The Active plus protocol: systematic development of two theory- and evidence-based tailored physical activity interventions for the over-fifties

Abstract

Background: Limited data are available on the development, implementation and evaluation processes of physical activity promotion programmes among older adults. More integrative insights into interventions describing the planned systematic development, implementation and evaluation are needed.

Exploring the Efficacy and Moderators of Two Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Interventions for Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The determinants on which the programs focused were selected based on the results of a Delphi study [24], and a literature review [14] on the determinants of changing PA behavior among older adults. Based on theoretical models such as the such as the I-Change model [25], the Transtheoretical model [26], the Health Action Process Approach [27], the Precaution Adoption Process Model [28], the Self-regulation theory [29], and the Self-determination theory [30] and on additional focus group interviews [18], theoretical methods and intervention strategies were selected and included into the computer-tailoring program. The content of the tailored interventions has been described in more detail elsewhere [18], and is briefly described below.…”

“…Based on theoretical models such as the such as the I-Change model [25], the Transtheoretical model [26], the Health Action Process Approach [27], the Precaution Adoption Process Model [28], the Self-regulation theory [29], and the Self-determination theory [30] and on additional focus group interviews [18], theoretical methods and intervention strategies were selected and included into the computer-tailoring program. The content of the tailored interventions has been described in more detail elsewhere [18], and is briefly described below. Print-delivered computer-tailored interventions were found to be more effective in changing PA maintenance than telephonetailored interventions [31] especially among older adults [32].…”

“…Attitudes toward PA were assessed using pros and cons derived from focus group interviews with the target population [18] and an earlier study on PA [37]. The pros of PA were assessed by nine items (e.g., "I find being regularly physically active very enjoyable"), and the cons of PA were assessed by seven items (e.g., "I find being regularly physical active very time consuming") using a five-point Likert scale (totally disagree (−2) to totally agree (+2)).…”

“…This paper addresses this recent development by targeting the relationship between the individual and their environment and examining the additional effect of adding environmental information to an intervention. In order to be able to examine the additional effect of adding environmental information to an intervention, two computertailored PA interventions targeted at the over 50s were developed [18]. Both interventions consisted of three personalized feedback letters for changing PA behavior.…”

“…One such intervention (the environmentally tailored intervention) additionally provided tailored environmental feedback by presenting detailed information about PA possibilities at home and in the neighborhood and providing access to a website including a forum and e-buddy system. In order to examine the efficacy of the two interventions, a three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in which the efficacy of both interventions was compared with each other and a no-intervention control group [18]. In an earlier study, the intervention providing tailored environmental feedback was found to be effective in changing total weekly days of PA on the short term [19] and total weekly minutes of PA on the long term (data not shown).…”