MI for Physical Activity Among Older Adults

Evidence shows that moderate and regular physical activity is associated with the prevention of non-communicable diseases, increased bone density, reduced risk of dementia, and prevention of falls among older adults. Despite the numerous benefits of physical activity, many older adults do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity in Canada. MI is a client-centered counselling style for strengthening a person's own motivation and commitment to change. MI helps evoke the person's own motivation for changes through reflective listening, engaging, evoking, and planning. MI has shown to be promising in the general adult population for improving physical activity levels, however, there were mixed results for the effectiveness of MI among older adults. In addition, based on the available evidence, there are no studies evaluating the potential long-term effects of MI on physical activity levels among older adults. This feasibility study is necessary to explore possible challenges that may be encountered in the future larger trial with a two-month follow-up. Due to the recent pandemic (COVID-19), the intervention will be conducted virtually through the videoconferencing platform (Zoom). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of VIrtual Motivational INTerviewing (VIMINT) to promote physical activity levels among older adults; post-intervention and at two-month follow-up. The participants will receive five sessions of the virtual MI over a five-week period through the Zoom platform and each session will last between 45 to 60 minutes. The intervention will be delivered by trained personnel in MI. The MI strategies will include evoking change and guiding participants in establishing goals for improving physical activity. After the 2-month evaluation, counsellors and participants will be invited for a one-on-one Zoom interview. The aim is to explore the perception of the counsellors and participants about the VIMINT study including, views about virtual MI, benefits, and challenges.