The objective of this pilot study is to quantify patterns of activity and sedentary behavior in independent living residents and to collect preliminary data on the feasibility of reducing sedentary behavior using a 12-week, behavioral intervention in older adults. We will also measure the effects of reducing sedentary behavior on physical function, sleep, quality of life, energy/mood, pain and blood pressure. Participants will act as their own controls through the use of a double baseline period to examine stability of the physical activity and outcome measures.
Aim 1: To measure the amount of sedentary time and ambulation (steps) in older adults residing in independent living communities. Aim 2: To test the acceptability and effectiveness of a 12-week sedentary behavior intervention to decrease sitting and increase ambulation which will in turn improve physical function (primary outcome) as well as sleep, quality of life, energy/mood, pain and blood pressure (secondary outcomes) in independent living residents. Background: Sedentary behavior, or sitting for prolonged periods during waking time, is identified as a health risk that is distinct from the failure to achieve sufficient physical activity. Older adults exhibit the greatest time in sedentary behavior which is concerning given its association with chronic disease and poorer physical function. Preliminary data suggest that individuals in long term care facilities may have even greater sedentary time due to personal factors and environment influences. Most often, exercise is targeted as a mechanism for ameliorating frailty in older adults; however, reduction in sedentary time may be a more appealing and realistic goal for improving health outcomes. Despite this, studies targeting sedentary time in older adults, particularly in those in independent living facilities, are lacking.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
This 12-week intervention targets a reduction in prolonged sitting and includes provision of a wrist-worn activity prompter and in-person group sessions with behavioral counseling.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Change in Sedentary Behavior
Objectively measured minutes of sitting during waking hours measured using the ActivPAL physical activity monitor for a minimum of 5 days pre and post-intervention. The ActivPAL is a thigh-mounted, compact device that classifies an individual's free-living activity into time spent in sedentary, standing, and walking behaviors.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Steps per Day
The number of steps per day measured using the ActivPAL activity monitor. This monitor is worn for a minimum of 5 days before and after the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Short Physical Performance Battery
This performance-based measure of physical function is a battery of measures to assess standing balance, gait speed and lower extremity strength (time to complete five chair rises)
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Short Form 10a
This self-report measure of physical function has 10 questions that assess the ability to perform various activities that require physical capability.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
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