Exploring the Efficacy and Moderators of Two Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Interventions for Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Submitted on Thursday, 25 February 2010
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Abstract
Methods
A randomized controlled trial (n = 1,971) with two computer-tailored interventions and a no-intervention control group was conducted. The two tailored interventions
consisted of three tailored letters, delivered during 4 months. The basic tailored intervention targeted psychosocial determinants
alone, while the environmentally tailored intervention additionally targeted environmental determinants, by providing tailored
environmental information. Self-reported behaviors (i.e., total physical activity, transport walking and cycling, leisure
walking and cycling, and sports) were measured at baseline and 12 months. Additionally, potential personal, health-related,
and psychosocial moderators of the intervention effects were examined.
Results
The environmentally tailored intervention was effective in changing total physical activity, leisure cycling, and sports compared
with the basic intervention and control group. No intervention effects were found for the basic intervention. Moderation analysis
revealed that participants with a higher age, lower body mass index, and higher intention were unresponsive to the interventions.
Conclusions
Providing environmental information is an effective intervention strategy for increasing physical activity behaviors among
older adults, especially among certain “at-risk” subgroups such as lower educated, overweight, or insufficiently active participants.
Moderation analysis was perceived as a promising method for identifying meaningful subgroups that are unaffected by an intervention,
which should receive special attention in future interventions.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- DOI 10.1007/s12160-010-9166-8
- Authors
- Maartje M. van Stralen, Open University of the Netherlands Department of Psychology Heerlen The Netherlands
- Hein de Vries, Maastricht University Department of Health Promotion Maastricht The Netherlands
- Catherine Bolman, Open University of the Netherlands Department of Psychology Heerlen The Netherlands
- Aart N. Mudde, Open University of the Netherlands Department of Psychology Heerlen The Netherlands
- Lilian Lechner, Open University of the Netherlands Department of Psychology Heerlen The Netherlands
- Journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1532-4796
- Print ISSN 0883-6612
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