The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study: Design and Methods

Abstract

Background.As the number of older adults in the United States rises, maintaining functional independence among older Americans has emerged as a major clinical and public health priority. Older people who lose mobility are less likely to remain in the community; demonstrate higher rates of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations; and experience a poorer quality of life. Several studies have shown that regular physical activity improves functional limitations and intermediate functional outcomes, but definitive evidence showing that major mobility disability can be prevented is lacking. A Phase 3 randomized controlled trial is needed to fill this evidence gap.Methods.The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study is a Phase 3 multicenter randomized controlled trial designed to compare a supervised moderate-intensity physical activity program with a successful aging health education program in 1,600 sedentary older persons followed for an average of 2.7 years.Results.LIFE's primary outcome is major mobility disability, defined as the inability to walk 400 m. Secondary outcomes include cognitive function, serious fall injuries, persistent mobility disability, the combined outcome of major mobility disability or death, disability in activities of daily living, and cost-effectiveness.Conclusions.Results of this study are expected to have important public health implications for the large and growing population of older sedentary men and women.

Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Variants Associated With Blood Pressure Among 2 Cohorts of Older Adults

“…Baseline data from the LIFE and Health ABC cohorts were used in this study. Design, recruitment, baseline characteristics, and main outcomes of the LIFE and Health ABC studies are published and described elsewhere 24, 25, 26. Participants in the LIFE study originated from 2 samples—380 from the LIFE‐Pilot and 1375 from the main LIFE study.…”

Association of Accelerometry‐Measured Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Events in Mobility‐Limited Older Adults: The LIFE (Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders) Study

“…Briefly, the LIFE study team randomized 1635 participants from 8 locations throughout the United States and implemented the trial between February 2010 and December 2013. Details about specific study design and implementation of the LIFE study have been previously reported 11, 12. Institutional review boards at all participating sites approved the study protocol, and written informed consent was obtained from all study participants.…”

“…Details about specific recruitment strategies and inclusion criteria for the LIFE study have been previously reported 11, 12. Briefly, participants were eligible for the study if they: (1) were between the ages of 70 and 89 years, (2) were at high risk for mobility disability based on objectively measured lower‐extremity functional limitations, (3) were able to walk 400 m in ≤15 minutes, (4) reported spending <20 min/wk performing moderate to vigorous PA, (5) displayed satisfactory cognitive function, and (6) were able to safely participate in the PA and HE interventions.…”

“…The PA intervention involved walking (with a goal of 150 min/week), strength, flexibility, and balance training 11. The intervention included attendance at 2 center‐based visits per week and home‐based activity 3 or 4 times per week for the duration of the study.…”

“…Participants were asked to walk at an intensity of 13 (activity perception “somewhat hard”), and lower extremity strengthening exercises were performed at an intensity of 15 to 16. Further details regarding the training program are available elsewhere 11, 13…”