Clinical trial NCT06972342: Fit & Active Retirement: A Physical Function Programme for Young-old Retirees
Official title: Fit & Active Retirement: A Mobile-based, Combined Coach- and Peer-led Physical Function Programme for Young-old Retirees
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Healthy
Keywords: balance
muscular strength
retired adults
Lead sponsor: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-05-15
Enrollment: 300
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 55
Maximum age (years): 70
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: NA
Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of mortality in the world; as such, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week. In addition, the WHO further recommends that older adults (i.e., those 65 years or above) engage in activities that promote functional balance and muscular strength to reduce the risks of falls. This is important because falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. Research has also shown that having good physical function (i.e., activity level, balance, and strength) is associated with better health, well-being, and quality of life. As suggested by results from the Hong Kong Health Behaviour Survey 2018/19, older adults in Hong Kong are generally active, with 85% of the population doing more than 150 minutes of activity on a weekly basis. The survey, however, did not include questions about whether respondents engaged in functional balance training. The above figures suggest that older adults may be unaware of the importance of functional balance and strength training and may not be attaining their optimal levels of physical function. Our proposed study aims to address this issue by delivering an intervention program aimed at increasing retirees' physical activity levels, with emphasis placed on functional balance and muscular strength training. Retirees in Hong Kong are generally healthy, active, and capable of self-learning and self-regulation. Provision of knowledge and support could lead to positive behavior change. Also, as mobile-based messaging (e.g., WhatsApp) has become mainstream, retirees have a good level of competence in using mobile phones as a means of communication. This mode of communication has become increasingly important since face-to-face contact could be impeded by pandemic-led social distancing. Therefore, the proposed project will be delivered primarily through e-platforms. Our previous work has shown that adults' behaviors and attitudes could be enhanced through an internet-based program. Preliminary results of our ongoing retiree-focused program also suggest that older adults are receptive to mobile-based interventions.

Detailed description: A series of educational videos will be produced and placed on the project website to provide participants with knowledge on the importance of having good physical function. Coach-led videos will also be produced for participants to exercise by following on-screen instructions. The exercises included will incorporate activities to improve activity levels, functional balance, and muscular strength. To maximize adherence, a group of participants will first be recruited and trained to serve as "captains" of the program. Each captain will then be assigned to lead a group of participants (5 to 10), ideally recruited through their own social circles, where they will coordinate co-activity sessions (virtual or in-person) by following the provided materials together. Research using a similar peer-led mode has been found to be effective in enhancing behavior and increasing perceived support.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* healthy, retired and do not have full-time job

Exclusion Criteria:

-

Primary outcomes:
measure: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Lower limb strength
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Lower limb strength
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Upper limb strength
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Upper limb strength
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Muscular strength
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Muscular strength
timeFrame: 4 months
Secondary outcomes:
measure: The Timed Up and Go test
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: The Timed Up and Go test
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: The Sit-to-Stand Test
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: The Sit-to-Stand Test
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: The Four Stage Balance Test
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: The four stage balance test
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Gait pattern
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Gait pattern
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Hand reaction time
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Hand reaction time
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Life satisfaction
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Life satisfaction
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Social support for exercise
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Social support for exercise
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: eHealth Literacy
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: eHealth Literacy
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Perceived falling risk
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Perceived falling risk
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Self-report physical activity frequency
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Self-report physical activity frequency
timeFrame: 4 months
measure: Sports motivation
timeFrame: baseline, 2-week before intervention
measure: Sports motivation
timeFrame: 4 months
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Hong Kong
country: Hong Kong
facility: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Study officials:
References: