PA interventions significantly improved PA behavior among community-dwelling older adults. Effective PA interventions may be efficiently delivered using already available resources and personnel. Future PA intervention research should be theoretically based, incorporate more diverse subjects, and compare intervention delivery methods.

This systematic review applied meta-analytic procedures to synthesize medication adherence interventions that focus on adults with hypertension. Comprehensive searching located trials with medication adherence behavior outcomes. Study sample, design, intervention characteristics, and outcomes were coded. Random-effects models were used in calculating standardized mean difference effect sizes. Moderator analyses were conducted using meta-analytic analogues of ANOVA and regression to explore associations between effect sizes and sample, design, and intervention characteristics. Effect sizes were calculated for 112 eligible treatment-vs.-control group outcome comparisons of 34,272 subjects. The overall standardized mean difference effect size between treatment and control subjects was 0.300. Exploratory moderator analyses revealed interventions were most effective among female, older, and moderate- or high-income participants. The most promising intervention components were those linking adherence behavior with habits, giving adherence feedback to patients, self-monitoring of blood pressure, using pill boxes and other special packaging, and motivational interviewing. The most effective interventions employed multiple components and were delivered over many days. Future research should strive for minimizing risks of bias common in this literature, especially avoiding self-report adherence measures.

Physical activity (PA) is important in the management of chronic illness among older adults worldwide. Researchers have conducted several intervention studies to increase PA behavior in this population. This review of the past 12 years of relevant PA intervention research among adults age 60 and older systematically summarized research findings, identified characteristics of successful interventions, and proposed areas of future research. Twenty studies were reviewed for this paper, most employing a combination cognitive-behavioral intervention design. Cognitive-based only and combination interventions were more successful in changing PA behavior; however, behavioral-based interventions demonstrated more long-term changes in PA behavior. Among theory-based interventions, self-efficacy was the most commonly operationalized construct. Findings from this review may inform future primary research to promote PA behavior among older adults, as well as gerontological clinical practice.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effects of supervised resistance and/or aerobic training physical activity interventions on performance-based measures of physical functioning among community-dwelling older adults, and to identify factors impacting intervention effectiveness. Diverse search strategies were used to identify eligible studies. Standardized mean difference effect sizes (d, ES) were synthesized using a random effects model. Moderator analyses were conducted using subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Twenty-eight studies were included. Moderator analyses were limited by inconsistent reporting of sample and intervention characteristics. The overall mean ES was 0.45 (k=38, p=<.01), representing a clinically meaningful reduction of 0.92 seconds in the Timed Up and Go for treatment versus control. More minutes per week (p<.01) and longer intervention session duration (p<0.01) were associated with larger effects. Interventions were especially effective among frail participants (d=1.09). Future research should clearly describe sample and intervention characteristics and incorporate frail populations.

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Coronary heart disease significantly impacts the morbidity, mortality, and health care economy of our population. Enrollment into cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after cardiac events improves patient outcomes; however, physical activity (PA) behavior decreases significantly in the years following completion of CR. This article reviews the literature regarding interventions to maintain or increase PA after CR. Fourteen interventions studies from North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia used variations of cognitive and/or behavioral strategies. Women and older adults were underrepresented in the reviewed studies. Measurement of PA varied between studies and included self-report, objective pedometer or accelerometer data, or questionnaire format. Common cognitive interventions included self-efficacy enhancement measures, barrier management, and problem solving. Behavioral interventions included self-monitoring, prompting, goal setting, and feedback. Cognitive intervention studies reported inconsistent results, whereas behavioral studies and studies that used combinations of interventions reported more consistent, positive findings. More intervention studies, using rigorous designs and reliable measures of PA on larger, more diverse populations, are needed to improve the understanding of PA-related behavior change after completion of CR.

Racial/ethnic disparities exist in ADL disability improvement among HC patients. Research is needed to clarify mechanisms underlying these disparities. Disablement Model factors may be targets for clinical intervention.

Researchers function in a complex environment and carry multiple role responsibilities. This environment is prone to various distractions that can derail productivity and decrease efficiency. Effective time management allows researchers to maintain focus on their work, contributing to research productivity. Thus, improving time management skills is essential to developing and sustaining a successful program of research. This article presents time management strategies addressing behaviors surrounding time assessment, planning, and monitoring. Herein, the Western Journal of Nursing Research editorial board recommends strategies to enhance time management, including setting realistic goals, prioritizing, and optimizing planning. Involving a team, problem-solving barriers, and early management of potential distractions can facilitate maintaining focus on a research program. Continually evaluating the effectiveness of time management strategies allows researchers to identify areas of improvement and recognize progress.