Testing a vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity intervention in adults transitioning to retirement: a pilot randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

Background: Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA; short bursts of vigorous-intensity activities in a person's daily life) could be an attractive and feasible option to increase physical activity (PA) in adults transitioning to retirement.

Design and setting: Two-arm pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the feasibility of the intervention and the plausibility of the intervention to increase PA in adults transitioning to retirement in Perth, Western Australia.

Participants: Insufficiently physically active adults transitioning to retirement.

Intervention: Twelve-week theory-based and evidence-informed VILPA intervention designed to increase PA in adults transitioning to retirement.

Objectives and measurements: The feasibility of the pilot was determined by the projected sample size with actual sample size, drop-out rates and reporting rates. The feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness of the intervention were assessed using validated questionnaires. The intervention's plausibility to increase PA was assessed by accelerometer-measured PA, functional fitness test and general health questionnaire.

Results: Eighty individuals expressed interest in participating in the trial; 42 (feasibility of recruitment = 52.5%) were recruited and 34 completed the trial (retention = 80%). The preliminary data indicated increases in both total PA and VILPA, with positive impacts in self-reported general health and functional fitness. Participants found the intervention acceptable and intended to continue participation in VILPA and accumulate PA after the intervention.

Conclusions: The VILPA intervention appears to be feasible for promoting PA in ageing adults. The findings of this pilot RCT also support a larger trial to seek the effectiveness of VILPA in improving health outcomes in ageing adults.