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International Journal of Public Health

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01-06-2019 | Climate Change | Original article

A novel approach to increase physical activity in older adults in the community using citizen science: a mixed-methods study

Authors: Anja Frei, Kaba Dalla Lana, Thomas Radtke, Emily Stone, Nevil Knöpfli, Milo A. Puhan

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2019

Abstract

Objectives

The aims of this study were to implement a novel, community-based physical activity (PA) intervention in a Swiss town with active participation of elderly participants and to evaluate its effectiveness, feasibility, acceptability and sustainability.

Methods

The CAPACITY intervention combined important determinants of PA, used smartphone apps to provide feedback/facilitate interaction, and followed a citizen science approach to enable participants to organize walking groups. We targeted persons > 60 years from Wetzikon. Assessments took place at baseline and after 6 months, during this intervention period, and 11 months after step-wise withdrawal of the study team.

Results

Twenty-nine persons were included in the study; 25 conducted 6-month follow-up. They had a significant increase in moderate-to-vigorous PA (p = 0.046) but not in daily steps (p = 0.331). After the intervention period, key participants took over organization, independently organized monthly get-togethers, added new walking routes and continuously recruit new participants. Eleven months after withdrawal of the study team, 61 people regularly walk in groups together.

Conclusions

The novel CAPACITY intervention was successfully implemented, transferred to participants and is now self-sustainable for almost 1 year in the community.

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Title: A novel approach to increase physical activity in older adults in the community using citizen science: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Anja Frei
Kaba Dalla Lana
Thomas Radtke
Emily Stone
Nevil Knöpfli
Milo A. Puhan
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Climate Change
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-019-01230-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

A novel approach to increase physical activity in older adults in the community using citizen science: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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