A Group-Based Walking Study to Enhance Physical Activity Among Older Adults: The Role of Social Engagement.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore social engagement and social comparisons as mechanisms to increase physical activity among older adults.

Methods

Participants (N = 60, mean age = 65.7) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Participants in the treatment condition used the application to track their daily walking steps and interact via text messages with their group members for 4 weeks. Participants in the control group used the application only to track their own walking steps. Outcome variables included mean weekly steps, exercise self-efficacy, and social engagement.

Results

The results revealed that participants in the experimental condition significantly increased their mean weekly steps and social engagement from the pretest to the postte

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8021609 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature