Simmering; Linnea A Polgreen; James F Cremer; Alberto M Segre; Shelby L Francis; Kara M Whitaker; Philip M Polgreen; Lucas J Carr

doi:10.1123/jpah.2020-0592

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Multilevel mHealth Intervention Increases Physical Activity of Older Adults Living in Retirement Community

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Multilevel mHealth Intervention Increases Physical Activity of Older Adults Living in Retirement Community

Katie R Hosteng, Jacob E Simmering, Linnea A Polgreen, James F Cremer, Alberto M Segre, Shelby L Francis, Kara M Whitaker, Philip M Polgreen and Lucas J Carr

Journal of physical activity & health, Vol.18(7), pp.851-857

07/01/2021

DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0592

PMCID: PMC10170790

PMID: 34039774

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10170790/pdf/nihms-1893933.pdfView

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Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity is crucial for healthy aging, but older adults are the least active age group. This study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a multilevel mHealth intervention for increasing physical activity of older adults living in a retirement community. Methods: Participants included 54 older adults (mean age = 81.2 y, 77.8% female, 98.1% white) living in a retirement community. Participants received a Fitbit Zip and access to a multilevel mHealth physical activity intervention (MapTrek Residential) for 8 weeks. Physical activity (in steps per day) and intervention compliance (days worn) were measured objectively with the Fitbit for 12 weeks (8-wk intervention plus 4-wk follow-up). Psychosocial outcomes (social support, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations) were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. Acceptability outcomes were assessed with an open-ended process evaluation survey and focus groups. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed models were used to examine intervention effects. Results: Participants increased daily steps from 5438 steps per day at baseline (95% CI, 4620 to 6256) to 6201 steps per day (95% CI, 5359 to 7042) at week 8 (P <.0001) but this was not maintained at 12 weeks (P =.92). Conclusions: Our multilevel mHealth physical activity intervention was effective for increasing physical activity older adults over 8 weeks. Additional research focused on maintaining physical activity gains with this approach is warranted.

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Science & Technology

Details

Title: Subtitle: Multilevel mHealth Intervention Increases Physical Activity of Older Adults Living in Retirement Community
Creators: Katie R Hosteng - University of Iowa
Jacob E Simmering - Univ Iowa, Dept Internal Med, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Linnea A Polgreen - University of Iowa
James F Cremer - Univ Iowa, Dept Comp Sci, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Alberto M Segre - Univ Iowa, Dept Comp Sci, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Shelby L Francis - Univ Iowa, Dept Internal Med, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Kara M Whitaker - University of Iowa
Philip M Polgreen - Univ Iowa, Dept Internal Med, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
Lucas J Carr - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of physical activity & health, Vol.18(7), pp.851-857
DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0592
PMID: 34039774
PMCID: PMC10170790
NLM abbreviation: J Phys Act Health
ISSN: 1543-3080
eISSN: 1543-5474
Publisher: HUMAN KINETICS PUBL INC
Number of pages: 7
Grant note: ICTS Pilot Grant Program for Clinical and Translational Studies
Language: English
Date published: 07/01/2021
Academic Unit: Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine; Infectious Diseases; Health Management and Policy; Epidemiology; Economics; Nursing; Pharmacy Practice and Science; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Injury Prevention Research Center; Computer Science; Health, Sport, and Human Physiology ; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984245773302771

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