While the results of previous research demonstrates the feasibility, acceptability, and promising efficacy of clinical physical activity interventions, studies to date with older samples suggests that more comprehensive interventions may be necessary to achieve physical activity behavior change among sedentary, older adults. We propose conducting a randomized, controlled Physical Activity Counseling Trial (PACT) within a hospital-based, primary care setting with 150 sedentary, adults aged 50 and older to increase physical activity.
Specific aims of the project include: To experimentally evaluate whether the PACT intervention can increase physical activity by middle-aged and older persons compared with a control sample of older persons who receive activity advice from a physician; To experimentally evaluate whether the intervention changes stage-of- readiness among intervention subjects relative to controls. Within this primary care setting, Roybal Center staff will implement a 6- month intervention based on a synthesis of behavior change frameworks that has yielded promising results in similar applications. Intervention components include: physician advice, clinic support systems, a motivational videotape, health educator delivered counseling, behavior change reinforcement materials, and follow-up contacts. This experimental intervention will be compared with a control condition of brief provider advice only. The primary outcome variable is overall physical activity level as measured by a Caltrac accelerometer. The secondary outcome is stage of readiness to become physically active. Impact on study outcomes will be evaluated by comparing baseline values with values at the 6-month follow-up. The proposed investigation will extend existing knowledge by adapting previous physical activity interventions for use with sedentary older persons and assess its feasibility and efficacy within a hospital- based, primary care context.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Specialized Center (P50)
Project #
5P50AG011669-08
Application #
6324526
Study Section
Project Start
2000-07-01
Project End
2001-06-30
Budget Start
1998-10-01
Budget End
1999-09-30
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$90,274
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Type
DUNS #
604483045
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02118
Neupert, Shevaun D; Lachman, Margie E; Whitbourne, Stacey B (2009) Exercise self-efficacy and control beliefs: effects on exercise behavior after an exercise intervention for older adults. J Aging Phys Act 17:1-16
Scarborough, Donna Moxley; McGibbon, Chris A; Krebs, David E (2007) Chair rise strategies in older adults with functional limitations. J Rehabil Res Dev 44:33-42
Krebs, David E; Scarborough, Donna Moxley; McGibbon, Chris A (2007) Functional vs. strength training in disabled elderly outpatients. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 86:93-103
Lachman, Margie E; Neupert, Shevaun D; Bertrand, Rosanna et al. (2006) The effects of strength training on memory in older adults. J Aging Phys Act 14:59-73
LeBrasseur, Nathan K; Sayers, Stephen P; Ouellette, Michelle M et al. (2006) Muscle impairments and behavioral factors mediate functional limitations and disability following stroke. Phys Ther 86:1342-50
Keysor, Julie; Jette, Alan; Haley, Stephen (2005) Development of the home and community environment (HACE) instrument. J Rehabil Med 37:37-44
Lyons, Kathleen Doyle; Tickle-Degnen, Linda (2005) Reliability and validity of a videotape method to describe expressive behavior in persons with Parkinson's disease. Am J Occup Ther 59:41-9
Pinto, Bernardine M; Goldstein, Michael G; Ashba, Jacqueline et al. (2005) Randomized controlled trial of physical activity counseling for older primary care patients. Am J Prev Med 29:247-55
Lyons, Kathleen Doyle; Tickle-Degnen, Linda; Henry, Alexis et al. (2004) Behavioural cues of personality in Parkinson's disease. Disabil Rehabil 26:463-70
Dubuc, Nicole; Haley, Stephen M; Kooyoomjian, Jill T et al. (2004) Assessing disability in older adults: the effects of asking questions with and without health attribution. J Rehabil Med 36:226-31

Showing the most recent 10 out of 43 publications