Acceptability and feasibility of an online physical activity program for women over 50: a pilot trial

Abstract Regular physical activity benefits health across the lifespan. Women in middle-age often juggle carer and work responsibilities, are often inactive, and may benefit from tailored support to increase physical activity. Establish the acceptability, feasibility, and impact on physical activity of a scalable program for women 50+ years. This pilot trial randomized participants to immediate program access, or to a wait-list control. [Active Women over 50 Online] program included: (1) study-specific website, (2) 8 emails or 24 SMS motivation-based messages, (3) one telephone health-coaching session. Outcomes, at 3 months, were acceptability (recommend study participation, intervention uptake), feasibility (recruitment, reach, completion), intervention impact (physical activity), intervention impressions. At baseline, 62 participants of mean (SD) age 59 (±7) years took 7459 (±2424) steps/day and most (92%) reported ≥2 medical conditions. At 3 months, acceptability and impact data were available for 52 (84%) and 57 (92%) participants, respectively. Study participation was recommended by 83% of participants. Participants mostly agreed to receive health coaching (81%) and messages (87%: email = 56%, SMS = 44%), opened 82% of emails and accessed the website 4.8 times on average. Respondents reported the intervention supported their physical activity. Intervention participants were more likely to increase steps from baseline by 2000+/day (OR: 6.31, 95% CI: 1.22 to 32.70, p = .028) than controls, and trended toward more light-intensity (p = .075) and moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (p = .11). The [Active Women over 50 Online] program demonstrated acceptability and feasibility among the target population, and effectiveness in some domains in the short term. Results warrant further testing in a full-scale RCT.

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Iterative development of a multiple technology-based physical activity intervention for Latina adolescents: The Chicas Fuertes Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.26195 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Britta Larsen ◽

Emily D. Greenstadt ◽

Brittany L. Olesen ◽

Bess H. Marcus ◽

Job Godino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Media ◽

Focus Group ◽

Focus Groups ◽

Text Messaging ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Target Population ◽

Text Messages ◽

Study Objective ◽

Latina Adolescents

BACKGROUND Adolescent girls report the lowest levels of physical activity (PA) of any demographic group, with rates especially low for racial/ethnic minority girls. Only 3% of Latina teens meet national PA guidelines, and these habits appear to persist into adulthood. Developing effective interventions to increase PA in Latina teens is necessary for preventing disease and reducing disparities. OBJECTIVE The study objective was to develop a mHealth PA intervention for Latina adolescents using a multi-stage iterative process based on an adaptation of the IDEAS (Integrate, DEsign, Assess, Share) framework. METHODS Development of the intervention was accomplished through three iterations: 1) feedback from a previous web-based pilot study, Niñas Saludables; 2) conducting focus groups with the target population; and, 3) vetting the final materials with a youth advisory board (YAB) comprising Latina adolescents. Based on feedback from participants in the Niñas Saludables study, plans to improve the intervention included incorporating visual social media posts and text messaging, adding a commercial wearable tracker, and revising the existing website to be primarily visual; proposed procedures and material were then refined through focus groups. Participants for focus groups (N=50) were girls age 13-18 who could speak and read in English who were recruited from local high schools and after school programs serving a high proportion of Latinos. Facilitated discussions focused on experience with PA and social media apps, and specific feedback on intervention material prototypes and possible names and logos. Materials were refined based on their feedback, then were beta tested by the YAB. YAB members (N=4) were Latinas age 13-18 who were not regularly active and were recruited via word of mouth and selected through an application process. RESULTS The focus group discussions yielded the following findings: PA preferences included walking, running and group fitness classes, while the least popular activities were running, swimming, and biking. Most participants used some form of social media, with Instagram being the most favored. Participants preferred text messages be sent no more than once a day, be personalized, and be positively worded. Focus group participants preferred an intervention directly targeting Latinas, and social media posts that were brightly colored, included girls of all body types, and provided specific tips and information. Modified intervention materials were generally perceived favorably by the YAB members, who provided suggestions for further refinements including incorporation of some Spanish phrases. CONCLUSIONS Latina teens were generally enthusiastic about an mHealth PA intervention, provided the materials were targeted specifically to them and their preferences. Through multiple iterations of development and feedback with the target population, we gained insight into the needs of Latina teens and joined with industry partners to build a viable final product.

