Overcoming barriers to physical activity among culturally and linguistically diverse older adults: a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate by randomised trial, health professional facilitated sessions aiming to overcome barriers to physical activity (PA), improve readiness to undertake PA, increase PA participation and improve fitness among older Australian adults from Macedonian and Polish backgrounds.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty-one participants (mean age 70 years, 63% female) were block randomised to the intervention group (three one-hour group education and goal setting sessions over 7 weeks) or control group (one-hour health promotion talk) following baseline assessment, with reassessment approximately 9 weeks later.


RESULTS
No significant differences were found between experimental groups in primary (Stages of Change Questionnaire (SocQ), steps per day and Human Activity Profile) or secondary outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has highlighted methodological considerations for PA health promotion and research with older adults from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in a community setting. Investigation of older CALD adults' perceptions of what are 'adequate levels of PA' and methods of increasing PA is warranted.
Borschmann
Karen
K
The National Ageing Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. k.borschmann@nari.unimelb.edu.au
Moore
Kirsten
K
Russell
Melissa
M
Ledgerwood
Kay
K
Renehan
Emma
E
Lin
Xiaoping
X
Brown
Colin
C
Sison
Jasmine
J
D000368:Aged; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity