Control Group Improvements in Physical Activity Intervention Trials and Possible Explanatory Factors: A Systematic Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 884-895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Waters ◽  
Marina Reeves ◽  
Brianna Fjeldsoe ◽  
Elizabeth Eakin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Behavioral Measurement ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Participant Characteristics ◽  
Intervention Trials

Background:Several recent physical activity intervention trials have reported physical activity improvements in control group participants. Explanations have been proposed, but not systematically investigated.Methods:A systematic review of physical activity intervention trials was conducted to investigate the frequency of meaningful improvements in physical activity among control group participants (increase of ≥ 60 minutes [4 MET·hours] of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week, or a 10% increase in the proportion of participants meeting physical activity recommendations), and possible explanatory factors. Explanatory factors include aspects of behavioral measurement, participant characteristics, and control group treatment.Results:Eight (28%) of 29 studies reviewed reported meaningful improvements in control group physical activity, most of which were of similar magnitude to improvements observed in the intervention group. A number of factors were related to meaningful control group improvements in physical activity, including the number of assessments, mode of measurement administration, screening to exclude active participants, and preexisting health status.Conclusions:Control group improvement in physical activity intervention trials is not uncommon and may be associated with behavioral measurement and participant characteristics. Associations observed in this review should be evaluated empirically in future research. Such studies may inform minimal contact approaches to physical activity promotion.

scholarly journals The Effects of Exercise on Appetite in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Hubner ◽  
Julie Blaskewicz Boron ◽  
Karsten Koehler
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Appetite Control

Background: The effect of physical activity and exercise on hunger and satiety has been well-studied in younger adults, but the influence of aging is less understood. While some evidence suggests that acute bouts of exercise induce a compensatory eating drive, long-term activity may improve satiety sensitivity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on appetite in older adults.Methods: We systematically reviewed available literature investigating the effect of exercise on appetite in older adults adults (CRD42020208953). PubMed, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, the Sports Medicine & Education Index, and Web of Science, were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English with no date restriction. Included studies implemented a primary exercise or physical activity intervention with a control group, on a generally healthy population ≥60 years of age. Selected studies included at least one appetite outcome. Risk of bias was assessed using the 11-point Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) tool. Standardized mean difference summary statistics (Hedge's g effect sizes) and 95% confidence intervals were reported.Results: We identified 15 reports (13 studies) which met all inclusion criteria (5 resistance training, 3 aerobic, 6 mixed modalities). Studies included 443 participants (Age = 68.9 ± 5.2, 82.3% female) and had generally “good” bias scores (PEDro = 6.4 ± 0.88). Random effects meta-analyses revealed that the exercising group showed statistically significant reductions in glucose [SMD = −0.34 (95% CI: −0.67, −0.02), p < 0.05, PEDro =6.4 ± 0.45] and leptin [SMD = −0.92 (95% CI: −1.28, −0.57), p < 0.00001, PEDro = 6.2 ± 0.75].Discussion: This systematic review revealed that exercise and physical activity may modulate resting hunger and satiety in older adults. Decreases in fasting leptin and glucose hormones suggest that exercise promotes satiety sensitivity in adults aged 60+. This review highlights that engaging in exercise and activity programs may provide a meaningful avenue for improving chronic and functional disease burden in later life by promoting appetite control and balanced energy intake. Recommendations for future research include investigations of appetite in response to varied exercise modalities within more diverse and representative samples of older adults.

scholarly journals Objectively-measured physical activity and stress levels in workers: a systematic review physical activity and stress in workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Marcelo Frio Marins ◽  
Barbara Sutil da Silva ◽  
Natan Feter ◽  
Marcelo Cozzensa da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
White Collar ◽  
Blue Collar ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blue Collar Workers ◽  
White Collar Workers ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Objectively Measured Physical Activity

