Remote Social Network-Based Occupational Therapy for Physical Activity
Author Information
Author(s): Webster Noah, Santioni Margaret, Petroff Lisa, Adnan Maham, McGuire Katrina, Alexander Neil
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Can a remote social network-based occupational therapy intervention increase physical activity among older adults living in subsidized housing?
Conclusion
The intervention showed potential for increasing social ties but did not support feasibility for the social network approach.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 16 percent of people age 65 and older engage in recommended levels of physical activity.
- Participants attended on average 9.2 intervention activities out of 10.
- Post-intervention, four of the five participants reported knowing three or more other participants.
- Three out of five participants reported a decline in the extent to which pain interfered with activities.
Takeaway
This study tried to help older people be more active by connecting them with each other online, but it didn't work as well as hoped.
Methodology
A six-week pilot feasibility study with pre- and post-intervention interviews and accelerometry to assess outcomes.
Limitations
Feasibility was not supported for the social network approach despite high participation rates.
Participant Demographics
Older adults (age 65 and older) living in subsidized housing in Southeast Michigan.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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