title: Increasing older adults' walking through primary care: results of a pilot randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Physical activity can positively influence health for older adults. Primary care is a good setting for physical activity promotion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility of a pedometer-based walking programme in combination with physical activity consultations.
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  METHODS
  Two-arm (intervention/control) 12-week randomized controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up for the intervention group.
  
  
  METHODS
  One general practice in Glasgow, UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  PARTICIPANTS were aged ≥65 years. The intervention group received two 30-minute physical activity consultations from a trained practice nurse, a pedometer and a walking programme. The control group continued as normal for 12 weeks and then received the intervention. Both groups were followed up at 12 and 24 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Step counts were measured by sealed pedometers and an activPALTM monitor. Psychosocial variables were assessed and focus groups conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 66% (187/284), and 90% of those randomized (37/41) completed the study. Qualitative data suggested that the pedometer and nurse were helpful to the intervention. Step counts (activPAL) showed a significant increase from baseline to week 12 for the intervention group, while the control group showed no change. Between weeks 12 and 24, step counts were maintained in the intervention group, and increased for the control group after receiving the intervention. The intervention was associated with improved quality of life and reduced sedentary time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is feasible to recruit and retain older adults from primary care and help them increase walking. A larger trial is necessary to confirm findings and consider cost-effectiveness.
authors: School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde,76 Southbrae Drive Glasgow G13 1PP, UK. nanette.mutrie@ed.ac.uk
authors: Nanette
authors: N
authors: Mutrie
authors: Orla
authors: O
authors: Doolin
authors: Claire F
authors: CF
authors: Fitzsimons
authors: P Margaret
authors: PM
authors: Grant
authors: Malcolm
authors: M
authors: Granat
authors: Madeleine
authors: M
authors: Grealy
authors: Hazel
authors: H
authors: Macdonald
authors: Freya
authors: F
authors: MacMillan
authors: Alex
authors: A
authors: McConnachie
authors: David A
authors: DA
authors: Rowe
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Shaw
authors: Dawn A
authors: DA
authors: Skelton
mesh_terms: D056044:Actigraphy / Q000295:instrumentation; D000368:Aged; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D058006:General Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012606:Scotland; D016138:Walking