1. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study: Design and Methods
- Author
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Stephen B. Kritchevsky, Abby C. King, Denise E. Bonds, Evan C. Hadley, Steven N. Blair, Anne B. Newman, Jeffrey A. Katula, Fang-Chi Hsu, Susan G. Nayfield, Thomas M. Gill, Marco Pahor, Jeff D. Williamson, Mark A. Espeland, Roger A. Fielding, Mary M. McDermott, Jack M. Guralnik, Michael E. Miller, Timothy S. Church, Sergei Romashkan, and W. Jack Rejeski
- Subjects
Gerontology ,Male ,Aging ,Activities of daily living ,Population ,Poison control ,Walking ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Quality of life (healthcare) ,Injury prevention ,Activities of Daily Living ,Outcome Assessment, Health Care ,Medicine ,Health Status Indicators ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,education ,Exercise ,Geriatric Assessment ,Health Education ,Life Style ,Sedentary lifestyle ,Aged ,Aged, 80 and over ,education.field_of_study ,Disability ,Successful aging ,business.industry ,Physical activity ,Articles ,3. Good health ,Intention to Treat Analysis ,Geriatrics ,Research Design ,Physical function ,Journal of Gerontology: MEDICAL SCIENCES ,Health education ,Female ,Geriatrics and Gerontology ,Sedentary Behavior ,business ,030217 neurology & neurosurgery - Abstract
Background. As the number of older adults in the United States rises, maintaining functional independence among older Americans has emerged as a major clinical and public health priority. Older people who lose mobility are less likely to remain in the community; demonstrate higher rates of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations; and experience a poorer quality of life. Several studies have shown that regular physical activity improves functional limitations and intermediate functional outcomes, but definitive evidence showing that major mobility disability can be prevented is lacking. A Phase 3 randomized controlled trial is needed to fill this evidence gap. Methods. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study is a Phase 3 multicenter randomized controlled trial designed to compare a supervised moderate-intensity physical activity program with a successful aging health education program in 1,600 sedentary older persons followed for an average of 2.7 years. Results. LIFE’s primary outcome is major mobility disability, defined as the inability to walk 400 m. Secondary outcomes include cognitive function, serious fall injuries, persistent mobility disability, the combined outcome of major mobility disability or death, disability in activities of daily living, and cost-effectiveness. Conclusions. Results of this study are expected to have important public health implications for the large and growing population of older sedentary men and women.
- Published
- 2011