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.
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Acknowledgments
The authors express their sincere appreciation to Susan H. Herrel, project coordinator, for this study; Bill Yauch and RiellyBoy Productions for DVD production; Erica Urrego, our DVD exercise leader; and Grant Henry, Lynda Matejkowski, Joyce O’Donnell, Bernard Puglisi, Paula Smith, and Peter Tan, our DVD exercise models. The authors also extend their thanks to Andrew Weil, MD, for the generous contribution of the Healthy Aging DVDs. Supported by the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health (Grant Number 2R01 AG20118).
Conflict of interest
Authors Neha P. Gothe, PhD, Thomas R. Wójcicki, PhD, Erin A. Olson, PhD, Jason Fanning, MS, Elizabeth Awick, MS, H. David Chung, MS, Krystle E. Zuniga, PhD, Michael J. Mackenzie, PhD, Robert W. Motl, PhD, and Edward McAuley, PhD, declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent
All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000 (5). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants for being included in the study.
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Gothe, N.P., Wójcicki, T.R., Olson, E.A. et al. Physical activity levels and patterns in older adults: the influence of a DVD-based exercise program. J Behav Med 38, 91–97 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-014-9581-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-014-9581-6