Biomedical subjects

Shannon L Mihalko

Publications and source records attributed to Shannon L Mihalko.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Promoting physical activity in independent living communities.

PURPOSE: Recent studies evaluating physical activity programming in independent living facilities reveal that oftentimes programs have poor attendance rates, with difficulty in motivating older residents identified as a primary barrier. To better understand how to promote physical activity in the independent living setting, a brief cognitive-behavioral feedback intervention was evaluated as a means to mobilize older adults to attend introductory activity programs. METHODS: Residents in three independent living communities (N = 79; mean age = 81.6 (SD = 6.1) yr) were randomly assigned to either a brief tailored feedback session, based on social cognitive theory and recent research on risk perception, or to a standard information-only condition. All participants were provided information advertising an introductory physical activity session. RESULTS: Of the 38 participants randomized to the cognitive-behavioral intervention, 20 attended the physical activity session, as compared to five of the 41 participants in the information-only condition. The difference between groups for attendance at the session was significant (chi2 (1, N = 79) = 24.31, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings support the efficacy of a brief intervention to generate interest in physical activity. Effective and feasible interventions intended to make environments more engaging are warranted and should include individualized feedback that emphasizes the role played by physical activity in independent living.

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PubMed2004

Challenges and innovations in enhancing adherence.

Adherence is a complex phenomenon involving interactions among the individual, the environment and the community. In an adherence workshop, a small group of investigators discussed their experiences with challenges and innovations regarding adherence gleaned from clinical research. This article summarizes the information and outcomes of that meeting. Guided by theoretical frameworks for understanding and promoting adherence, challenges in the areas of measurement, community-based research, and interventions were explored and innovations for meeting these challenges suggested. The article concludes with recommendations for enhancing the adherence agenda: (1) adherence research must have a well-defined conceptual and theoretical basis; (2) individual perceptions and social context of behavior must be incorporated; (3) research must be undertaken as a collaborative process involving participants and the community. Looking ahead, it is clear that if we hope to develop a new and integrated model of adherence, we must continue to advance theory through theory testing, with particular attention given to mediators and diverse samples. Moreover, an interdisciplinary agenda is necessary to set the stage for bringing together researchers from various disciplines and backgrounds with both participants and community representatives.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

PubMed2003

Active living for assisted living: promoting partnerships within a systems framework.

In response to a growing need for assistance among our aging population, assisted-living facilities have been designed to fill the widening chasm between community living and nursing care. Although sedentary behavior has been linked to functional limitations and disability, no comprehensive information exists about the social and physical environments and the programming available to promote physical activity in assisted living. Accordingly, this article includes data from an exploratory study that underscores the issues clearly related to physical activity for older adults in assisted living. The intent of this exploratory study was to partner with executive directors in order to conduct an analysis of the social and physical characteristics of assisted living. Interviews were conducted with executive directors (N=21) to discuss methods for assessing and promoting positive lifestyle behaviors with distinct emphasis on the targeted behavior of physical activity. Potential ways in which the social and physical environments could be modified to promote and support physically active living were identified. Clearly, promoting physical activity in assisted living is a challenge and will require a partnership with assisted living communities to develop effective and feasible systems-based interventions designed to make environments more engaging and, thereby, promote active living.

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