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ACCEPTANCE: protocol for a feasibility study of a multicomponent physical activity intervention following treatment for cervical cancer

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048203 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. e048203

Author(s):

Nessa Millet ◽

Hilary J McDermott ◽

Fehmidah Munir ◽

Charlotte L Edwardson ◽

Esther L Moss

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Cervical Cancer ◽

Public Involvement ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

University Hospitals ◽

Evaluation Measures ◽

Study Results

IntroductionCervical cancer treatment can have life changing sequelae and be associated with poor short-term and long-term quality of life. Physical activity (PA; that is, bodily movement) is known to improve health outcomes and quality of life for cancer survivors, both physically and psychologically. To date, no interventions to increase PA following cervical cancer have been evaluated. This study aims to (1) determine the feasibility of conducting a PA intervention after cervical cancer and (2) to explore the acceptability of the programme and evaluation measures.Methods and analysisThe design is a pre study and post study design. Thirty participants aged between 18 and 60 years from the Midlands region, UK, who have completed primary treatment for cervical cancer at least 6 months previously and do not meet the national PA guidelines will be recruited. Identification of potential participants will take place through the University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust. Participants will receive an intervention focused on increasing PA through the provision of education, action planning, goal setting, problem solving and self-monitoring of PA behaviour, particularly steps per day. Device assessed PA and questionnaires will be completed at baseline, week 6, week 12 and week 24. Feasibility will be assessed in terms of recruitment, retention, attrition, completion of measures and intervention compliance, for which specific feasibility criteria have been established. The process evaluation will explore the experiences and acceptability of the intervention components and evaluation measures.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted by the West of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1 for this study. Results will inform intervention refinement for the design of a definitive pilot trial. These results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and international conferences while input from a patient and public involvement (PPI) group will inform effective ways to circulate results among the wider community.Trial registration numberISRCTN16349793, Registered 30 September 2020.

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Sleep, ghrelin, leptin and changes in body weight during a 1-year moderate-intensity physical activity intervention

International Journal of Obesity ◽

10.1038/sj.ijo.0803438 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 466-475 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

A J Littman ◽

M V Vitiello ◽

K Foster-Schubert ◽

C M Ulrich ◽

S S Tworoger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Moderate Intensity ◽

Moderate Intensity Physical Activity ◽

Intensity Physical Activity

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Strategies for Developing and Delivering a Parental Physical Activity Intervention: Answers to the What and How

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2011-0190 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 152-164 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Kyra Hamilton ◽

Katherine M. White

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

At Risk ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Target Population ◽

Future Research ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Individualized Approach ◽

Information Problem Solving ◽

Parental Physical Activity

Background:Parents are at risk for physical inactivity; however, few studies have designed physical activity (PA) interventions specifically applied to individuals with young children. To ensure the effectiveness of interventions, it may be useful to first elicit the needs from the target population and incorporate salient strategies identified to the design and delivery of a resultant intervention. We aimed to explore strategies for what to include in and how to best deliver a program designed to increase parental PA.Methods:Twelve parents (6 mothers, 6 fathers) of children younger than 5 years participated in focus group discussions exploring strategies for an intervention program designed to increase parental PA.Results:A range of themes such as Focus on the Children and Flexible Life/Family Plans imbedded in strategies such as persuasion and information, problem-solving, skill building, and environmental approaches were identified. In addition, a range of strategies for how to best deliver a parental PA intervention evidenced in emerging themes such as Diverse and Brief and Individualized Approach was discussed.Conclusions:Future research should continue to adopt a ground up, community-based approach to the development and implementation of interventions for this at-risk group to ensure sustained involvement in regular PA.

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The feasibility of recruiting patients with early COPD to a pilot trial assessing the effects of a physical activity intervention

Primary Care Respiratory Journal ◽

10.4104/pcrj.2010.00008 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 124-130 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

James Faulkner ◽

Emily Walshaw ◽

John Campbell ◽

Rupert Jones ◽

Rod Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Pilot Trial

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Reasons for participating and not participating in a e-health workplace physical activity intervention

International Journal of Workplace Health Management ◽

10.1108/ijwhm-11-2013-0040 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 229-246 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Marco Bardus ◽

Holly Blake ◽

Scott Lloyd ◽

L. Suzanne Suggs

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Feasibility Studies ◽

Target Population ◽

Ease Of Use ◽

Perceived Ease Of Use ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Behavioural Interventions ◽

