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Increasing walking among older people: A test of behaviour change techniques using factorial randomised N-of-1 trials.

Nyman, S.R., Goodwin , K., Kwasnicka, D. and Callaway, A., 2015. Increasing walking among older people: A test of behaviour change techniques using factorial randomised N-of-1 trials. Psychology and Health.

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Abstract

Objective: Evaluations of techniques to promote physical activity usually adopt a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Such designs inform how a technique performs on average but cannot be used for treatment of individuals. Our objective was to conduct the first N-of-1 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of behaviour change techniques with older people and test the effectiveness of the techniques for increasing walking within individuals. Design: Eight adults aged 60-87 were randomised to a 2 (goal-setting vs. active control) x 2 (self-monitoring vs. active control) factorial RCT over 62 days. The time series data was analysed for each single case using linear regressions. Main outcome measures: Walking was objectively measured using pedometers. Results: Compared to control days, goal-setting increased walking in 4 out of 8 individuals and self-monitoring increased walking in 7 out of 8 individuals. While the probability for self-monitoring to be effective in 7 out of 8 participants was beyond chance (p = 0.03), no intervention effect was significant for individual participants. Two participants had a significant but small linear decrease in walking over time. Conclusion: We demonstrate the utility of N-of-1 trials for advancing scientific enquiry of behaviour change and in practice for increasing older people’s physical activity.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:0887-0446
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:22375
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:01 Sep 2015 11:23
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 13:52

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