Background
The US Department of Health and Human Services recognizes the importance of regular physical activity in promoting health and reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic disease. Additionally, increasing participation in moderate physical activity could reduce medical expenditures by up to $77 billion dollars (1). Knowing that older adults can benefit from physically active life-styles, in turn reducing a growing public health and medical burden, attempts to promote physical activity for the elderly are necessary. Despite widespread pedometer use, little research has been done to measure the impact of pedometer-based interventions in the elderly.
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to develop, implement, and test the efficacy of objective step-count feedback interventions coupled with motivational messaging to promote walking in the elderly. The project will test if interventions based on objective feedback about time spent walking are more effective than those based on subject self-reports of time spent walking.
Goals
Develop individually tailored physical activity interventions using objective step-count monitoring feedback.
Conduct a pilot test of the efficacy of step count interventions.
Develop and submit a NIH grant for a large scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the interventions.
Timeline
March 2006 - May 2009Progress to Date
- Screened over 300 individuals
- 84 Individuals completed the study
- New collaborations with the Medical College of Wisconsin focusing on the effects of physical activity on endothelial function
- Interactive website: http://uwmwalking.org
Preliminary Findings
- 79% of individuals increased their activity by more 24 steps on a daily basis compared to the standard control group (44%).
- 64% of individuals increased their activity by more than 36 steps on a daily basis compared to the standard control group (25%).
- Beneficial effect of morphing objective monitoring feedback with individualized behavior change delivered through an interactive website for increased walking behavior.
Funding Source
Center for Urban Population Health’s Center Scientist Development Program through the Wisconsin Partnership FundPublications/Presentations
Strath, S.J., Swartz, A.M., Tarima, S.S., Gennuso, K.P., Miller, N.E., Grimm, E.K., Cieslik, L.J. (2009). Dose Response Walking and Physical Function in Older Adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 41, S477.
Loy, M.S., Swartz, A.M., Strath, S.J., Miller, N.E., Ewalt, L.A., Gennuso, K.P., Grimm, E.K. (2009). Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Framingham in Healthy Older Adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 40, S222.
Miller, N., Strath, S., Swartz, A., Loy, M., & Ewalt, L. (2008).Validity of downloadable pedometers during laboratory and overground walking in young and older adults. Free Communication Presentation. American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN (May 28).
Ewalt, L., Swartz, A., Strath, S., Miller, N., Gennuso, K., Grimm, E., & Loy, M. (2008). Validity of physical activity monitors in assessing energy expenditure in normal, overweight, and obese adults. Free Communication Presentation. American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN (May 28).
Romanovich, D.J., Strath, S.J., Swartz, A.M., Miller, N.E., Ewalt, L.A., Loy, M.S. (2007). A comparison of two objective physical activity assessment methods in older adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 39, S184.
Strath, S.J., Swart, A.M., Miller, N.E. (2007). Preliminary evaluation of different levels of physical activity intervention in older adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 39, S377.
Swartz, A.M., Strath, S.J., Miller, N.E. (2007). Time spent in moderate intensity physical activity and body fat levels in older adults. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 39, S377.
Project Partners
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Scott Strath, Ph.D.
Ann Swartz, Ph.D.
Michael Loy, M.S.
Center for Urban Population Health
Dale Steber, M.S.
Andrew Marek, B.B.A.
