Effects of peer support and mobile application-based walking programme on physical activity and physical function in rural older adults: a cluster randomized controlled trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 3-month peer support and mobile application-based walking program on physical activity and physical function in rural older Chinese adults.
Results Summary
The intervention increased daily walking steps by 408 steps/day and grip strength by 1.25 kg, but no significant improvements were observed in gait speed, chair-rising time, or body composition. Changes in daily steps were associated with improvements in gait speed and chair-rising time.
Population
Rural older Chinese adults aged ≥60 years.
Effective Dosage
Not specified (intervention included face-to-face group sessions, peer-led walking, and mobile app feedback).
Duration
3 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3-month peer support and mobile application-based walking programme | increase | physical activity | rural older Chinese adults | 408 steps/day | was increased | #1 |
3-month peer support and mobile application-based walking programme | increase | grip strength | rural older Chinese adults | 1.25 kg | increased | #2 |
3-month peer support and mobile application-based walking programme | no change | gait speed | rural older Chinese adults | no significant change | no significant outcomes were observed | #3 |
3-month peer support and mobile application-based walking programme | no change | chair-rising time | rural older Chinese adults | no significant change | no significant outcomes were observed | #4 |
3-month peer support and mobile application-based walking programme | no change | body composition | rural older Chinese adults | no significant change | no significant outcomes were observed | #5 |
changes in daily steps | increase | gait speed | rural older Chinese adults | ß = 0.63, P < 0.001 | were associated with changes | #6 |
changes in daily steps | decrease | chair-rising time | rural older Chinese adults | ß = - 0.31, P = 0.01 | were associated with changes | #7 |
PURPOSE: Increased physical activity maintains functional fitness and prevents aging-related declines in muscle mass for older adults. However, physical inactivity is prevalent in aging population, particularly in those living in rural areas. In this study we assessed the effectiveness of a 3-month peer support and mobile application-based walking programme on physical activity and physical function in rural older Chinese adults. METHODS: This was a cluster randomized control trial recruiting adults aged ≥ 60 years. Participants were randomized into intervention and control groups (4 clusters with 36 participants for each group). The intervention included face-to-face physical activity group sessions, peer-led walking, and mobile application-based feedback. Primary outcome was pedometer-measured daily walking steps, and secondary outcomes mainly included physical function and body composition. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the included 72 participants (mean age 66.9 years, male 36.1%), 64 completed the study. Intention-to-treat analysis showed that after 3-month walking programme, physical activity was increased by 408 steps/day and grip strength by 1.25 kg in the intervention group compared with the control group. However, no significant outcomes were observed on gait speed, chair-rising time, or body composition. Per-protocol analysis showed similar results. Linear regression analyses showed that changes in daily steps were associated with changes in gait speed (ß = 0.63, P < 0.001) and chair-rising time (ß = - 0.31, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-month peer support and mobile application-based walking programme could improve physical activity and physical function in rural older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2000034842, registered on 2020/07/21.