Physical activity and nutrition program for seniors (PANS): protocol of a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Along with reduced levels of physical activity, older Australian's mean energy consumption has increased. Now over 60% of older Australians are considered overweight or obese. This study aims to confirm if a low-cost, accessible physical activity and nutrition program can improve levels of physical activity and diet of insufficiently active 60-70 year-olds.


METHODS
This 12-month home-based randomised controlled trial (RCT) will consist of a nutrition and physical activity intervention for insufficiently active people aged 60 to 70 years from low to medium socio-economic areas. Six-hundred participants will be recruited from the Australian Federal Electoral Role and randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 300) and control (n = 300) groups. The study is based on the Social Cognitive Theory and Precede-Proceed Model, incorporating voluntary cooperation and self-efficacy. The intervention includes a specially designed booklet that provides participants with information and encourages dietary and physical activity goal setting. The booklet will be supported by an exercise chart, calendar, bi-monthly newsletters, resistance bands and pedometers, along with phone and email contact. Data will be collected over three time points: pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 6-months post-study.


CONCLUSIONS
This trial will provide valuable information for community-based strategies to improve older adults' physical activity and dietary intake. The project will provide guidelines for appropriate sample recruitment, and the development, implementation and evaluation of a minimal intervention program, as well as information on minimising barriers to participation in similar programs.


BACKGROUND
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12609000735257.
School of Public Health, Curtin University, GPO Box U 1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia. L.Burke@curtin.edu.au
Linda
L
Burke
Jonine
J
Jancey
Peter
P
Howat
Andy
A
Lee
Deborah
D
Kerr
Trevor
T
Shilton
Andrew
A
Hills
Annie
A
Anderson
D000368:Aged; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D010174:Pamphlets; D012107:Research Design; D014904:Western Australia