Monitoring one’s physical activity through using accelerometers and receiving feedback has proven to be an effective strategy for enhancing the physical activity levels among elderly individuals who require ongoing support. This groundbreaking revelation comes from a study conducted by Kobe University, marking the first time evidence has been provided to show that simple, safe methods can significantly improve physical activity in this group. Such improvements are anticipated to be crucial in preventing severe illnesses and reducing the financial burden associated with long-term care.
The importance of increasing physical movement, specifically taking more steps and reducing sedentary time, is well-documented for its positive effects on preventing numerous noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, especially among the elderly who rely on long-term care. This demographic is known to be less active, taking fewer steps, and spending more time seated compared to their healthier counterparts, thus facing a higher risk of illness that can degrade their quality of life and exert pressure on healthcare resources. Despite existing knowledge that self-monitoring can boost physical activity among older adults, its effectiveness has not been previously confirmed for those at greater risk.
Kobe University health scientists Kazuhiro Izawa and Masahiro Kitamura addressed the gap through a study involving 52 participants from a daycare centre in Japan. The research compared the effects of self-monitoring physical activity. Participants were educated about the benefits of increased activity and instructed to use accelerometers to log their movement. Those in the intervention group also kept daily activity records and received weekly feedback and advice.
Published in European Geriatric Medicine, the findings revealed that the intervention group exhibited more physical activity, including taking more steps, spending less time sitting, and engaging in more light physical activities. This study is particularly novel for including metrics on sedentary behaviour alongside traditional step counts, offering insights into how reducing sitting time can complement efforts to increase overall activity levels.
However, the study’s five-week duration was noted as a limitation for observing long-term health benefits, suggesting the need for future research with larger participant groups and extended follow-ups to understand and thoroughly verify the long-term effectiveness of such interventions.
This research underscores the feasibility and effectiveness of simple interventions to improve physical activity among older adults needing care. It lays a foundation for future studies to enhance care prevention strategies through self-monitoring techniques. With further investigation, these methods can be refined and expanded to support better the health and well-being of older adults requiring assistance.
More information: Masahiro Kitamura et al, Effects of self-monitoring using an accelerometer on physical activity of older people with long-term care insurance in Japan: a randomized controlled trial, European Geriatric Medicine. DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-00935-w
Journal information: European Geriatric Medicine Provided by Kobe University
