RecruitingACTRN12621000965808

ENJOY MAP for HEALTH: outdoor exercise for older people

The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH: Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY for older people

Sponsor

National Ageing Research Institute

Enrollment

228 participants

Start Date

Sep 20, 2020

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Chronic conditions associated with physical inactivity

Summary

The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH aims to evaluate the impact of the Seniors Exercise Park (specialized outdoor exercise equipment for older people) and associated capacity building activities on park visitation, park-based physical activity by older people and community physical activity programs delivery. The effects of age-friendly outdoor spaces on physical activity and wellbeing will take place in 6 participating Victorian municipalities. Each Council will undergo 4 stages (Site construction and development, Promotion and marketing, Capacity building and training, Evaluation and sustainability). Several activities and methods will be employed from Stage 1 through Stage 4 to evaluate the potential impact of the age-friendly outdoor spaces on physical activity and wellbeing and will comprise the following elements: Site observation and equipment utilisation, development of an online access monitor and community building activities. The project is expected to result in a significant change in the physical outdoor environment for the participating councils and communities whereby older people and other community members will be able to engage in safe physical and social activity programs, socialise more and hence improve the overall wellbeing of older people.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 60 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is evaluating the impact of specially designed outdoor exercise parks for older adults — called Seniors Exercise Parks — on physical activity, wellbeing, and community connection. These parks feature equipment specifically designed for older bodies, offering low-impact resistance and balance exercises in a social, accessible outdoor setting. Six Victorian councils are participating, and each will have a new Seniors Exercise Park installed, promoted, and supported with community programming. Researchers will observe park usage patterns, conduct face-to-face surveys with park visitors, and track changes in physical activity levels and overall wellbeing among older adults in the participating communities. The project involves site construction, community promotion, training of local activity leaders, and evaluation over multiple stages. To participate in the face-to-face survey component, you must be aged 60 or older and be able to understand basic conversational English. Park visitors under 60 or those who cannot communicate in English will not be surveyed. The study itself is about accessing a public space, so there is no medical screening involved. The research is run by the National Ageing Research Institute.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

The project involves the installation of specialised outdoor equipment (the Seniors Exercise Park) supported by promotion and community capacity building activities in 6 municipalities in Victoria. T

The project involves the installation of specialised outdoor equipment (the Seniors Exercise Park) supported by promotion and community capacity building activities in 6 municipalities in Victoria. The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH incorporates 4 stages at each participating site with several strategies embedded to ‘activate a site’ to enable positive effects on physical activity behavior and sustainability including: promotion and marketing, capacity building, and development of resources. EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION - Seniors Exercise Park The exercise park equipment is outdoor playground equipment specifically designed for older people to improve strength, balance, joint movements and mobility and function. It comprises multiple equipment stations that target specific function or movement (upper and lower limb) such as shoulder range of movement, static and dynamic balance, functional movement of walking up/down stairs, sit to stand. The equipment will be installed in pre-determined suitable locations (e.g., part of the councils park/site upgrade (refurbishment) plan). There will be variation between sites around the overall site size, surrounding areas and amenities, and the additional play equipment. SITE ACTIVATION -promotion and marketing, capacity building, and development of resources 1) Marketing and promotion All project's stages will be enhanced by ongoing communication and branding strategies and activities which will maximise visibility and promotion of the Seniors exercise Park. The branding strategy will include the design of promotional material to be distributed in online and off line channels such as digital (Facebook, Instagram, website) and physical promotion (banner, posters, flyers) platforms. In addition an online app (ENJOY-ME-APP) will also be designed that include videos resources and information on how to use the equipment. 2) Capacity building - upskilling and training– knowledge transfer Community capacity building activities will include: (a) training modules, and (b) Community health care engagement. 2a) Training modules will include training for Allied Health Professionals (Training workshops) and Senior Champions (Train the Trainer). Allied Health Professional training will include a half day workshop incorporating theoretical component about risk management and exercise prescription and a practical session using the outdoor exercise equipment. Train the trainer module will include twice weekly training sessions for 5 weeks as follows: 9 practical training sessions using the seniors exercise park (1.5 hours duration incorporating interactive teaching with hands-on demonstrations) and final theoretical session for 3 hours incorporating risk managements, physical activity and healthy lifestyle tips. Adherence will be monitored using participation log. 2b) Community health care engagement will include the development of relationship with local health care/leisure providers via the involvement of various project stages such as in training, project’s meetings, and community events.

Locations(1)

VIC, Australia

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ACTRN12621000965808