Many older individuals are at high risk for health complications and functional impairment due to low levels of physical activity. Walking is an acceptable and safe activity associated with many health benefits. Strength and flexibility exercises are also important components of the exercise prescription for optimal health and function in the elderly. Developing interventions to promote healthy physical activity is a current public health priority, and counseling by providers in health care settings is a promising approach. There have been few randomized clinical trials evaluating exercise counseling in primary care settings, especially with elderly patients.

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of exercise counseling for elderly primary care patients. Specifically, this study evaluates the effects of nurse counseling to promote home-based walking and strength and flexibility exercises on physical function. A sub-study initiated in 2004 examines the effects on cognitive functioning. The design is a prospective, randomized, clinical trial. Outcomes are assessed at 5 months (end of initiation phase) and 10 months (maintenance). Clinic-based counseling is delivered at baseline and a 1-month follow-up visit to adjust the exercise prescription as needed. VA primary care patients aged 60 to 85 who meet medical criteria and have provider approval are assigned to one of 2 conditions: a) exercise counseling for a home-based walking and strength/flexibility exercise program, or b) health education contact control. All participants receive preventive health counseling emphasizing safety and falls prevention. The exercise counseling group also receives follow-up phone contacts, including automated motivational messages, from the nurse. All participants have continuing contact with research staff but are exposed to different specific intervention components.

Ages Eligible for Study:  60 Years   -   85 Years,  Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Criteria

• Referred by primary care providers in VA primary care clinics.
• Interested and willing to try to increase physical activity.
• Some self-reported or observed impairments in physical function.
• Excluded if there are health conditions that make home-based exercise not appropriate.