Can reminders improve adherence to regular physical activity and exercise recommendations in people over 60 years old? : A randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether additional reminders could enhance adherence to a 12-week program consisting of regular physical activity. METHODS: The study collective consisted of pensioners insured with the Austrian Insurance Fund for Civil or Public Servants. They were made aware of our program through the public service union. The subjects were randomized to an intervention group (group A) that received reminders and to a control group (group B) that did not receive such notifications. Adherence to physical activity was assessed by the use of diaries. RESULTS: Group A performed 96 min more moderate intensity regular physical activity per week than group B (group A median 269 min, r = 0-1560 min; group B median 173 min, r = 0-2700 min). The Mann-Whitney U-test showed no significant differences (p = 0.080) between the study groups. There was no difference in muscle strengthening activity (group A: median: 2, r = 0-13 sessions; group B: median: 2, r = 0-20 sessions). CONCLUSION: The major positive observation was that both the experimental and control group participants exceeded the recommended level of physical activity. Nevertheless, there were some differences concerning the minutes of physical activity performed in favor of the intervention group.

Physical Activity as Part of an Intramural Health Promotion Programme for People with and without Chronic Diseases. A New Tool in Health Care Run by a Public Social Health Insurance.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity is a corner stone for healthy living, and preventing the onset or progression of diseases. The Social Insurance Fund for Public Service, Railway and Mining Industries is building an intramural health promotion facility in Austria with the aim to provide a comprehensive evidence-based health promotion programme for their insured. The target group are all people who, regardless of their health status and the presence of diseases, are ready to make their lifestyle more health-oriented. The health promotion facility offers health promotion measures in five areas: promoting physical training, optimizing nutritional patterns, managing everyday stress, increasing social capital, and improving health literacy. The focus is on increasing resources and on overcoming barriers. Depending on age, previous illnesses, range of motion, stress level, body weight and personal aims and expectations, the measures are individually tailored. The stay is divided into a two-week initial stay and a follow-up week. A comprehensive scientific evaluation concept of all measures and the entire stay is an integral part of the design. CONCLUSION: This project combines the advantages of comprehensive active health promotion, and an intramural stay. It is a pioneering social insurance project for sustainable health promotion and integrated care.