The Effect of Educational Intervention on the Physical Activity of the Elderly

Abstract Background and Purpose: Changing the physical activity pattern is an important factor in reducing mortality and increasing longevity. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of educational intervention on physical activity of elderly people. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 80 elderly people from two rural health centers in Ghaemshahr city were selected and assigned to intervention (n=40) and control (n=40) groups. The elderly in the intervention group received 4 training sessions of 30 to 45 minutes in a month, while the control group did not receive such training. Before and one month after the intervention, Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity (RAPA) questionnaire was completed by both groups. The collected data were analyzed using chi square, paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test and ANCOVA. Results: The mean total score of RAPA, before intervention, in the control group was significantly higher than the intervention group (P = 0.017). However, after the intervention, the mean total score in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (P <0.001).  One month after the intervention, the mean of the RAPA score in the intervention group significantly changed from 2.1 to 4.95 (P <0.001), however, the mean change in the RAPA score in the control group (from 2.4 to 2.5) was not significant (P = 0.352). Conclusion: Given the effect of educational intervention on the physical activity of the elderly, the design of such educational interventions is recommended.