Randomized trial of 2 interventions to increase older women's exercise

Objective: To test 2 interventions to increase older women's physical activity. Methods: A randomized 2-way factorial experimental design compared the effects of 2 limited-contact interventions, motivational sessions and periodic prompts, among 190 women. Experimental participants received a 3-encounter motivational intervention. Those randomized to prompts received weekly telephone or mail-delivered cues. Results: The prompting intervention consistently increased exercise and physical activity scores. The motivational intervention did not affect outcome scores. Conclusions: Prompting is a low-cost strategy for increasing exercise and physical activity among older women. Future research should examine alternative modes for prompt delivery.