A mental health-informed, online health promotion programme targeting physical activity and healthy eating for adults aged 60+years: study protocol for the MovingTogether randomised controlled trial

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing regulations have led to an increased risk of social isolation and physical inactivity, particularly among older adults. The benefits of physical activity for reducing fall risk and improving mood and mental functioning have been well documented. The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of the MovingTogether programme on psychological distress (primary outcome) and physical activity, social capital, cognition, concern about falling, loneliness, physical functioning, quality of life and physical activity enjoyment (secondary outcomes). Methods: A randomised controlled trial with a waitlist control will be conducted, recruiting 80 adults aged 60+ years with access to Facebook and a computer or tablet and not currently meeting the aerobic physical activity guidelines. Randomisation will be completed using REDCap. The intervention group (n = 40) will join a private Facebook group where allied health facilitators will provide targeted healthy lifestyle education throughout the 10-week programme with weekly telehealth group calls. Intervention participants will also be provided access to tailored strength and aerobic exercise guidance and an evidence-based eHealth balance exercise programme. Psychological distress and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 11 weeks (post-intervention) and 16 weeks (1-month follow-up). Linear mixed models will be applied for each outcome measure as per an intention-to-treat approach to determine the between-group differences. Secondary analyses are planned in people with greater adherence and those with higher psychological distress. Discussion: COVID-19 has highlighted the need for scalable, effective and novel methods to improve and protect the health of older adults. The integration of an evidence-based fall prevention programme with a mental health-informed online health promotion programme may help to improve mental and physical health outcomes among older adults.