Increasing Physical Activity through Technology, Feedback, and Education!
Daily physical activity reduces high blood pressure, weight, and the risks of diabetes and heart disease, which are all increased risk factors of infectious diseases. Another concern raised during the pandemic was the increased amount of sedentary behavior due to quarantine and isolation. More than 25% of older adults did not maintain the same intensity of physical activity including many individuals with underlying health conditions.
As the new normal becomes to stay at home and away from others, many older adults experienced significant social isolation. Researchers already warned the depth of the impact on the reduced social participation since older adults who are isolated and lonely are at risk for depression, cognitive dysfunction, disability, and increased mortality (Morley & Vellas, 2020). The spread of the COVID-19 is especially taking a heavy toll on older adults because many experiences chronic preexisting medical conditions and are more likely to suffer severe symptoms including death (Okoh et. al, 2020).
Nudging particularly vulnerable individuals such as minority older adults to increase their physical activity and develop long-term habits and a lifestyle of physical activity may have critical significance on their ability to avoid and recover from disease, as their immune system appears to be improved with physically active life habits such as moderately intense walks (Ferreira et al., 2020). In particular, several short periods of physical activity including aerobic activity, muscle strengthening, and balance and flexibility are especially beneficial for older adults to maintain their active lifestyle (Elsawy and Higgins, 2010). In light of COVID-19, the CDC lists several guidelines for community organizations to assist with underserved racial and ethnic minority communities to educate and to provide free or low-cost services. Health interventions adopted for local contexts and community cultures appear to be more effective than conventional approaches based on education and training (King and King, 2010). The research team aims to provide a channel of facilitating community level networks and engagement as well as activity resources that would directly influence older adults to promote their physical activity and social participation, which may buffer from chronic and infectious diseases.
This was a two-phase study designed to promote increased physical activity in older adults (age 65+) through feedback-based interventions and technology.
- Phase 1 was an 8-week at-home, self-report exercise intervention with a prescribed set of progressive daily activities that change bi-weekly and progress report charts. Different motivational strategies were used each week, such as emails and phone calls, to keep participants engaged and active.
- Phase 2 was a phone-based app that instructed participants in daily exercises, keeping track of their progress, and providing motivational messaging.
Check out the Senior Fit Study website for more information! https://seniorfitstudy.uta.edu/home/