Content Type ◽

Purposive Sample

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons for participating and not participating in an e-health workplace physical activity (PA) intervention. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of employees who enrolled and participated in the intervention and with those who did not complete enrolment, hence did not participate in it. Data were examined using thematic analysis according to the clusters of “reasons for participation” and for “non-participation”. Findings – Reported reasons for participation included a need to be more active, to increase motivation to engage in PA, and to better manage weight. Employees were attracted by the perceived ease of use of the programme and by the promise of receiving reminders. Many felt encouraged to enrol by managers or peers. Reported reasons for non-participation included lack of time, loss of interest towards the programme, or a lack of reminders to complete enrolment. Practical implications – Future e-health workplace behavioural interventions should consider focusing on employees’ needs and motivators to behaviour change, provide regular reminders for participants to complete enrolment and ensure that procedures are completed successfully. Barriers to participation could be identified through formative research with the target population and feasibility studies. Originality/value – This study combines a qualitative analysis of the reasons why some employees decided to enrol in a workplace PA intervention and why some others did not. This study highlights factors to consider when designing, implementing and promoting similar interventions and that could inform strategies to enhance participation in workplace PA interventions.

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Formative Development of a Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Grandparents and Grandchildren

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.2020-0481 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Marissa A. Kobayashi ◽

Sara M. St. George ◽

Rafael O. Leite ◽

Blanca Noriega Esquives ◽

Rachel Wetstone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Intervention Development ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

User Centered Design ◽

Agents Of Change ◽

Adults And Children ◽

Family Closeness

Physical inactivity is a major public health issue among older adults and children. This study presents preliminary results that will inform the development of a technology-based physical activity intervention for grandparents and grandchildren (ages 6–12 years old). The authors used an iterative user-centered design framework to gather quantitative data from grandparents (n = 35) and subsequently invited a subset of 12 of them to engage in qualitative interviews. Participants were 63.1 ± 9.8 years old, 80% female, 64% U.S.-born, 43% Hispanic, 66% single, and 40% <$15K income. The majority of grandparents reported mobile device proficiency, very close relationships with their grandchildren, and interest in participating in an intergenerational intervention. Four key themes related to family closeness, dynamics, routines, and technology informed intervention development. Next steps involved a pilot trial using Fitbits and a fully functioning technology-based prototype. Grandparents are uniquely positioned within their families to serve as agents of change in health-promoting interventions.

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Feasibility of a school-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with disability

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-021-00857-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Angus A. Leahy ◽

Sarah G. Kennedy ◽

Jordan J. Smith ◽

Narelle Eather ◽

James Boyer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Disability Evaluation ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Interval Training ◽

Trial Registration ◽

Classroom Teachers ◽

Intervention Delivery ◽

School Based ◽

High Intensity Interval

Abstract Background Adolescents with disability are less active and have lower levels of physical fitness than their typically developing peers. Schools are ideal settings to address this; however, few school-based interventions have been designed and evaluated among this group. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of a time-efficient school-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with disability. Methods A non-randomized pilot trial was conducted with adolescents in the special education unit at one secondary school in New South Wales, Australia. Sixteen grade 11 and 12 students (aged 17.3 ± 0.7 years) participated in the 2-month physical activity intervention. Two classroom teachers were trained to facilitate the delivery of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, known as Burn 2 Learn adapted (B2La). Teachers were asked to deliver 2–3 weekly HIIT sessions for a period of 2 months. Four domains of feasibility (acceptability, implementation, adaptability, and practicality) were assessed using quantitative measures at the student and teacher levels (e.g., observations, process evaluation questionnaires, and heart rate [HR] monitoring). Data were also collected from three learning and support teachers who assisted classroom teachers with intervention delivery. Preliminary efficacy of the intervention on measures of adolescents’ functional capacity (6-min walk/run test) and muscular fitness (sit-to-stand test and modified push-up test) were analyzed using paired sample t-tests. Results Moderate-to-high levels of program satisfaction were reported by both students (80% rated “Good” or “Excellent”) and teachers (100% rated “Good” or “Excellent”). Teachers reported delivering 2.5 ± 0.7 sessions per week during the study. Based on researcher session observations, the program was delivered effectively by teachers (14/20). However, HR data indicated session intensity was lower than intended. The program was considered “adaptable” by teachers, with several observed modifications to HIIT sessions to cater for the needs of adolescents with disability. No adverse events were reported. We observed improvements in preliminary efficacy measures. Conclusions Our findings suggest it is feasible to train teachers to deliver a school-based HIIT program for adolescents with disability. Evaluation of B2La within a larger-scale effectiveness trial is warranted. Trial registration ACTRN12621000219886.

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