Abstract
BackgroundLifestyle factors playing a role in the development of late-life disability may be modifiable. There is a need for robust evidence about the potential for prevention of disability through behavior change interventions.Methods/designThis feasibility study involves the development, implementation and initial testing of a behavior change intervention in a naturalistic setting. A small-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) will investigate the implementation of a goal-setting intervention aimed at promoting behavior change in the domains of physical and cognitive activity in the context of a community resource center for over-50s. Healthy older participants attending the center (n = 75) will be randomized to one of three conditions: control (an interview involving a general discussion about the center); goal-setting (an interview involving identification of up to five personal goals in the domains of physical activity, cognitive activity, diet and health, and social engagement); or goal-setting with mentoring (the goal-setting interview followed by bi-monthly telephone mentoring). All participants will be reassessed after 12 months. Primary outcomes are levels of physical and cognitive activity. Secondary outcomes address psychosocial (self-efficacy, mood, quality of life), cognitive (memory and executive function), and physical fitness (functional and metabolic) domains. Cost-effectiveness will also be examined.DiscussionThis study will provide information about the feasibility of a community-based lifestyle intervention model for over-50s and of the implementation of a goal-setting intervention for behavior change, together with initial evidence about the short-term effects of goal-setting on behavior.Trial RegistrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN30080637 (http://www.controlled-trials.com)
Highlights
Lifestyle factors playing a role in the development of late-life disability may be modifiable
A small-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) will investigate the implementation of a goalsetting intervention aimed at promoting behavior change in the domains of physical activity (PA) and cognitive activity (CA) in the context of a community resource centre for over-50s
We will examine the suitability of potential outcome measures, and use the findings to estimate critical parameters to inform the design of a large-scale RCT
Summary
Lifestyle factors playing a role in the development of late-life disability may be modifiable. There is a need for robust evidence about the potential for prevention of disability through behavior change interventions. It is important to identify ways of promoting good health and preventing, delaying, or reducing the severity of agerelated cognitive and physical disability, in order to enhance or maintain independence, wellbeing, and quality of life (QoL) for older people and limit the social and economic burden of care and support [1,2]. Multiple factors are involved in the pathway to agerelated cognitive and physical disability. While some are for robust evidence regarding the potential for effective health promotion and prevention with regard to lifestyle factors. PA and CA trials have typically involved practice of circumscribed skills for a defined period, producing improvements in trained skills but little evidence of transfer of gains or long-term behavior change. Increasing CA and PA through lifestyle activity can ensure that changes are integrated into everyday life, stabilizing functioning and improving ability to cope with future challenges to wellbeing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
