scholarly journals Cancer Survivor Perspectives on Text Messages in a Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 650-650
Author(s):  
Nancy Gell ◽  
Christine Vatovec
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Message Content ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions

Abstract Messaging through mobile apps and texts are a common feature of technology-based physical activity interventions. We aimed to examine perspectives of mid-life and older cancer survivors on message content, timing, and two-way communication. We conducted qualitative interviews with 14 participants (Mean 59.9 years, Range 52-79) who completed a remotely delivered intervention that included text messages to support physical activity. After transcription, the interviews were coded and analyzed thematically using inductive, directed content analysis. Themes related to content preferences included personalization, accountability, perspective on the ‘bigger picture,’ and acknowledgement of PA-related achievements. Random timing for receipt was considered acceptable whereas interest in responding to messages was highly variable. Older cancer survivors’ preferences for highly personalized messages are an important consideration in designing technology-based physical activity interventions. A combination of accountability, relation to personal factors, and acknowledgement of goal attainment need to be considered in efforts to scale interventions. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Cancer and Aging Interest Group.

scholarly journals Increasing Physical Activity Efficiently: An Experimental Pilot Study of a Website and Mobile Phone Intervention

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjærsti Thorsteinsen ◽  
Joar Vittersø ◽  
Gunnvald Bendix Svendsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Progress Monitoring ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Local Newspapers ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Daily Report ◽  
Intensity Of Exercise

The main objective of this pilot study was to test the effectiveness of an online, interactive physical activity intervention that also incorporated gaming components. The intervention design included an activity planner, progress monitoring, and gamification components and used SMS text as a secondary delivery channel and feedback to improve engagement in the intervention content. Healthy adults (n=21) recruited through ads in local newspapers (age 35–73) were randomized to the intervention or the control condition. Both groups reported physical activity using daily report forms in four registration weeks during the three-month study: only the experiment condition received access to the intervention. Analyses showed that the intervention group had significantly more minutes of physical activity in weeks five and nine. We also found a difference in the intensity of exercise in week five. Although the intervention group reported more minutes of physical activity at higher intensity levels, we were not able to find a significant effect at the end of the study period. In conclusion, this study adds to the research on the effectiveness of using the Internet and SMS text messages for delivering physical activity interventions and supports gamification as a viable intervention tool.

Adding family digital supports to classroom-based physical activity interventions to target in- and out-of-school activity: An evaluation of the Stay Active intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-228
Author(s):  
Bethany Forseth ◽  
Adrian Ortega ◽  
Paul Hibbing ◽  
Mallory Moon ◽  
Chelsea Steel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Family Based

Introduction: Interventions targeting multiple levels of influence and settings may have a greater impact on children’s total daily physical activity than those targeting a single setting. This study evaluated the addition of family supports to a classroom-based physical activity intervention. Methods: 6 schools were randomized to a remotely delivered classroom-based physical activity only (CBPA) or classroom-based physical activity plus family (CBPA+) arm. The latter added behavior change tools (e.g., self-regulation) delivered via text messages and newsletters to caregiver/child dyads. The intervention lasted for 7 weeks with a 1-week baseline and 1-week post-intervention assessment (9 weeks total). Children who enrolled in the evaluation study received a Garmin activity monitor, which was used to tailor the text messages and evaluate changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Caregivers completed surveys evaluating intervention acceptability. Results: The 53 child participants (CBPA n=35; CBPA+ n=18) were 9.7±0.7 years old, 64% were female, 59% were Black, and 23% were Hispanic/Latinx. Almost 90% of caregivers reported high satisfaction with the added family-based intervention content. Adherence to wearing the Garmin was higher in the CBPA+ arm. MVPA was low at baseline and during the first 3 weeks of the intervention (CBPA 7.5±3.1 minutes/day; CBPA+ 7.9±2.7 minutes/day) and increased by ~45 min/day by weeks 6-8 (CBPA 56.8±34.2 minutes/day; CBPA+ 49.2±18.7minutes/day). Changes in MVPA were similar between arms. Conclusion: The high acceptability and intervention engagement in the CBPA+ arm show promise for integrating mHealth tools to provide additional family support in multilevel multiapproach interventions targeting children’s physical activity.

scholarly journals Sensory Profile of Adults with Reduced Food Intake and the Potential Roles of Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1120-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Eve Mathieu ◽  
Ryan E R Reid ◽  
Neil A King
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
Sensory Response ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity ◽  
Sensory Training

ABSTRACT The sensory profile, referring to sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch, plays an essential role in optimizing the habitual intake of energy and macronutrients. However, specific populations, such as older adults, are known to have impaired energy intake. In this paper, the relevance of sensory impairments in this older population is described, and the extent to which nutritional and physical activity interventions can modulate these sensory responses when food intake is insufficient is explored. With aging, all senses deteriorate, and in most cases, such deteriorations diminish the nutritional response. The only exception is sight, for which both positive and negative impacts on nutritional response have been reported. From a prevention perspective, nutritional interventions have been understudied, and to date, only hearing is known to be positively affected by a good nutritional profile. In comparison, physical activity has been more frequently studied in this context, and is linked to an improved preservation of 4 senses. Regarding treatment, very few studies have directly targeted sensory training, and the focus of research has tended to be on nutrition and physical activity intervention. Sensory training, and nutritional and physical activity treatments all have beneficial effects on the senses. In the future, researchers should focus on exploring gaps in the literature specifically concerning prevention, treatment, and sensory response to understand how to improve the efficacy of current approaches. In order to maintain sensory acuity and recover from sensory impairment, the current state of knowledge supports the importance of improving nutritional habits as well as physical activity early on in life. A combined approach, linking a detailed lifestyle profile with the assessment of numerous senses and one or more interventional approaches (nutrition, physical activity, sensory training, etc.), would be required to identify effective strategies to improve the nutritional state of older individuals.

