Action Planning for Physical Activity

(PACE Trial)

This trial explores how different planning strategies can help older adults become more physically active and improve their thinking skills. It compares three planning approaches: general weekly planning, planning specifically for physical activity (PA Action Planning), and a trial-and-error method for finding the best personal plan (Consistency in Action Plans). Participants will wear a Fitbit for nine months, complete daily cognitive tests on their smartphone, and create weekly action plans to track their physical activity habits. Individuals aged 60 or older, who have a smartphone, and are currently not meeting physical activity guidelines but want to increase their activity, are well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore personalized strategies for enhancing physical and cognitive health.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

In a previous study, researchers found that planning activities to increase physical activity were well-received by participants. These studies focused on creating specific plans, such as deciding when and where to exercise, to help people maintain their workout routines. The studies did not report any major negative effects, suggesting these plans are safe for most people.

Another study showed that planning activities significantly improved physical activity without causing harm. This approach proved both effective and safe for participants, as the study did not mention any serious side effects.

Researchers are excited about the "Action Planning for Physical Activity" trial because it explores different ways to form habits that can boost physical activity. Unlike standard exercise programs that often provide a one-size-fits-all routine, this trial examines personalized weekly action plans that participants can tweak until they find what works best for them. The trial also includes smartphone prompts, which could improve consistency and help people build lasting habits. This approach is promising because it offers a flexible, individualized strategy to increase physical activity, potentially making it more sustainable in the long term.

This trial will compare different planning strategies to increase physical activity. Studies have shown that planning can significantly boost exercise levels. Participants in the physical activity trial and error planning group will experiment with various action plans each week to find the most effective approach, which research suggests helps individuals discover and maintain optimal exercise routines. Meanwhile, the physical activity planning group will emphasize consistency, as consistent planning is linked to increased exercise and stronger habits and intentions over time. Overall, both adhering to a plan and remaining flexible have shown promise in enhancing physical activity levels, with research indicating that these strategies can help individuals maintain their exercise routines for up to 15 months.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