To investigate the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and occupational stress in different work environments. This systematic review, registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020214884), followed the PRISMA methodology. The search took place in October/2020 in the following databases: Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, MedLine/PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, OVID MEDLINE, Scielo and CINAHL. Keywords related to eligible participants (adults and workers), interventions (physical activity objectively measured), comparison (control group or baseline), outcome (stress), and study design (observational studies) were combined using Boolean terms. From 1,524 identified records, 12 articles were included, totaling 2,082 workers. 66.7% of the studies were carried out in Europe and 50.0% among health professionals. Blue collar workers (20.7% [n = 430]) and white collar workers (18.3% [n = 382]), medical resident (6.5% [n = 135]) and protection services (9.7% [n = 202]) were the predominant occupations. Physical activity was higher in blue-collar workers than in white-collar workers, and shift-working nurses were more active compared to non-shift workers and office workers. Increased mental workload was not associated with time spent on physical activities in most studies (10 [83.3%)]). Some studies showed that light physical activity was associated with higher levels of stress and moderate to vigorous physical activity was beneficial for reducing stress dimensions. In conclusion, most studies did not find an association between objectively measured physical activity and the level of stress in workers. Studies with robust methodologies and covering different groups of workers remain necessary.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Intervention Effects on Sedentary Time in Spanish-Speaking Latinas

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-348
Author(s):  
Sheri J. Hartman ◽  
Dori Pekmezi ◽  
Shira I. Dunsiger ◽  
Bess H. Marcus
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Spanish Speaking ◽  
Objectively Measured

Background: Latinas have high rates of sedentary behavior and related health disparities, but it is unknown if interventions to increase physical activity will also reduce sedentary time. The current study examined changes in objectively measured sedentary time among Latinas in a randomized controlled trial of a physical activity intervention. Methods: Spanish-speaking Latinas (N = 202) were randomized to an exercise or wellness group and wore an accelerometer at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: Participants were sedentary on an average of 8.86 hours per day (SD = 2.60) at baseline. The intervention group had significantly greater increases in sedentary time compared with the control group, with the intervention group engaging in 146 more minutes per week of sedentary time at 6 months and 254 minutes per week of sedentary time at 12 months than the control group (P = .02). The intervention effect on sedentary behavior remained after controlling for moderate to vigorous physical activity. Additionally, time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity was positively associated with more sedentary time (P = .04). Conclusion: An intervention to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity resulted in greater sedentary time, raising concerns regarding compensation and highlighting the need for interventions to address both physical activity and sedentary behavior to improve public health.

scholarly journals Fitbit-Based Interventions for Healthy Lifestyle Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

10.2196/23954 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. e23954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mickael Ringeval ◽  
Gerit Wagner ◽  
James Denford ◽  
Guy Paré ◽  
Spyros Kitsiou
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Intervention Component

Background Unhealthy behaviors, such as physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthful eating, remain highly prevalent, posing formidable challenges in efforts to improve cardiovascular health. While traditional interventions to promote healthy lifestyles are both costly and effective, wearable trackers, especially Fitbit devices, can provide a low-cost alternative that may effectively help large numbers of individuals become more physically fit and thereby maintain a good health status. Objective The objectives of this meta-analysis are (1) to assess the effectiveness of interventions that incorporate a Fitbit device for healthy lifestyle outcomes (eg, steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and weight) and (2) to identify which additional intervention components or study characteristics are the most effective at improving healthy lifestyle outcomes. Methods A systematic review was conducted, searching the following databases from 2007 to 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL (Cochrane). Studies were included if (1) they were randomized controlled trials, (2) the intervention involved the use of a Fitbit device, and (3) the reported outcomes were related to healthy lifestyles. The main outcome measures were related to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and weight. All the studies were assessed for risk of bias using Cochrane criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the treatment effect of interventions that included a Fitbit device compared with a control group. We also conducted subgroup analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to further disentangle the effects of intervention components. Results Our final sample comprised 41 articles reporting the results of 37 studies. For Fitbit-based interventions, we found a statistically significant increase in daily step count (mean difference [MD] 950.54, 95% CI 475.89-1425.18; P<.001) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MD 6.16, 95% CI 2.80-9.51; P<.001), a significant decrease in weight (MD −1.48, 95% CI −2.81 to −0.14; P=.03), and a nonsignificant decrease in objectively assessed and self-reported sedentary behavior (MD −10.62, 95% CI −35.50 to 14.27; P=.40 and standardized MD −0.11, 95% CI −0.48 to 0.26; P=.56, respectively). In general, the included studies were at low risk for bias, except for performance bias. Subgroup analysis and fsQCA demonstrated that, in addition to the effects of the Fitbit devices, setting activity goals was the most important intervention component. Conclusions The use of Fitbit devices in interventions has the potential to promote healthy lifestyles in terms of physical activity and weight. Fitbit devices may be useful to health professionals for patient monitoring and support. Trial Registration PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019145450; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019145450

