Assessing a Digital Platform (KOKU-Nut) to Improve Nutrition in Older Adults: Mixed Methods Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

Keep-on-Keep-up Nutrition (KOKU-Nut) is a free, tablet-based digital platform that focuses on increasing physical activity and improving the dietary intake of older adults.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using KOKU-Nut among community-dwelling older adults. Feasibility was assessed by considering recruitment and retention rates, acceptability of the intervention, and study design.

METHODS

Participants (community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years) were randomized 1:1 to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group was asked to engage with KOKU-Nut 3 times a week for 12 weeks. Participants in the control group received a leaflet promoting a healthy lifestyle. All participants completed questionnaires at baseline and 12 weeks. A sample of participants was asked to complete an optional interview. The study collected data on dietary intake (24-hour food diary), physical function (grip strength and 5-time sit-to-stand exercise), usability of the intervention (System Usability Scale), and safety (adverse events).

RESULTS

Of 51 participants assessed for eligibility, 31 were randomized, and 28 completed the 12-week follow-up. Of the 14 participants in the intervention group, 10 (71.4%) reported engagement with KOKU-Nut 3 or more times a week. There was no difference in physical function or dietary intake at 12 weeks between participants in the intervention and control groups after adjusting for age and baseline values.

CONCLUSIONS

This feasibility randomized controlled trial indicates that the study design was appropriate and acceptable to older adults, as demonstrated by the recruitment and retention rates. This is promising and demonstrates the potential for conducting a future powered randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of KOKU-Nut.