Abstract
BackgroundLow-quality social relationships in older adults are strongly associated with feelings of loneliness. Physical activity interventions could reduce loneliness and improve psychological well-being, among other health benefits. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a Physical Activity Intervention for Loneliness (PAIL) in community-dwelling older adults at risk for loneliness.Methods/designThis feasibility study is a two-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a wait-list control group using a mixed-methods research design. The primary aim of the feasibility study is to estimate recruitment, retention and adherence rates; the appropriateness of the intervention design and its practicality; the acceptability of the intervention by participants; and the set of instruments and measures and primary outcome measures to inform a future large-scale randomised trial. After eligibility screening, randomisation will be conducted using computer-based random sequence generation. Baseline and post-intervention assessments for intervention and control groups will include height, weight, body mass index, resting blood pressure, physical activity using accelerometry, loneliness, social support, social networks, anxiety and depression, self-efficacy for exercise, satisfaction with social contacts, and expected outcomes and barriers for exercise using questionnaires. Focus groups will be conducted at the mid-point and post-intervention period using a phenomenological approach to analyse the participants’ experiences of taking part in PAIL.DiscussionThis trial will provide important information regarding the feasibility of PAIL in community-dwelling older adults at risk for loneliness using a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative research methods.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT03458793
Highlights
Low-quality social relationships in older adults are strongly associated with feelings of loneliness
This trial will provide important information regarding the feasibility of Physical Activity Intervention for Loneliness (PAIL) in community-dwelling older adults at risk for loneliness using a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative research methods
The aim of the study is an examination of the feasibility of randomised controlled trial (RCT) of Physical Activity Intervention for Loneliness (PAIL) in community-dwelling older adults at risk for loneliness
Summary
Low-quality social relationships in older adults are strongly associated with feelings of loneliness. Physical activity interventions could reduce loneliness and improve psychological well-being, among other health benefits. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a Physical Activity Intervention for Loneliness (PAIL) in community-dwelling older adults at risk for loneliness. The disruption of established social patterns or poor quality of social relationships negatively impacts quality of life and well-being in older adults and is highly associated with loneliness [2, 3]. Promotion of a variety of campaigns to prevent loneliness [10,11,12] may reduce or slow the burden on NHS expenses, with potential economic benefits estimated at around £900 per annum per person associated with loneliness reduction [10]. The early prevention of loneliness and timely implementation of health interventions in a community setting to tackle the problem at its early onset seems prudent
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