PROJECT SUMMARY
Physical activity is thought to be critically important in aging adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),
who have significantly higher rates of cardiovascular disease and multimorbidity than their peers without SLE.
Digital programming represents a viable option for physical activity promotion in older adults, including those
with SLE. Given the unique characteristics of older adults with SLE, SLE-specific adaptation is critical to
meeting the needs of the target population. The objective of this proposal is to determine physical activity
levels, impediments to and facilitators of physical activity, and readiness to participate in a digitally-delivered
physical activity program in a sample of aging adults with SLE (=50 years of age). The central tenet of this
proposal is that deficits in physical activity behaviors and modifiable risk factors for a sedentary lifestyle can be
mitigated through the use of the digital physical activity program that addresses the unique challenges faced by
aging adults with SLE when attempting to engage in physical activity. Design of an efficacious program will first
require an understanding of the deficits in PA behaviors and modifiable risk factors for a sedentary lifestyle that
are present in the target population. Preliminary data gathered through the current proposal will inform
adaptation and pilot testing of an established 12-week digitally-delivered physical activity program with social
support features. The aims of this proposal are as follows:
Aim 1: To elicit perspectives of adults =50 years of age with SLE on engagement in physical activity, barriers
to and facilitators of physical activity, and use of a digital physical activity program. Semi-structured interviews
will address factors that influence physical activity behavior, as well as perceived usefulness and ease of use
of and likeliness to engage in a digital physical activity program.
Aim 2: To quantify physical activity levels, barriers to and facilitators of physical activity, and readiness for a
digital physical activity program in a national cross-sectional sample of aging adults (i.e., =50 years) with SLE.
Informed by the results of Aim 1, I will develop a questionnaire addressing barriers to and facilitators of
physical activity and factors impacting use of a digital physical activity program to evaluate prevalence of these
factors in a larger sample and guide future intervention adaptation. Using validated surveys, I will collect
additional data on physical activity levels, impediments to physical activity, and readiness for a digital health
intervention.
At the conclusion of the study, I will have the necessary preliminary data to adapt and pilot test a digital
physical activity program in older adults with SLE that is tailored to their needs and preferences, thus
empowering aging adults with SLE to increase their physical activity levels. Through this work, I will build a
track record of experience in multidisciplinary aging research that will allow me to improve the health and
wellbeing of this vulnerable population.
