title: A novel approach to the issue of physical inactivity in older age.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Well-designed exercise can prevent falls in older people but previous research indicates that promoting general physical activity may increase falls. This study aimed to evaluate uptake and adherence to a physical activity promotion and fall prevention intervention among community-dwelling people aged 60 + years.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a process evaluation of intervention group data from an ongoing randomised controlled trial. Participants were 38 Australian community-dwelling older people assigned to intervention group who had completed 3 months of a physical activity and fall prevention intervention. Study measures included baseline daily step count assessed by Actigraph accelerometers, 12 week follow-up step count assessed by Fitbit pedometers and rating of participant engagement with the health coaching intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  35 participants remained in the study at week 12 and were analysed. Mean daily steps significantly increased in week 12 compared with steps at baseline (change in mean = 1101 steps, 95% CI: 285-1917, p = 0.01). Health coaching engagement was rated as high for 19 people (54%), medium for 12 (34%) and low for 4 people (12%). All participants used the Fitbit to provide feedback about daily activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The excellent intervention compliance and promising physical activity results demonstrate the acceptability and feasibility of this novel intervention.
authors: The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Tiedemann
authors: The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.
authors: Leanne
authors: L
authors: Hassett
authors: The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia.
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Sherrington
keywords: Exercise; Falls; Physical activity; Successful ageing