Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Assisted Living Residents: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Longitudinal Study

Older assisted living (AL) residents are at risk for decreasing physical activity (PA) and increasing sedentary behavior (SB), but the change is not well-documented. We aimed to (1) determine the feasibility and acceptability of a longitudinal study of PA/SB with accelerometers, tests of cognitive and physical function, and questionnaires, (2) establish a preliminary estimate of changes in PA/SB over 6 months, and (3) evaluate potential factors associated with PA/SB changes. Participants from nine AL facilities wore activPAL and ActiGraph accelerometers at baseline and 6 months, and completed other measures. Fifty residents completed baseline data collection, and 12% withdrew during the study. Over 6 months, there were small declines in PA and small increases in SB; PA change was more evident in individuals with cognitive impairment. Weak relationships were observed between PA/SB changes and 10 factors. This study supports the feasibility and acceptability of a longitudinal study of PA/SB in AL residents.