Physical Activity Behaviors and Readiness for a Digital Health Physical Activity Intervention inOlder Adults with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
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PROJECT SUMMARY Physical activity is thought to be critically important in aging adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), who have significantly higher rates of cardiovascular disease and multimorbidity than their peers without SLE. Digital programming represents a viable option for physical activity promotion in older adults, including those with SLE. Given the unique characteristics of older adults with SLE, SLE-specific adaptation is critical to meeting the needs of the target population. The objective of this proposal is to determine physical activity levels, impediments to and facilitators of physical activity, and readiness to participate in a digitally-delivered physical activity program in a sample of aging adults with SLE (≥50 years of age). The central tenet of this proposal is that deficits in physical activity behaviors and modifiable risk factors for a sedentary lifestyle can be mitigated through the use of the digital physical activity program that addresses the unique challenges faced by aging adults with SLE when attempting to engage in physical activity. Design of an efficacious program will first require an understanding of the deficits in PA behaviors and modifiable risk factors for a sedentary lifestyle that are present in the target population. Preliminary data gathered through the current proposal will inform adaptation and pilot testing of an established 12-week digitally-delivered physical activity program with social support features. The aims of this proposal are as follows: Aim 1: To elicit perspectives of adults ≥50 years of age with SLE on engagement in physical activity, barriers to and facilitators of physical activity, and use of a digital physical activity program. Semi-structured interviews will address factors that influence physical activity behavior, as well as perceived usefulness and ease of use of and likeliness to engage in a digital physical activity program. Aim 2: To quantify physical activity levels, barriers to and facilitators of physical activity, and readiness for a digital physical activity program in a national cross-sectional sample of aging adults (i.e., ≥50 years) with SLE. Informed by the results of Aim 1, I will develop a questionnaire addressing barriers to and facilitators of physical activity and factors impacting use of a digital physical activity program to evaluate prevalence of these factors in a larger sample and guide future intervention adaptation. Using validated surveys, I will collect additional data on physical activity levels, impediments to physical activity, and readiness for a digital health intervention. At the conclusion of the study, I will have the necessary preliminary data to adapt and pilot test a digital physical activity program in older adults with SLE that is tailored to their needs and preferences, thus empowering aging adults with SLE to increase their physical activity levels. Through this work, I will build a track record of experience in multidisciplinary aging research that will allow me to improve the health and wellbeing of this vulnerable population.
