BACKGROUND: Despite well-known benefits of physical activity for older adults, about two thirds are underactive. Community-based programs are needed to facilitate increased physical activity. We examine the effectiveness of CHAMPS II, an inclusive, choice-based physical activity promotion program to increase lifetime physical activity levels of seniors. CHAMPS guided participants to choose activities that took into account their health, preferences, and abilities. It offered information on ways for them to exercise safely, motivate themselves, overcome barriers, and develop a balanced exercise regimen. METHODS: A 1-year randomized controlled trial was conducted with physically underactive seniors in a multispecialty group practice. Changes in self-reported physical activity by group were evaluated using ANCOVA, controlling for age and sex. RESULTS: Of 173 randomized subjects, 164 (95%) completed the trial. Subjects were aged 65 to 90 years (M 74, SD 6); 66% were female. The intervention group increased estimated caloric expenditure by 487 calories/week in moderate (or greater) intensity activities (MET >= 3.0; p < 0.001) and by 687 calories/week in physical activities of any intensity (p < 0.001). Control group changes were negligible. Between-group analyses found that the changes were significantly different in both measures (p values < 0.05). Overweight persons especially benefited from this program. The program was as effective for women, older adults (75+), and those who did not set aside time to exercise at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The program led to meaningful physical activity increases. Individually tailored programs to encourage lifestyle changes in seniors may be effective and applicable to health care and community settings.
Copyright the Gerontological Society of America. Reproduced by permission of the publisher.

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