Tips for success in recruiting large samples of older people to physical activity trials.

Background
Only 42% of Australians aged 65+ meet physical activity (PA) guidelines (ABS 2022). Research to increase PA in this demographic is important yet recruitment of large representative samples is challenging.

Purpose
Outline strategies from three large PA trials to boost recruitment of older people.
Methods
Coaching for Healthy Ageing (CHAnGE) (cluster randomised controlled trial [RCT, n=605]) recruited people aged 60+ through in-person presentations to community groups in metropolitan and regional NSW, Australia. It compared health coaching and activity trackers to a healthy eating program.
Coaching and Exercise for Better Walking (ComeBACK) RCT (n=512) recruited from the community (e.g. newsletters, radio, social media) and health services (e.g. community rehabilitation, outpatient clinics). It compares the effect of health coaching against motivational text messages on PA in adults with self-reported walking difficulties.
Successful AGEing (SAGE) RCT (n=700) recruited people aged 60+ from the community. It compared the effect of yoga-based exercise to a seated yoga relaxation program on falls.
Results
CHAnGE recruitment strategies allowed participants to build value expectancy and rapport with staff, and provided a sense of achievability and understanding of older peoples’ PA needs. Recruiting existing groups enhanced social connectedness and accountability.
To boost health service recruitment, ComeBACK identified site champions, held recruitment site presentations, and provided regular recruitment updates.
SAGE advertised on Facebook and in senior’s online newsletters, providing extensive geographical reach.
These strategies were successful as they recruited from spaces older people were already present (online and in-person), providing opportunities they may not have sought themselves.
Conclusions
Understanding the needs of older people and providing accessible, relatable and clear content helps boost recruitment of older people in PA trials.

Practical Implications
By implementing these strategies, we attracted older participants with a range of functional abilities from different geographical regions.

Funding
All trials received funding from NHMRC of Australia.