Walk With Me Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study and pilot RCT of a peer-led walking programme to increase physical activity in inactive older adults: “Walk With Me Study”
IRAS ID
138407
Contact name
Mark Tully
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN23051918
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
It is well known that being physically active provides numerous benefits for older adults. As people age, their activity levels decline rapidly. The need to develop effective physical activity programmes for older adults living in socio-economically disadvantaged communities has been identified. Previous research suggests that interventions that are likely to produce sustainable changes would address the individual barriers to participation (e.g. motivation), as well as tailoring the approach to their social circumstances (e.g. support from friends or family) and physical environment (e.g. promoting use of local parks).
The aim of this study is to develop the content for a peer-led walking programme for 60-70 year old adults from socio-economically disadvantaged communities and then test the feasibility of conducting a trial to study its effects. Firstly we will review previous peer-led programmes and summarise the approaches they have taken and discuss these with older adults to develop a pilot intervention.
In partnership with local community organisations, we will invite 60 residents from socio-economically disadvantaged communities aged 60-70 years to participate. Those who agree, will be allocated to one of two groups by chance (randomly). Half will be offered a 12-week programme with a peer mentor, through the Public Health Agency. The other 30 individuals will receive a standardised information leaflet on physical activity and will be referred to local physical activity opportunities.
As the aim of this pilot study is to test the feasibility of conducting an intervention, we will assess the delivery of intervention by recording the rate of recruitment achieved and level of drop out from the intervention. In addition we will estimate changes of physical activity, health and mental wellbeing before the intervention, at the end, and six months after participants commence the intervention. At the end of the intervention, we will invite participants and peer mentors to attend discussion groups.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
14/NI/1130
Date of REC Opinion
30 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion