Effect of Feedback on the Physical Activity of Community-dwelling, Older Adults

Abstract

We sought to understand the status and effects of feedback on physical activity, in the daily lives of community-dwelling, older adults. Physical activity was assessed using a wristwatch-type pulsimeter, with an accelerometer (PS). Activity records were also used.

We targeted 14 community-dwelling men and women aged ≥60 years (7 men and 7 women), with a median age of 73.5 years (range : 61.0-91.0) for this survey-based study. In the first survey, each participant was asked to wear a PS for a week, answer questionnaires, and fill out a recording sheet. Based on the results and records of the first survey, the participants were provided with feedback. They were then asked to wear the PS for a further week, and to answer questionnaires for a second survey.

It was found that the median daily average physical activity duration measured by PS was 1.1 (range : 0.1-4.3) h, and the average daily physical activity duration was 6.3 (range : 2.9-8.2) h. With regard to the type of physical activity (including the movements of medium or high intensity), we observed that men performed activities related to going out, whereas women performed activities related to housework. After receiving feedback relating to increasing their physical activities, the participants exhibited an increase in the duration of their average daily body movements (p<0.05).

Feedback regarding existing physical activity in daily life may, therefore, effectively increase the physical activity of older adults, both male and female.