Randomized trial of 2 interventions to increase older women's exercise.
OBJECTIVE
To test 2 interventions to increase older women's physical activity.


METHODS
A randomized 2-way factorial experimental design compared the effects of 2 limited-contact interventions, motivational sessions and periodic prompts, among 190 women. Experimental participants received a 3-encounter motivational intervention. Those randomized to prompts received weekly telephone or mail-delivered cues.


RESULTS
The prompting intervention consistently increased exercise and physical activity scores. The motivational intervention did not affect outcome scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Prompting is a low-cost strategy for increasing exercise and physical activity among older women. Future research should examine alternative modes for prompt delivery.
Conn
Vicki S
VS
School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. conn@missouri.edu
Burks
Kathryn J
KJ
Minor
Marian A
MA
Mehr
David R
DR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D011177:Postal Service; D011581:Psychological Tests; D017010:Reminder Systems; D013689:Telephone; D016387:Women's Health