The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a feasibility randomised controlled trial of culturally appropriate physical activity (PA) promotion strategies among older Chinese adults living in the UK. The main questions the study aimed to answer were: Whether older Chinese adults in the UK were willing to take part in the study and to be randomly assigned to a group Whether participants were willing to remain in the study for its full duration Whether participants were willing to engage with the PA promotion strategies, including attending workshops, using a logbook, wearing a pedometer, and joining a social media support group Whether participants found the PA promotion strategies and outcome measures acceptable Whether physical activity, physical function, and quality of life showed changes in the intervention and control groups Researchers compared the culturally appropriate PA promotion strategies with a World Health Organization (WHO) PA recommendation leaflet. The study lasted 18 weeks, including a 12-week intervention and a 6-week follow-up. Participants in the intervention group received culturally appropriate PA promotion materials, including booklets, workshops, a social media support group, a resistance band for strength and balance exercises, and a pedometer. Participants in the control group received a WHO PA information leaflet and a pedometer. Participants in both groups completed data collection at three time points. At each time point, participants were asked to wear a pedometer for 7 days.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
The intervention was developed based on the Behaviour Change Wheel, aiming to increase participants' capability, opportunity, and motivation to engage in physical activity. It consisted of three components: printed materials, group workshops, and an online social media support group. * The printed materials included three parts: a culturally appropriate core booklet; the Chinese version of the Otago home exercise booklet, and a physical activity logbook. * Participants were invited to attend three workshops over a 12-week period, scheduled every four weeks. The workshops were designed to reinforce the content of the booklets and included presentations, group exercises, and group discussions. * Participants were also invited to join a study-specific social media support group via WeChat or WhatsApp, depending on their preference. These groups provided peer support, opportunities to share physical activity goals and progress, and motivational messages and reminders from the researcher.
In the control group, participants received a printed leaflet outlining World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity recommendations for older adults. Participants were encouraged to follow these guidelines, including 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with strength and balance exercises twice weekly, at a time and place convenient to them. No additional support was provided.
The university of Manchester
Manchester, Great Manchester, United Kingdom
Recruitment rate
We aimed to recruit at least 30 participants within eight weeks. Detailed records were kept of the total number of potential participants approached by the researcher, the number of participants who attend the screening, and the number of participants who are ultimately included in the study.
Time frame: Baseline
Compliance rate and follow-up rate.
Participants were not fully withdrawn from the study solely due to discontinuation of or noncompliance with the intervention. For example, participants could choose to stop attending workshops or participating in the social media group while still remaining willing to complete data collection activities. Alternatively, participation could be discontinued based on clinical judgment. Every effort was made to collect as much data as possible to maintain the integrity of the study. Reasons for participants' exit from the trial were recorded separately.
Time frame: 18 weeks
Adherence
In this study, adherence was mainly assessed by the number of workshops attended by the participants.
Time frame: 12 week
Acceptability
Qualitative interviews. At the end of the study, about 50% of participants (including those who withdraw from the trial) was invited for follow-up interviews.
Time frame: 12 to 18 week
Subjective measures of physical activity
Subjective measurement was conducted using the Chinese version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE).
Time frame: Baseline, 12-week and 18-week
Objective measures of physical activity
A pedometer (Realalt 3DTriSport 3D Pedometer; 3DTriSport Pedometer for Walking with Clip and Lanyard - Realalt) was used to monitor participants' PA level (i.e., step counts).
Time frame: baseline, 12-week and 18-week
COM-B questionnaires
Brief COM-B questionnaires was used to assess the perceived capability, opportunity and motivation for PA behaviour among older Chinese adults in the UK.
Time frame: Baseline, 12-week and 18-week
Physical Function
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) will be used to assess the potential change of physical function
Time frame: Baseline, 12-week and 18-week
Health-related quality of life
The CASP-12 (Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation, and Pleasure-12) questionnaire was used to measure older adults' health-related quality of life
Time frame: Baseline, 12-week and 18-week
Adverse events
A safety reporting protocol was followed for managing related and unexpected serious adverse events (SAEs) and directly attributable adverse events (AEs).
Time frame: Whole study period-18 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.