SITless RCT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SITless: Exercise Referral Schemes enhanced by Self-Management Strategies to battle sedentary behaviour - a RCT
IRAS ID
213700
Contact name
M Tully
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 5 days
Research summary
It is well known that taking part in physical activity provides numerous health benefits for older adults. As people age, their activity levels decline rapidly. Primary care is a key setting for promoting more active lifestyles. GPs can refer suitable individuals to exercise referral schemes where the individual gets free supervised exercise sessions in a leisure centre for up to 16 weeks. An issue is that the health gains from exercise referral schemes are rarely sustained. Therefore, the use of behavioural change techniques such as self-management strategies may help to increase levels of daily activity, enhance quality of life and other health outcomes. However, no studies have compared combining exercise referral schemes with self-management strategies in older adults.
The primary aim of this research is to assess the long-term effectiveness and cost effectiveness (18-month follow-up) of a complex behavioural intervention on sedentary behaviour and physical activity in an inactive community dwelling older adults population based on existing exercise referral schemes (ERS) enhanced by self-management strategies (SMS).
Approaching local community organisations, we will invite 336 participants aged ≥65 years old from the Belfast Metropolitan area to participate. Those who agree and consent will be allocated to one of three groups by chance (randomly). One hundred and twelve individuals will be offered a 17-week intervention combining an exercise referral scheme with self-management strategies; another 112 individuals will be offered a 16-week exercise referral scheme; and another 112 individuals will receive healthy lifestyle advice for older adults stressing the importance of doing regular physical activity to improve health.
We will estimate changes in sedentary behaviour and physical activity and as well as secondary outcomes such as physical function during post-intervention, 12-month and 18-month post-intervention assessment periods between- and within-groups.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
16/NI/0185
Date of REC Opinion
17 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion