Abstract
BackgroundInteractive web-based physical activity interventions using Web 2.0 features (e.g., social networking) have the potential to improve engagement and effectiveness compared to static Web 1.0 interventions. However, older adults may engage with Web 2.0 interventions differently than younger adults. The aims of this study were to determine whether an interaction between intervention (Web 2.0 and Web 1.0) and age group (<55y and ≥55y) exists for website usage and to determine whether an interaction between intervention (Web 2.0, Web 1.0 and logbook) and age group (<55y and ≥55y) exists for intervention effectiveness (changes in physical activity).MethodsAs part of the WALK 2.0 trial, 504 Australian adults were randomly assigned to receive either a paper logbook (n = 171), a Web 1.0 (n = 165) or a Web 2.0 (n = 168) physical activity intervention. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was measured using ActiGraph monitors at baseline 3, 12 and 18 months. Website usage statistics including time on site, number of log-ins and number of step entries were also recorded. Generalised linear and intention-to-treat linear mixed models were used to test interactions between intervention and age groups (<55y and ≥55y) for website usage and moderate to vigorous physical activity changes.ResultsTime on site was higher for the Web 2.0 compared to the Web 1.0 intervention from baseline to 3 months, and this difference was significantly greater in the older group (OR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.01–2.14, p = .047). Participants in the Web 2.0 group increased their activity more than the logbook group at 3 months, and this difference was significantly greater in the older group (moderate to vigorous physical activity adjusted mean difference = 13.74, 95%CI = 1.08–26.40 min per day, p = .03). No intervention by age interactions were observed for Web 1.0 and logbook groups.ConclusionsResults partially support the use of Web 2.0 features to improve adults over 55 s’ engagement in and behaviour changes from web-based physical activity interventions.Trial registrationACTRN ACTRN12611000157976, Registered 7 March 2011.
Highlights
Interactive web-based physical activity interventions using Web 2.0 features have the potential to improve engagement and effectiveness compared to static Web 1.0 interventions
Physical activity reduces the risk of falls by 17% in older adults [6] and improves symptoms in those diagnosed with depression or dementia [7, 8] which are more common in older adults [5, 9]
Satisfaction, usability and website usage Descriptive statistics of satisfaction, usability and website usage and the results of the generalised linear models and Cox regression comparing these measures by age and an interaction between intervention and age are presented Table 2
Summary
Interactive web-based physical activity interventions using Web 2.0 features (e.g., social networking) have the potential to improve engagement and effectiveness compared to static Web 1.0 interventions. Physical activity improves physical and mental health, reduces the risk of chronic disease and improves general health and wellbeing [1]. It is estimated that individuals who are physically active have a 30% to 50% lower risk of chronic disease [2,3,4]. Physical activity is important for older adults as chronic disease risk increases with age [5]. Physical activity reduces the risk of falls by 17% in older adults [6] and improves symptoms in those diagnosed with depression or dementia [7, 8] which are more common in older adults [5, 9]. Interventions are needed to promote physical activity in older adults to help them to maintain their health and prevent chronic disease and mental health problems as they age [13]
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