Presenter/Author:

Yanping DUAN (1)

Other Author:

Author Affiliation:

Keywords:

physical activity, diet, blended intervention, older adults, health promotion

Abstract:

Background: The prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PA) and unhealthy diet has existed in Hong Kong elderly, which is closely related to chronic diseases and mortality, while the aging trend is also a major concern in Hong Kong. Nowadays, a blended intervention combining both face-to-face and eHealth interventions is a promising approach for health promotion. This study assessed preliminary efficacy of a blended intervention to maintain healthy lifestyle and obtain health outcomes among Hong Kong elderly.

Method: This pilot study applied a two-arm randomized controlled trial with double-blinded design. 69 participants (Mean age = 72.21 years, Female: 80.6%) from community senior centres were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: Intervention group (n=34) received a 10-week face-to-face and eHealth blended courses including (1) one face-to-face session for PA and one face-to-face session for diet per week; (2) a web-based behavior change promotion intervention with one session for PA and one session for diet in each week. A control condition (n=35) received biweekly telephone interview. The primary outcomes included PA and diet behaviors. The secondary outcomes included physical health outcomes (Total Cholesterol, BMI, and physical fitness), mental health outcomes (depression, loneliness) and health-related quality of life. All data were collected twice including pre-intervention and post-intervention. General linear model was applied for data analysis.

Result: The present pilot study finding revealed that there were significant interaction effects (time x group) on diet behaviors (Fruit and vegetable intake; Meat, fish, egg and alternatives), physical fitness (lower body strength, agility and dynamic balance), loneliness, and health-related quality of life. No significant interaction effect (time x group) was found on MVPA, Total Cholesterol, BMI, upper body strength, aerobic endurance, upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, and depression.

Conclusion: The pilot blended lifestyle intervention demonstrated effects in assisting older adults to make some positive lifestyle changes. A large scale RCT is warranted in the future.

Reference:

Funding Source:

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