Overview
Trial Design: This is a feasibility randomised controlled trial.
Aim: The study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial using a digital health tool (Keep-On-Keep-Up Nutrition, KOKU-Nut) to improve dietary intake in community-dwelling older adults.
- Objectives
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- Is it feasible and practical to run KOKU-Nut study as a powered randomised controlled trial.
- Adherence to the intervention, motivations, barriers and facilitators of engaging with KOKU-Nut
Study population:
Community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older
- Intervention
Participants in the intervention group will be asked to engage with KOKU-Nut at least 3 times a week throughout the 12-week period. A crib sheet and contact details for the research team will be available if participants require additional support to help with technical issues.
- Control
Participants will continue with usual care and receive a leaflet developed by Age UK about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Timing and duration 3 month intervention with interviews carried out approximately one week after the intervention period
Description
- Background
Dietary patterns can play an important role in health in older age. Apps that encourage dietary change are available and commonly used in younger populations, however; few are designed for the nutritional and technical requirements of older adults. Keep-On-Keep-Up Nutrition (KOKU-Nut) is the latest development of the digital tool and includes nutritional games based on the Eatwell guide to nudge older adults to improve their diet with a specific focus on protein, fibre and fluid. The innovation process has brought together researchers, clinicians, software designers and older users to co-develop the digital tool.
In this study, researchers will test the practicality of KOKU-Nut as an intervention before further larger studies are conducted to assess it's effectiveness.
The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial using this digital health tool (KOKU-Nut) to improve dietary intake in community-dwelling older adults. Participants will be randomised to receive usual care and an information booklet about living a healthy lifestyle or to the intervention group and asked to engage with KOKU-Nut 3 times a week for 12 weeks.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 65 years or older
- Living independently in the community
- Have access to the internet (to complete online dietary assessment)
- Willing to use an iPad or tablet (their own or one provided) for the duration of the study
Exclusion Criteria:
- Unable to communicate in English
- Have a known cognitive impairment