A randomized controlled trial of wearable accelerometer-based feedback and behavior change techniques to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in older women

PURPOSE: Effective strategies are needed to address declining physical activity (PA) and prolonged sedentary behavior (SB) in older women. This study examined the impact of accelerometer-based feedback and behavior change technique (BCTs) interventions on PA and SB patterns. METHODS: 42 healthy older women (mean age = 72.6 ± 5.2 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 22) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group received real-time activity feedback via a wearable device and a 12-week BCTs intervention, including PA and SB education, exercise consultation, movement notifications, and goal setting. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle and wore an accelerometer without feedback. PA (step count, light-to-vigorous intensity) and SB (total sedentary time, frequency and total duration ≥30-min sedentary bouts, and sedentary breaks) were assessed using the ActiGraph wGT3X-BT. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements in total PA (p = .000; ⴄ2 = 0.450), daily step count (p = .011; ⴄ2 = 0.161),≥30-min sedentary bouts frequency (p = .000; ⴄ2 = 0.524), and total duration in >30-min sedentary bouts (p = .000; ⴄ2 = 0.513). No significant changes were found in specific-intensity PA, total sedentary time, and sedentary breaks. CONCLUSION: Wearable feedback and BCT interventions effectively increased PA and reduced prolonged SB in older women.