Interventions for promoting physical activity to women aged 50 years and over

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a major global health challenge, contributing to chronic disease, disability, and premature mortality. There is strong evidence for the health benefits of physical activity but only a third of adults are physically active. Midlife is a critical period for physical activity, yet women in midlife often face complex challenges to being physically active. These include greater carer responsibilities compared to male counterparts, often whilst juggling work responsibilities, their own health conditions and menopausal symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain. Addressing midlife women’s barriers with behaviour change strategies has the potential to improve physical activity participation. This thesis investigates interventions to promote physical activity among women aged 50 years and over in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The current evidence for physical activity interventions targeting midlife women is examined, and the study protocols and results of two randomised waitlist-controlled trials and a qualitative study are presented. The first randomised waitlist-controlled trial tested the Active Women over 50 physical activity support intervention comprising a workplace-based information session, motivational email messages, resource book, Fitbit, and online discussion group. The qualitative study explored participants’ perspectives on physical activity, experiences of the Active Women over 50 intervention, and recommendations for future iterations. The second randomised waitlist-controlled trial evaluated the acceptability, feasibility and likely impact of a multi-component remotely delivered intervention on physical activity participation in women aged 50 years and over across NSW, Australia. This thesis addresses key evidence gaps and outlines implications for practice, policy, and future research, including the need for a fully powered trial to test scalability.