None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
As countries are affect by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the impact of social isolation and the uncertainty of an epidemic on individuals mental health is concerning. Self-isolation will disproportionately affect older people, particularly those who are living alone with limited opportunities for social contact. Social isolation and loneliness are strongly associated with poor psychological wellbeing and physical health. Promoting physical activity and social connectedness during this time is an evidence-based strategy that can potentially help alleviate symptoms of psychological distress and improve quality of life in older adults. Online technologies provide a novel method of reaching people. This study will recruit 20 older adults (60 years and over) to a 6 week group based physical activity intervention delivered online through a private Facebook group. The group will allow members to receive information and contribute to weekly conversations on pre-specified topics related to physical activity, including goal setting, balance and strength straining. The purpose of the group is to facilitate social support and provide participants with a platform to exchange personal experiences including barriers and facilitators to commencing a physical activity program at home.
Interventions
This study will recruit older adults (aged 60 years and older) during the COVID-19 pandemic to a 6-week, group based physical activity promotion intervention delivered online through a private Facebook group. The group will allow members to receive information and contribute to weekly conversations on pre-specified topics related to physical activity eg. sedentary behaviour, goal setting, benefits of physical activity and support. Different topics will be covered each week with 2-3 Facebook post
This study will recruit older adults (aged 60 years and older) during the COVID-19 pandemic to a 6-week, group based physical activity promotion intervention delivered online through a private Facebook group. The group will allow members to receive information and contribute to weekly conversations on pre-specified topics related to physical activity eg. sedentary behaviour, goal setting, benefits of physical activity and support. Different topics will be covered each week with 2-3 Facebook posts on the topic each week. The content of each topic is designed specifically for this study but will also make use of existing videos, pictures and information sources. An exercise physiologists and dietitian will deliver the program. The purpose of the Facebook group is to facilitate social support and provide participants with a platform to exchange personal experiences including barriers and facilitators to commencing and maintaining a physical activity program. While discussion topics will be pre-determined, discussion will change weekly based on the participants posts for example someone may ask for examples of workouts or different ways overcome barriers. Participants will also be able to join a group video call via zoom two times per week. These calls will last for 20-30mins. The facilitator will lead the call and provide education on the topic for the week. This will also give the facilitator the chance to check in on participants and allow them to ask questions. The intervention itself will go for 6 weeks however there is the option for participants to remain in the Facebook group and continue to use it for support without the input from the facilitators. All 20 participants will be included in the one Facebook group and encouraged to check the Facebook weekly. The page will be monitored by a member of the research team at least 5 times per week. Contribution to the page in regards to posting/liking material is optional.
Sponsors
University of New South Wales
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Prevention
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1) Adults aged 60 years and over 2) Living alone 3) Cleared to participant in an exercise program (absence of any American College of Sports Medicine absolute contraindications to exercise) 4) Currently engaging in <150 mins of moderate to vigorous physical activity 5 Able to walk around inside the house without the use of a walking aid 5) English speaking 6) Access to the internet and an active Facebook account or willing to create one
Exclusion criteria
Although we will not specifically target older adults with a diagnosed mental disorder, by nature of the target population, it is expected that a high proportion of the participants will be experiencing poor mental health. Severely depressed individuals or those experiencing frequent suicidal ideation at the outset will be excluded from the study and directed towards appropriate services in their community. Participants will be screened prior to commencement of the study and those who receive a score in the K-10 questionnaire of >30 will be contacted by the research team. If these participants are not receiving treatment the research team will recommended they do and then excluded them from the study. Likewise, those whose medications have changed in the past 4 weeks will also be excluded. Participants will also be screened with the physical activity vital sign and the ESSA pre-screening tool. Those who exceed 150mins of moderate-vigorous PA will be excluded and those who answer yes to any of the 7 ESSA pre-screening questions must get clearance to exercise from a general practitioner.
Outcome results
None listed