scholarly journals Measuring the relationship between sleep, physical activity and cognition

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Swirski ◽  
Netasha Shaikh ◽  
Amy Chinner ◽  
Ellen Gaaikema ◽  
Elizabeth Coulthard
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Moderate Physical Activity ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Neuropsychological Changes ◽  
Impaired Sleep ◽  
Sleep And Cognition

Biochemical and neuropsychological changes due to poor sleep may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia. Physical activity is widely thought to improve sleep; however, the optimal intensity/duration of physical activity required is unknown. This 14-week, single-blind study (n=23) investigated the feasibility of a self-directed physical activity intervention in healthy adults using actigraphy and cognitive function measures as primary outcomes. Participants were randomised to a control group (no change in routine) or the intervention group (increased physical activity) and were provided with an actigraphy device to monitor activity. Participants completed daily sleep/activity diaries and three cognitive assessment sessions. Vigorous physical activity increased between baseline and week 3 for the intervention group only, with no identifiable impact on sleep. This change was not sustained at week 12. Performance on an executive function task and delayed visuospatial recall improved from baseline to week 12 for the intervention group only. Contrary to our expectations, increasing light-moderate physical activity was associated with more impaired sleep across all participants. It is clear that the relationships between physical activity, sleep and cognition are complex and require further investigation. We discuss optimal methodologies for clinical trials investigating physical activity and/or sleep interventions targeting cognition.

Comparing Accelerometer and Self-Reported Treatment Effects in a Technology-Supported Physical Activity Intervention

2020 ◽  
pp. 109019812097119
Author(s):  
Whitney A. Welch ◽  
Caroline P. Groth ◽  
Siobhan M. Phillips ◽  
Bonnie Spring ◽  
Juned Siddique
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Measurement Methods ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Control Group ◽  
Intervention Effect

Background and Aims To estimate and compare the change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) between an accelerometer and technology-supported physical activity (PA) log across a 3-week PA intervention. Method Participants ( N = 204, 77% female, age = 33 ± 11 years, body mass index = 28.2 ± 7.1 kg/m2) were randomized to one of two activity-related intervention arms: (1) increase MVPA intervention or (2) decrease sedentary behavior active control. Participants wore an accelerometer while simultaneously completing a technology-based PA log every day for 5 weeks: a 2-week baseline assessment phase and a 3-week intervention phase. Bivariate linear mixed-effects models and correlations were used to characterize the relationship of MVPA between measurement methods throughout the intervention. Effect sizes were calculated to determine the intervention effect by measurement method. Results At baseline, PA log MVPA was 28 minutes greater than accelerometer-based minutes of MVPA in the active control group. This difference was 35 minutes (95% CI [23.7, 46.1]) greater at follow-up than at baseline measurement in the MVPA intervention group. In the active control group, there was a significant 16-minute (95% CI [6.0, 26.5]) increase between the two measures from baseline to follow-up. The intervention effect size based on the PA log was 0.27 (95% CI [0.14, 0.39]) and 0.42 (95% CI [0.28, 0.56]) when using the accelerometer. Discussion and Conclusions Our results indicate that PA log MVPA and accelerometer MVPA estimate significantly different minutes per day of MVPA. It is important researchers use caution when comparing MVPA intervention outcomes from different measurement methods.

