Megan Pearson

Publications (2)3.86 Total impact

• Source

  Available from: va.gov

  Article: Project LIFE--Learning to Improve Fitness and Function in Elders: methods, design, and baseline characteristics of randomized trial.

  Miriam C Morey, Matthew J Peterson, Carl F Pieper, Richard Sloane, Gail M Crowley, Patricia Cowper, Eleanor McConnell, Hayden Bosworth, Carola Ekelund, Megan Pearson, Teresa Howard
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  ABSTRACT: Insufficient levels of physical activity have significant clinical consequences. Primary care settings typically do not emphasize physical activity counseling. We describe the design, methods, and baseline characteristics of "Learning to Improve Fitness and Function in Elders," a two-armed randomized controlled trial that assesses whether physical activity counseling improves the physical function of older veterans. A physical activity counseling program, partially administered by primary care providers, advocating 30 min of walking 5 days a week and 15 min of lower-limb strength training 3 days a week will be compared with usual care. The multicomponent counseling program consists of yearlong (1) telephone counseling, (2) automated and in-person provider counseling, and (3) tailored mailed materials. Physical activity will be assessed with the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors. Physical function will be assessed by gait speed (primary end point), 400 m walk time, chair stands, balance tests, and self-reported physical function and disability. Self-reports of chronic illness, symptoms, pain, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, and motivation will also be assessed. A total of 400 veterans, aged 70 to 92, have enrolled and are currently receiving multicomponent physical activity counseling or usual care.
  The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development 02/2008; 45(1):31-42. · 1.78 Impact Factor
• Article: Project LIFE: a partnership to increase physical activity in elders with multiple chronic illnesses.

  Miriam C Morey, Carola Ekelund, Megan Pearson, Gail Crowley, Matthew Peterson, Richard Sloane, Carl Pieper, Eleanor McConnell, Hayden Bosworth
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  ABSTRACT: The authors describe a medical center-based randomized trial aimed at determining the feasibility and effectiveness of partnering patients and primary-care providers with an exercise health counselor. Study participants included 165 veterans age 70 years and older. The primary end point was change in physical activity at 3 and 6 months comparing patients receiving high-intensity physical activity counseling, attention control counseling, and usual care after receiving standardized clinic-based counseling. We noted a significant Group x Time interaction (p = .041) for physical activity frequency and a similar effect for caloric expenditure (p = .054). Participants receiving high-intensity counseling and usual care increased physical activity over the short term, but those with usual care returned to baseline by the end of the study. The intervention was well received by practitioners and patients. We conclude that partnering primary-care providers with specialized exercise counselors for age- and health-appropriate physical activity counseling is effective.
  Journal of aging and physical activity 08/2006; 14(3):324-43. · 2.09 Impact Factor