Evaluation of a text message + pedometer intervention to increase steps after emergency department discharge: a pilot study

IF 3.4 3区医学 Q2 GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research Pub Date : 2025-04-21 DOI:10.1007/s40520-025-03030-7

Brian Suffoletto, Waverly Mayer, Caitlin Toth, Nick Ashenburg, Michelle Lin, Michael Losak, David Kim

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Older adults face increased risk of functional impairments after Emergency Department (ED) discharge, yet no evidence-based interventions exist for this population.

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of Safe Steps, a text message + pedometer intervention designed to motivate individuals to meet step count goals.

Methods

We recruited ED patients aged ≥ 60 with low physical activity. Participants received a pedometer in the ED, daily text messages to report steps, and weekly prompts to set step goals over 4 weeks. We assessed step count reporting rates, falls, and change in steps over time.

Results

Among analyzed participants (n = 40), daily step reporting was high (95% of weeks with 2 + readings). No participants had falls due to the intervention. Step count increased by a mean of 359 steps per week (95% confidence interval 182–536).

Conclusion

Safe Steps appears feasible, safe, and may be effective for promoting activity after ED discharge.

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来源期刊

Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 医学-老年医学

CiteScore

7.90

自引率

5.00%

发文量

283

审稿时长

1 months

期刊介绍： Aging clinical and experimental research offers a multidisciplinary forum on the progressing field of gerontology and geriatrics. The areas covered by the journal include: biogerontology, neurosciences, epidemiology, clinical gerontology and geriatric assessment, social, economical and behavioral gerontology. “Aging clinical and experimental research” appears bimonthly and publishes review articles, original papers and case reports.