Hybrid-type, multicomponent interval training upregulates musculoskeletal fitness of adults with overweight and obesity in a volume-dependent manner: A 1-year dose-response randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND Dietary interventions can improve pregnancy outcomes amongst women with increased BMI. Furthermore, interest in mobile health (mHealth) is growing but little is known about the acceptability of a smartphone app to support lifestyle interventions among such a cohort. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the acceptability of the PEARs study and the use of mHealth in a mixed lifestyle intervention. METHODS PEARs was a randomised controlled trial of a low glycaemic index (GI) dietary intervention with exercise prescription and smartphone app, delivered to pregnant women with overweight and obesity. Acceptability questionnaires were completed by the intervention group at 28 weeks’ gestation (n = 149) and post-intervention (n = 123). Maternal characteristics were recorded (age, ethnicity, BMI, socioeconomic status). Associations between maternal characteristics and acceptability of the intervention and app were analysed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-squares and logistic regression. One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub-cohort of intervention participants (n = 28) at 34 weeks’ gestation, in which participants shared their experience of the PEARs intervention. RESULTS The intervention was generally accepted, with respondents agreeing that the diet was easy to follow (68.5%), enjoyable (74.1%) and affordable (76.9%). Qualitative and quantitative results were consistent with one another, both demonstrating that app acceptability was high. Participants agreed that the app was enjoyable (80%) and easy to use (97.5%). Compared to those with tertiary education, those with lower education were more likely to enjoy the dietary changes (P = .039). Enjoyment of the app was associated with disadvantaged neighbourhood deprivation index (P = .012) and higher BMI (B = .172, P = .029). CONCLUSIONS The PEARs intervention and use of a supportive smartphone app were accepted by pregnant women, particularly by those from vulnerable subgroups of the population. CLINICALTRIAL https://www.isrctn.com/, ISRCTN29316280

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Effect of self-tailored high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness after myocardial infarction: A randomised controlled trial

Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine ◽

10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101490 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 65 (1) ◽

pp. 101490

Author(s):

Thimo Marcin ◽

Lukas D. Trachsel ◽

Michelle Dysli ◽

Jean Paul Schmid ◽

Prisca Eser ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Interval Training ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Continuous Exercise ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

Randomised Controlled

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Increasing the proportion of healthier foods available with and without reducing portion sizes and energy purchased in worksite cafeterias: protocol for a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-7927-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

James P. Reynolds ◽

Daina Kosīte ◽

Brier Rigby Dames ◽

Laura A. Brocklebank ◽

Mark Pilling ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Lower Energy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Reliable Estimate ◽

Stepped Wedge ◽

Portion Sizes ◽

Randomised Controlled ◽

Energy Options ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Overconsumption of energy from food contributes to high rates of overweight and obesity in many populations. A promising set of interventions tested in pilot studies in worksite cafeterias, suggests energy intake may be reduced by increasing the proportion of healthier – i.e. lower energy – food options available, and decreasing portion sizes. The current study aims to assess the impact on energy purchased of i. increasing the proportion of lower energy options available; ii. combining this with reducing portion sizes, in a full trial. Methods A stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial in 19 worksite cafeterias, where the proportion of lower energy options available in targeted food categories (including main meals, snacks, and cold drinks) will be increased; and combined with reduced portion sizes. The primary outcome is total energy (kcal) purchased from targeted food categories using a pooled estimate across all sites. Follow-up analyses will test whether the impact on energy purchased varies according to the extent of intervention implementation. Discussion This study will provide the most reliable estimate to date of the effect sizes of two promising interventions for reducing energy purchased in worksite cafeterias. Trial registration The study was prospectively registered on ISRCTN (date: 24.05.19; TRN: ISRCTN87225572; doi: 10.1186/ISRCTN87225572).

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