Activity, Gait, and Efficacy (AGE II): Functional Limitations and Quality of Life
Condition: Aging
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a DVD-delivered, home-based,
      six-month physical activity intervention for older adults.

      A comparative effectiveness study of the FlexToBa DVD exercise program will be conducted in
      2014.
    

Detailed description: 
      This program compares progressive strength, flexibility, toning and balance (FlexToBa)
      activities delivered via home-based DVD intervention compared to an attention control group
      to determine the program's effects on functional limitations, functional performance in
      everyday activities, balance, and quality of life (QOL) in sedentary older adults over 65
      years of age. The principals of REAIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and
      Maintenance) will be implemented into the design and evaluation of the program in order to
      determine the generalizable cost-effectiveness and potential public health impact of
      delivering physical activity to older adults via DVD media. Measurements assessed at
      baseline, six months, and 12 months include: functional performance and functional
      limitations, self-efficacy, physical activity, and measures of health status and well-being.
      We propose to recruit and randomly assign 250 older (65+) adults from across Central Illinois
      to the FlexToBa condition or to an attention control condition. The former will receive the
      activity program DVD and the latter will receive a healthy aging DVD (with no physical
      activity instruction). The control group will be offered the FlexToBa program following
      6-month follow-up assessments. The health relevance of this project is considerable as it
      targets a population that is largely sedentary and suffers from unprecedented levels of
      functional limitations, factors that have significant implications for compromised quality of
      life and independent living. By adopting broad recruitment strategies with few exclusionary
      criteria, we will be able to effectively improve the physical activity behavior of a diverse
      class of older adults. Offering this as a DVD-based physical activity program will provide a
      convenient opportunity for older adults to become and stay physically active. We intend to
      provide a limited number of DVD players to those interested participants who do not already
      own one.

      In 2014, investigators will study the comparative effectiveness of the FlexToBa DVD trial as
      compared to a DVD-only intervention.Researchers will provide the exercise DVD to an entire
      wave/group of participants with half receiving the motivational telephone calls and feedback
      (as with earlier waves) and the other half receiving no motivational communications.

      The procedures for the Support Group, who receive the motivational support, will be identical
      to earlier waves. Both groups will receive the FlexToBa DVDs and equipment at the initial
      testing and orientation meeting but the Effectiveness Group will not receive the motivational
      feedback. Testing at month six is identical to earlier waves and both groups will be asked to
      evaluate the program at the end of the intervention.

      There is no plan for follow-up testing at month 12 or month 24 for this wave of participants.
    

Intervention name(s): Home-based, DVD-delivered physical activity; Usual care/Wait list
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Subjects will be participating in a home-based physical activity program that focuses on flexibility, toning and balance. Exercises will be progressive over the six-months and will highlight modifications for varying levels. This program will be delivered on 3 DVDs. Participants will be asked to exercise with the DVD at least three times per week. Additionally, they will be encouraged to add two days of aerobic activity (e.g. walking) each week.; Participants in this arm will receive a DVD that focuses on healthy aging topics but does not include physical activity. They will receive the FlexToBa DVD afer the completion of the 12-month follow-up testing.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Aging; Quality of Life; Functional fitness