Abstract
BackgroundThere is compelling evidence that physical activity has many physical and mental health benefits and can delay the development of disability in older age. However, uptake of this health behaviour is sub-optimal in working women in their middle age. This trial aims to establish the impact of a low-dose information program, incorporating follow-up support using behaviour change techniques, compared with a wait-list control group, on physical activity among women aged 50+ years.Methods100 female university or health service employees aged 50 years and over who are not sufficiently active according to national guidelines will be recruited and randomised to: [1] attend one information session at the worksite with follow-up email support and provision of resources including use of an activity tracker (Fitbit) for 3 months and free trial class at the university sports facility, or [2] a wait-list control to receive the intervention after the 3-month follow-up period. The primary outcome will be the proportion of people achieving 10,000 steps/day at 3 months post randomisation. Secondary outcomes will include the proportion of people achieving national guideline-recommended physical activity levels, the average self-reported hours of physical activity per week, perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise participation, physical functioning, and mood. Analyses will be planned, conducted while masked to group allocation and will use an intention-to-treat approach.DiscussionThis randomised controlled trial will evaluate the impact of a simple intervention using behaviour change techniques to increase physical activity participation in insufficiently active working women over the age of 50.Trial registrationACTRN12617000485336, prospectively registered, approved 04/04/2017.
Highlights
There is compelling evidence that physical activity has many physical and mental health benefits and can delay the development of disability in older age
Australian adults are recommended to accumulate 150 to 300 min of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 min of vigorous intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both moderate and vigorous activities each week, and to do muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week [8]
There is emerging evidence that regular physical activity participation delays the development of disability in older women by up to 15 years [9] but the uptake of this health behaviour remains sub-optimal, among working women compared to their male counterparts [12]
Summary
Participants will be enrolled into the study after they have completed the initial screening, provided informed written consent to participate in the project, and have completed all baseline questionnaires and measurements of physical activity. For participants unable to attend the scheduled session times, a recording of the session will be provided via an online webinar link These participants will be able to email or phone the presenters with any questions after viewing the webinar. Participants randomised to the control group will be allocated to a waiting list and will receive access to the intervention after the 3-month follow-up period. The primary outcome will be quantified as the average step counts per day This outcome will detect any increase in incidental physical activity (i.e. less time spent sitting) as well as adoption of more formal exercise regimens. These data will be collected over a 7-day period
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