Change in GPS-assessed walking locations following a cluster-randomized controlled physical activity trial in older adults, results from the MIPARC trial. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crist, Katie; Jankowska, Marta M.; Schipperijn, Jasper; Rosenberg, Dori E.; Takemoto, Michelle; Zlatar, Zvinka Z.; Natarajan, Loki; Benmarhnia, Tarik
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 69(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Aging -- GPS -- Life-space -- Mobility patterns -- Exercise/physical activity -- Intervention; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102573
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: This study employed novel GPS methods to assess the effect of a multilevel physical activity (PA) intervention on device-measured walking locations in 305 community dwelling older adults, ages 65+ (mean age = 83, 73% women). Retirement communities were randomized to a 1-year PA intervention that encouraged neighborhood walking, or to a healthy aging control condition. Total time and time spent walking in four life-space domains were assessed using GPS and accelerometer devices. The intervention increased the time spent walking as a proportion of total time spent in the Campus, Neighborhood and Beyond Neighborhood domains. Intervention effects on walking location were observed in both genders and across physical and cognitive functioning groups. Results demonstrate that an intervention providing individual, social and environmental support for walking can increase PA in larger life-space domains for a broad spectrum of older adults. Highlights: We used GPS to assess change in walking locations resulting from a PA intervention in community dwelling older adults. The multilevel intervention was successful in increasing PA in life-space domains beyond the retirement community campus. PA increases were achieved in males and females, and groups with high and low physical or cognitive functioning. The biggest effects were observed at 3 months, highlighting the need for maintenance strategies. Findings underscore the need for environments supportive of PA in the neighborhoods surrounding retirement communities.