scholarly journals Effects of a DVD-delivered randomized controlled physical activity intervention on functional health in cancer survivors

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Salerno ◽  
Neha P. Gothe ◽  
Jason Fanning ◽  
Lindsay L. Peterson ◽  
Graham A. Colditz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Program ◽  
Functional Health ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Group Time

Abstract Background Supervised physical activity interventions improve functional health during cancer survivorship, but remain costly and inaccessible for many. We previously reported on the benefits of a DVD-delivered physical activity program (FlexToBa™) in older adults. This is a secondary analysis of the intervention effects among cancer survivors in the original sample. Methods Low active, older adults who self-reported a history of cancer (N = 46; M time since diagnosis = 10.7 ± 9.4 years) participated in a 6-month, home-based physical activity intervention. Participants were randomized to either the DVD-delivered physical activity program focused on flexibility, toning, and balance (FlexToBa™; n = 22) or an attentional control condition (n = 24). Physical function was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) at baseline, end of intervention, and at 12 and 24 months after baseline. Results Repeated measures linear mixed models indicated a significant group*time interaction for the SPPB total score (β = − 1.14, p = 0.048), driven by improved function from baseline to six months in the FlexToBa™ group. The intervention group also had improved balance (β = − 0.56, p = 0.041) compared with controls. Similar trends emerged for the SPPB total score during follow-up; the group*time interaction from 0 to 12 months approached significance (β = − 0.97, p = 0.089) and was significant from 0 to 24 months (β = − 1.84, p = 0.012). No significant interactions emerged for other outcomes (ps > 0.11). Conclusions A DVD-delivered physical activity intervention designed for cancer-free older adults was capable of eliciting and maintaining clinically meaningful functional improvements in a subgroup of cancer survivors, with similar effects to the original full sample. These findings inform the dissemination of evidence-based physical activity programs during survivorship. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT01030419. Registered 11 December 2009

scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aymen El Masri ◽  
Gregory S. Kolt ◽  
Emma S. George
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Session Attendance ◽  
Australian Community

Abstract Background Despite being one of the largest migrant groups in Australia, few physical activity interventions exist for Arab-Australians. The primary aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women. Methods This study used a single-group pretest–posttest design, and was informed by extensive formative research and consultation involving the Arab-Australian community. Participants were insufficiently active Arab-Australian women aged 35–64 with no current illness or injury that would limit physical activity participation. The intervention comprised 6 face-to-face physical activity and education sessions over 12 weeks. The intervention was conducted at 2 separate intervention sites in Western Sydney, Australia. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, session attendance, and retention. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed through a process evaluation questionnaire completed post-intervention. Accelerometers and the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to measure physical activity at baseline and post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used for feasibility and acceptability outcomes, and changes in physical activity were examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Of the 53 women who were contacted or expressed interest, 22 were eligible and enrolled in the study. Participants were primarily recruited through direct contact by Arab-Australian community workers and by word-of-mouth. Average session attendance was 63% and the retention rate post-intervention was 68%. The culturally-related intervention components, such as the appropriateness of content, and women-only setting, were rated highly favourably (4.33 to 4.87/5). General intervention elements, such as the face-to-face delivery, knowledge and approachability of facilitators, and session structure, were also rated favourably (4.33 to 4.93/5), and the lowest scored item was the intervention session frequency (3.2/5). There were no statistically significant changes in physical activity post-intervention. Conclusions The findings from this study highlighted factors related to recruitment and delivery that need to be considered when developing physical activity interventions for Arab-Australian women. Further research is required using a larger sample and a randomised controlled trial design to examine the longer-term impact on physical activity, and to also examine ways of increasing intervention engagement and retention among Arab-Australian women. Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001392257. Registered 20 August 2018, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375636.

Attaining the Active School Flag: How physical activity provision can be enhanced in Irish primary schools

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bowles ◽  
Déirdre Ní Chróinín ◽  
Elaine Murtagh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
School Communities ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
School Based ◽  
School Initiatives

The provision of regular physical activity opportunities has the potential to have positive health benefits for children. This study used qualitative interviews and focus groups to examine the experiences of two Irish primary school communities as they worked to attain an Active School Flag. The data suggest that engagement in this formal physical activity initiative impacts positively on children’s engagement in physical activity. Schools were encouraged to embark on innovative activities that attracted widespread participation within schools and in the wider community. The establishment of links with community groups fostered collaborations that were empowering and inclusive. This research supports the contention that primary school initiatives can provide enhanced physical activity opportunities for children, and may provide guidance to national and international policy-makers as they devise school-based physical activity interventions.

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