Dataset Information

Adding Mobile Elements to Online Physical Activity Interventions Targeted at Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: Protocol for a Systematic Design.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Physical activity (PA) can increase mental and physical health in adults aged 50 years and older. However, it has been shown that PA guidelines are often not met within this population. Therefore, our research group developed 2 computer-tailored intervention programs in the last decade to stimulate PA: Active Plus and I Move. Although these programs were proven effective, positive effects diminished over time and attrition rates were relatively high. To respond to this, we will integrate 3 interactive mobile elements into the existing programs: activity tracker, ecological momentary intervention program, and virtual coach app.

Objective

The goal of the research is to define systematic and evidence-based steps for extending our online computer-based PA intervention programs with 3 interactive mobile elements.

Methods

Components often included in other (eHealth) design models were identified as key components and served as a base for the definition of systematic steps: exploration of context, involvement of the target population, prototype and intervention testing, and implementation. Based on these key components, 10 systematic steps were defined. The initial step is a literature search, with the results serving as a base for development of the low-fidelity prototypes in step 2. The pilot phase comprises the 3rd to 6th steps and includes semistructured interviews, pilot tests, and adaptations of the prototypes with intensive involvement of the target population of adults aged 50 years and older, where particular attention will be paid to lower educated persons. The 7th step is an effect evaluation in the form of a randomized controlled trial. During the 8th step, the most effective intervention programs will be selected and reinforced. These reinforced intervention programs will be used during the design of an implementation plan in the 9th step and the subsequent field study in the 10th step.

Results

The project will be executed from December 2019 to December 2023. During this period, the systematic approach presented will be practically executed according to the methodological procedures described.

Conclusions

Based on the 4 identified key components, we were able to design an evidence-based systematic design approach for separately adding 3 mobile elements to our existing online PA intervention programs. The 10 steps are presented as a useful approach to guide future eHealth design studies.

International registered report identifier (irrid)

DERR1-10.2196/31677.

SUBMITTER: Collombon EHGM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9328785 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:The majority of the older Singaporean women aged 50 years and above are physically inactive and have unhealthy dietary habits, placing them at 'high risk' of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The adoption of regular physical activity (PA) and a healthy diet are essential lifestyle behaviours to reduce this risk. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) involves the development, implementation and evaluation of a PA and nutrition programme for community-dwelling Singaporean women who currently attend recreational centres (RCs are public facilities supporting social leisure activities) in their local area. The intervention will be developed after conducting formative evaluation with RC attendees and managers through focus group discussions and pilot testing of resources (i.e. surveys, accelerometers, and health booklets). Programme ambassadors (trained, certified fitness instructors and nutritionists) will deliver all sessions in English and Mandarin; implement classes to meet participants' varying needs; and conduct sessions at different times at convenient venues. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) has been selected as the theoretical framework to inform intervention strategies as it explores the interactions of human behaviour with the environment and has been found to be valuable when developing behavioural change interventions particularly in older adults (J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 67B(1):18-26, 2012; Obesity Reviews 15(12):983-95, 2014). Its major construct, self-efficacy, is invaluable in achieving successful behaviour change, such as increasing levels of PA or improving dietary intake (Trials. 2017; https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-016-1771-9 ; Psychol Health Med 18(6):714-24, 2013).The development and implementation of the PA and nutrition intervention strategies will be guided by SCT and Motivational interviewing (MI) and implemented by trained programme ambassadors at the RCs. Sixty RCs located in Singapore will be selected from five major geographical districts and randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 30) or control (n = 30) cluster. A sample of 600 (intervention n = 300; control n = 300) women aged 50 years and above will then be recruited from these 60 centres and only the intervention group will be enrolled into the PA and nutrition intervention. It is hypothesised that by the end of the intervention, the intervention group participants compared to the control group will show significantly greater improvements in the following outcome variables: PA and dietary behaviours, health-related quality of life, objective measures of PA, anthropometric, lipid and glucose profiles. Data will be collected at baseline and 6 months and analysed using mixed regression models.It is anticipated that recruitment, retention and compliance of participants will be challenging due to the target group being unfamiliar with such community-based research programmes.Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12617001022358. Registered on 14 July 2017. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=372984&isReview=true.