Participate in Research at CU Anschutz

This study is testing a virtual physical activity program to improve the health and wellness of older family care partners. The virtual physical activity program will use Zoom to deliver exercise sessions, track physical activity and sleep using a Fitbit, and send motivational and encouraging text messages. The goal is to help older family care partners to improve their physical and mental health to help with their caregiving self-efficacy and ability.

Our study consists of two groups: physical activity group and control group. The physical activity group will receive exercise sessions via Zoom and motivational text messages over 12 weeks. You will receive a total of three contacts/week (physical activity sessions and motivational text messages). The number of coached sessions and motivational messages will vary throughout the 12 weeks. The length of coached sessions will taper from 50 minutes/session (Weeks 1-2) to 20 minutes/session (Weeks 3-12). The control group will receive a booklet about self-care for family caregivers’ health and three text messages per week about information in the booklet. Both groups will receive a Fitbit that they can keep after study completion.

Main Procedures Involved: There will be one in-person visit for the baseline assessment and consent (both groups) visit. All other visits will be virtual. During the study you will be asked to participate in tailored virtual exercise sessions (physical activity group), complete online surveys (both groups), and engage in weekly text messages (both groups).

Duration of Participation: Total participation in the study will be 24 weeks. The physical activity program will last 12-weeks. There are 16-week and 24-week virtual follow-up visits.