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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Acceptability of a theory-based sedentary behaviour reduction intervention for older adults (‘On Your Feet to Earn Your Seat’)

Authors: Raluca Matei, Ingela Thuné-Boyle, Mark Hamer, Steve Iliffe, Kenneth R. Fox, Barbara J. Jefferis, Benjamin Gardner

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Adults aged 60 years and over spend most time sedentary and are the least physically active of all age groups. This early-phase study explored acceptability of a theory-based intervention to reduce sitting time and increase activity in older adults, as part of the intervention development process.

Methods

An 8-week uncontrolled trial was run among two independent samples of UK adults aged 60–75 years. Sample 1, recruited from sheltered housing on the assumption that they were sedentary and insufficiently active, participated between December 2013 and March 2014. Sample 2, recruited through community and faith centres and a newsletter, on the basis of self-reported inactivity (<150 weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity) and sedentary behaviour (≥6 h mean daily sitting), participated between March and August 2014. Participants received a booklet offering 16 tips for displacing sitting with light-intensity activity and forming activity habits, and self-monitoring ‘tick-sheets’. At baseline, 4-week, and 8-week follow-ups, quantitative measures were taken of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and habit. At 8 weeks, tick-sheets were collected and a semi-structured interview conducted. Acceptability was assessed for each sample separately, through attrition and adherence to tips, ANOVAs for behaviour and habit changes, and, for both samples combined, thematic analysis of interviews.

Results

In Sample 1, 12 of 16 intervention recipients completed the study (25 % attrition), mean adherence was 40 % (per-tip range: 15–61 %), and there were no clear patterns of changes in sedentary or physical activity behaviour or habit. In Sample 2, 23 of 27 intervention recipients completed (15 % attrition), and mean adherence was 58 % (per-tip range: 39–82 %). Sample 2 decreased mean sitting time and sitting habit, and increased walking, moderate activity, and activity habit. Qualitative data indicated that both samples viewed the intervention positively, found the tips easy to follow, and reported health and wellbeing gains.

Conclusions

Low attrition, moderate adherence, and favourability in both samples, and positive changes in Sample 2, indicate the intervention was acceptable. Higher attrition, lower adherence, and no apparent behavioural impact among Sample 1 could perhaps be attributable to seasonal influences. The intervention has been refined to address emergent acceptability problems. An exploratory controlled trial is underway.
Appendix
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Footnotes
1
Age criteria were imposed because the intervention was designed for those aged 60–75 years. Nonetheless, those aged over 75 years with sufficient physical capability could potentially benefit from our intervention. Thus, to increase the amount of feedback received on the intervention, people who were interested in the study but did not meet the age criteria (n = 9; one aged 58, 8 aged over 75 years) were nonetheless recruited. Of these, two dropped out between baseline (T1) and 4-week follow-up (T2), one due to illness and one due to a fall, both self-reportedly unrelated to the study. Seven participants completed the study. Given that the intervention is designed for 60–75 year olds in particular, these participants are excluded from the present analysis.
 
2
Each ‘tick-sheet’ related to a Monday-Sunday period. Nine tick-sheets were given to participants to ensure those who began the intervention on days other than Monday were able to monitor their behaviour for at least eight weeks (56 days). To minimize confusion, ineligible days on the first tick-sheet were manually blocked out by the researcher.
 
3
When including the 9 ineligible participants who were consented to the study (see Endnote 1), refusal and attrition rates were as follows. Of 45 older adults notified of the study, 14 refused to participate (31%), and 31 (69%) were consented, of whom six withdrew prior to T1, citing lack of interest. Of the 25 participants who received the intervention, 19 (76%) completed the study. Four participants (16%) withdrew prior to T2, three due to illness, and one due to a fall. Two (8%) dropped out between T2 and T3, one due to illness and another to death.
 
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Metadata
Title
Acceptability of a theory-based sedentary behaviour reduction intervention for older adults (‘On Your Feet to Earn Your Seat’)
Authors
Raluca Matei
Ingela Thuné-Boyle
Mark Hamer
Steve Iliffe
Kenneth R. Fox
Barbara J. Jefferis
Benjamin Gardner
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1921-0

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