Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Older Adults Using Citizen-science and Modern Technology

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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To develop and implement a physical activity promotion intervention for older adults with or without chronic disease living in an urban environment.

Detailed Description
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The World Health organization recommends that all adults should aim for 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on at least five days of the week. The importance of physical activity for promoting heath is complicated when considering inactive older adults and chronic conditions. A problematic cycle emerges where physical inactivity increases the likelihood for developing chronic conditions, and, in turn, many chronic conditions are associated with symptoms that make physical activity more difficult. The investigators aim to develop and implement a physical activity promotion intervention for older adults with or without chronic disease living in an urban environment that considers individual, interpersonal and environmental factors and makes use of a citizen-science approach and modern PA-monitoring devices.

Official Title
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A Community-based Intervention to Increase Physical Activity Levels in Older Adults Using Citizen-science and Modern Technology

Conditions
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Sedentary, Elderly, Physical Activity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Physical activity intervention


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age 60 years or older Living within or <5km from Wetzikon (Zurich area) Understand and speak German Number of repetitions in the 1-min sit-to-stand test below the 75th percentile compared to the Swiss population (age and sex-specific reference values) Exclusion Criteria: Symptomatic / unstable cardiovascular disease Cardiac surgery within one year

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Physical activity intervention<br>Participants undergo the community-based physical activity promotion (see Intervention) | Behavioral: Physical activity intervention<br>* The intervention is comprised of 5 steps: Goal setting: Over a step-counter (smartphone app) participants learn about their daily average step count. They are coached to set individual goals Fitness assessment: To recommend suitable frequency and intensity of walking program using mapped trails Structured walking groups: Promoted and communicated via app. Participants can additionally organize walking groups of their own. Feedback: Participants will see individual and group data over the step-counter app, and they can communicate with others via a communication app. They will be incentivized to reach goals through a gamification approach. Invite friends: After 12 weeks, participants are encouraged to invite people who fulfil the inclusion criteria to join the project<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physical activity as the average daily number of steps | Average daily number of steps measured by accelerometry (Actigraph wGT3x) during 1 week | Change from baseline to 6 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physical activity intensity | Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (min/day) measured by accelerometry (Actigraph wGT3x) during 1 week | Change from baseline to 6 months | 
| Exercise capacity (1-minute sit-to-stand test) | Number of repetitions performed in the 1-minute sit-to-stand test | Change from baseline to 6 months | 
| Health-related quality of life | Assessed by the EQ-5D | Change from baseline to 6 months | 
| Symptoms of anxiety and depression | Assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale | Change from baseline to 6 months | 
| Health status | Assessed by the Feeling Thermometer | Change from baseline to 6 months | 
| Perceived social support | Assessed by the short version of the Social Support Questionnaire | Change from baseline to 6 months |