title: Effects of a physical activity and healthy eating intervention to reduce stroke risk factors in older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of a theory-based physical activity and healthy eating intervention aimed at reducing stroke risk factors among overweight/obese and sedentary older adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 12/2009-1/2011, participants (n=69) were randomly assigned to an 8-week group motivational intervention or biweekly newsletters by mail. Physical activity (blinded pedometer, 7-day recall) body composition, theoretical mediator, and dietary (24-hour recall) variables were measured at pre-test and post-test. The physical activity and dietary outcomes are reported.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For outcome measures, the follow-up was 90% for the intervention group (n=29) and 91% for the control group (n=34) for this sample. Statistically significant differences in the 7-day physical activity self-report were noted at post-test in the intervention group. The dietary measures were not statistically significant at post-test; however, the intervention group increased the quantity of vegetable servings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Limited efficacy testing was supported for a combined physical activity-dietary intervention, framed by a wellness-motivation theory, and designed to reduce stroke risk factors in older adults who are sedentary and overweight/obese. Limitations were identified and recommendations for additional research provided.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Nursing Department, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, United States. Electronic address: asilvasm@uccs.edu.
authors.forename: Amy L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Silva-Smith
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fleury
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Belyea
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D050177:Overweight / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014675:Vegetables; D016138:Walking
keywords: Aged; Diet; Intervention studies; Physical activity; Risk factors; Stroke