A mixed-methods process evaluation of a real-life cognitively enriched walking program for healthy older adults.

Background: While research has shown the cognitive benefits of combining cognitive activity (CA) with physical activity (PA), these findings have predominantly been observed in controlled settings. To bridge the gap between research and real-life, we developed a cognitively enriched walking program for older adults. We conducted a randomized controlled trial complemented by a mixed-methods process evaluation to evaluate the program.

Purpose: Provide insights into the process evaluation of the cognitively enriched walking program conducted in a real-world setting.

Methods: Cognitively healthy adults aged 65+ years were randomly assigned to: 1) a cognitively enriched walking program (PA+CA, n = 52); 2) a walking program (PA only, n = 49); or 3) a passive control condition (n = 47). Both walking programs consisted of two supervised 60-minute group-based walking sessions per week, lasting six months in total. A mixed-method process evaluation, based on the framework of Saunders et al. (2005), was conducted to evaluate the PA+CA and PA-only conditions, focusing on fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, reach, recruitment and context of the intervention. After the intervention, participants and coaches completed a process evaluation questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview to thoroughly document the intervention process.

Results: At baseline, 148 participants were included with a mean age of 69.9 (4.2) years. The questionnaire was completed by 7 coaches (n = 3 PA+CA and n = 4 PA only), and by 35 and 32 participants of the PA+CA and PA only condition, respectively. The results of this study are currently being analysed and will be presented during the symposium.

Conclusions: The results will give insight into the process of this real-life cognitively enriched walking program.

Practical implications: Findings will inform future programs to promote cognitive functioning by simultaneously focusing on PA and CA for older adults in real-life settings.

Funding: Research Foundation Flanders.