PhysAgeNet Deliverable D3.2 Guidelines and framework for designing technology-assisted PA interventions including appropriate assessment standards

Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age (PhysAgeNet)

The deliverable is a main outcome of the COST Action CA20104 - Network on evidence-based physical activity in old age (PhysAgeNet). The main aim and objective of the Action is to establish a sustainable network fostering evidence-based research and practice of physical activity in older adults and enhancing integration of innovative ICT solutions based on open data consolidated research information, in order to promote health and reduce the burden of inactivity in ageing populations. 

Working Group 3 (WG3)

The main objective of WG3 is to collect and analyze methodological issues related to technology-assisted PA and exercise interventions in older adults. Further aims are to a) make aconsensus on reasons, risks and mechanisms for pitfalls and problems in technology-assisted interventions, b) work on improvements in recruitment criteria and procedures, comparability of assessments (and thus comparability of study results, in order to raise evidence levels, see WG 1), and  goal-setting and intervention design. For all these tasks, the priority is to find a topical focus or reduction of complexity (e.g. narrow goals or target groups) which allows for a simple and exemplary solution ready for implementation in algorithms and thus technology.

The WG1 tasks can be structured in the following:

T3.1 Overview and classification of pitfalls and problems in technology-assisted PA interventions for older adults from a proper research methodological point of view, forming a work plan for the WG

T3.2 Strategy for improving comparability and standardisation of assessment of motor-cognitive and functional capabilities.

T3.3 Strategy for improving recruitment and sampling of old age target groups for achieving meaning- ful and generalizable results.

T3.4 Compiling concepts for goal-setting and corresponding principles for intervention design.