Increasing Physical Activity in Empty Nest and Retirement Populations: A Feasibility Trial of an Online Intervention
Condition: Physical Activity; Health Promotion
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Internet-based health promotion programs have the potential to reach more individuals than in
      person interventions, without overtaxing healthcare resources. Having a high quality,
      user-centered web-based program can help maximize user engagement and adherence. Thus, the
      primary objective of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a
      web-based physical activity behavior change program on recently retired and/or empty nest
      populations. The primary research question is: Is it worthwhile to conduct a larger scale
      eHealth study targeting empty nest and/or retired populations based on preliminary results
      and feedback from this pilot study. We will also be examining changes other behavioral
      indicators related to physical activity as a secondary outcome measure.
    

Detailed description: 
      Background: Physical activity is associated with management and/or prevention of over 25
      chronic health conditions; however the majority of adults in North America are not active
      enough to experience these benefits. Behavioral strategies have been shown to be effective
      for increasing physical activity, and our online platform includes components of several
      behavioral strategies including goal setting and feedback.

      Target Population: Sedentary adults who have recently (within 6 months of enrollment)
      retired, or had their last child leave the family home, living in Victoria, British-Columbia,
      Canada.

      Sample Size: 80 participants, 20 participants per group - Empty Nest (Control) Empty Nest
      (intervention), Retired (Control), Retired (Intervention).

      Intervention: Participants in each Empty Nest and Retirement participant pool will be
      randomized to two groups: 1 - Waitlist control group, 2 - Access to Online Platform. Half of
      the empty nest participant group and half of the retired participant group will receive an
      intervention, with the other half representing the control comparison group. Participants
      from both groups will complete an online questionnaires at baseline and 10 weeks. The
      intervention group will also be asked for an in-person exit interview.
    

Intervention name(s): Digital Health Online Platform
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): The website has 10 lessons that the participant will gain access to on a weekly basis. Lesson titles are as follows:
Lesson 1 - Benefits of Physical Activity on Chronic Disease Lesson 2 - Mental benefits of Physical Activities Lesson 3 - Increasing Self Confidence for Physical Activities Lesson 4 - Learning about your Emotions Lesson 5 - Building Social Support Lesson 6 - Building Physical Activity Opportunity Lesson 7 - Goal Setting and Planning Lesson 8 - Self Monitoring Lesson 9 - Habit Lesson 10 - Identity
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Other