Culturally Appropriate Physical Activity Promotion Strategies for Older Chinese Adults in the UK: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial

4339

Yang Yang 1 2 3, Nan Zhang 4, Kimberly Lazo Green 1 2 5, Lisa McGarrigle 6, Chris Todd 1 2 3 5 7

1 School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK 2 Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9NQ, UK 3 National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Rese

View DOI

Abstract

Background: The first culturally appropriate PA strategies for older Chinese adults in the UK were developed using evidence, qualitative interviews, the Behaviour Change Wheel, and the person-based approach, and their feasibility and acceptability will be assessed.

Methods/Design: This was a two-arm randomised controlled feasibility trial. Thirty UK-dwelling Chinese adults aged ≥60 years who did not meet WHO PA recommendations were randomised to the PA strategies or the WHO PA leaflet group. Primary outcomes were feasibility metrics, including recruitment, retention, adherence, data completeness, fidelity, safety, and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included PA level, COM-B scores, physical function, and quality of life. Data were collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 18 weeks post-randomisation. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed and compared against predefined progression criteria.

Results: Thirty participants were successfully recruited within the planned timeframe. All participants completed the trial, resulting in a retention rate of 100%. The data completion rate was 95.4%. The intervention was delivered as planned, and no adverse events were reported. Recruitment, retention, data completeness, fidelity, and safety met the predefined “Go” criteria. Adherence to the group exercise sessions was moderate at 53%. Qualitative interviews indicated that most intervention components were acceptable, except for the exercise logbook, which some participants found burdensome to complete. Both adherence and acceptability fell within the “Amend” criteria. The measurement tools were generally feasible. Attitudes towards pedometer use varied. Both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that the strategies have the potential to positively influence PA behaviour.

Discussion: This study shows that delivering culturally appropriate PA strategies for older Chinese adults in the UK is feasible. Most progression criteria were met, and modifiable barriers (venue access, scheduling) support moving to a full trial with targeted refinements.

Trial registration: Open Science Framework, 19 November 2024 (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/XQHJS [doi.org]).