Physical activity levels and patterns in older adults: the influence of a DVD-based exercise program

  • Neha P. Gothe
  • , Thomas R. Wójcicki
  • , Erin A. Olson
  • , Jason Fanning
  • , Elizabeth Awick
  • , H. David Chung
  • , Krystle E. Zuniga
  • , Michael J. Mackenzie
  • , Robert W. Motl
  • , Edward McAuley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

The use of multimedia to influence health behaviors offers unique advantages over more traditional center-based programs, however, little is known about the effectiveness of such approaches in improving physical activity levels over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a progressive and age-appropriate, DVD-delivered exercise program in promoting physical activity levels among older adult cohorts. Community dwelling older adults (N = 307, Mean age = 71 years) were randomized to one of two groups: a 6-month home-based DVD-delivered exercise (i.e., FlexToBa™) intervention group or a healthy aging DVD control group. Physical activity was assessed objectively using a standard 7-day accelerometer wear period and subjectively using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, at baseline and follow-up. Analysis of covariances indicated a statistically significant treatment effect for subjectively [F(1,250) = 8.42, P = .004, η2 = .03] and objectively [F(1,240) = 3.77, P = .05, η2 = .02] measured physical activity. The older cohort (>70) in the FlexToBa condition further had significantly larger improvements in physical activity levels compared to their younger counterparts. From a public health perspective, media-delivered interventions such as the FlexToBa program might prove to be cost-effective, have a broader reach and at the same time be effective in improving physical activity levels in older adults.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)91-97
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2014

Keywords

  • Accelerometer
  • DVD-delivered exercise
  • Home-based program
  • Physical activity

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