title: Physical activity levels and patterns in older adults: the influence of a DVD-based exercise program.
abstract: The use of multimedia to influence health behaviors offers unique advantages over more traditional center-based programs, however, little is known about the effectiveness of such approaches in improving physical activity levels over time. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a progressive and age-appropriate, DVD-delivered exercise program in promoting physical activity levels among older adult cohorts. Community dwelling older adults (N = 307, Mean age = 71 years) were randomized to one of two groups: a 6-month home-based DVD-delivered exercise (i.e., FlexToBa™) intervention group or a healthy aging DVD control group. Physical activity was assessed objectively using a standard 7-day accelerometer wear period and subjectively using the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, at baseline and follow-up. Analysis of covariances indicated a statistically significant treatment effect for subjectively [F(1,250) = 8.42, P = .004, η(2) = .03] and objectively [F(1,240) = 3.77, P = .05, η(2) = .02] measured physical activity. The older cohort (>70) in the FlexToBa condition further had significantly larger improvements in physical activity levels compared to their younger counterparts. From a public health perspective, media-delivered interventions such as the FlexToBa program might prove to be cost-effective, have a broader reach and at the same time be effective in improving physical activity levels in older adults.
authors: Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 906 S. Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA, nehagothe@wayne.edu.
authors: Neha P
authors: NP
authors: Gothe
authors: Thomas R
authors: TR
authors: Wójcicki
authors: Erin A
authors: EA
authors: Olson
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: Fanning
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Awick
authors: H David
authors: HD
authors: Chung
authors: Krystle E
authors: KE
authors: Zuniga
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Mackenzie
authors: Robert W
authors: RW
authors: Motl
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: McAuley
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D014742:Videodisc Recording