Gender Differences in Response to a Physical Activity Intervention in Overweight and Obese Children

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 592-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary S. Goldfield ◽  
Risa Mallory ◽  
Denis Prud’homme ◽  
Kristi B. Adamo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Tv Viewing ◽  
Activity Monitors

Background:This study evaluated the effects of gender on response to a behavioral intervention that rewarded increases in physical activity (PA) with increases in access to TV viewing.Methods:We performed a secondary analysis of a clinical trial that randomized 30 overweight or obese, 8- to 12-year-old children to an intervention (8 boys, 6 girls) or control (7 boys, 9 girls) group. Participants wore accelerometers every day for 8 weeks and attended biweekly meetings to download the activity monitors. For the intervention group, accumulating 400 counts of PA on accelerometers earned 1 hour of TV time, which was controlled by a Token TV electronic device. Controls wore activity monitors but had free access to T V.Results:Compared with girls, boys in the intervention group exhibited greater increases in overall daily PA counts (110% versus 40%, P < .05) and minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; +18.1 versus +2.7, P < .05). Neither boys nor girls in the control group showed significant changes in overall PA or intensity of PA.Conclusion:Wearing an accelerometer in combination with rewarding PA with TV might be a more effective intervention for increasing overall PA and time spent in MVPA in overweight and obese boys than it is for overweight or obese girls.

scholarly journals Fitbit-Based Interventions for Healthy Lifestyle Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mickael Ringeval ◽  
Gerit Wagner ◽  
James Denford ◽  
Guy Paré ◽  
Spyros Kitsiou
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Intervention Component

BACKGROUND Unhealthy behaviors, such as physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthful eating, remain highly prevalent, posing formidable challenges in efforts to improve cardiovascular health. While traditional interventions to promote healthy lifestyles are both costly and effective, wearable trackers, especially Fitbit devices, can provide a low-cost alternative that may effectively help large numbers of individuals become more physically fit and thereby maintain a good health status. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this meta-analysis are (1) to assess the effectiveness of interventions that incorporate a Fitbit device for healthy lifestyle outcomes (eg, steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and weight) and (2) to identify which additional intervention components or study characteristics are the most effective at improving healthy lifestyle outcomes. METHODS A systematic review was conducted, searching the following databases from 2007 to 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL (Cochrane). Studies were included if (1) they were randomized controlled trials, (2) the intervention involved the use of a Fitbit device, and (3) the reported outcomes were related to healthy lifestyles. The main outcome measures were related to physical activity, sedentary behavior, and weight. All the studies were assessed for risk of bias using Cochrane criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the treatment effect of interventions that included a Fitbit device compared with a control group. We also conducted subgroup analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to further disentangle the effects of intervention components. RESULTS Our final sample comprised 41 articles reporting the results of 37 studies. For Fitbit-based interventions, we found a statistically significant increase in daily step count (mean difference [MD] 950.54, 95% CI 475.89-1425.18; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MD 6.16, 95% CI 2.80-9.51; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), a significant decrease in weight (MD −1.48, 95% CI −2.81 to −0.14; <i>P</i>=.03), and a nonsignificant decrease in objectively assessed and self-reported sedentary behavior (MD −10.62, 95% CI −35.50 to 14.27; <i>P</i>=.40 and standardized MD −0.11, 95% CI −0.48 to 0.26; <i>P</i>=.56, respectively). In general, the included studies were at low risk for bias, except for performance bias. Subgroup analysis and fsQCA demonstrated that, in addition to the effects of the Fitbit devices, setting activity goals was the most important intervention component. CONCLUSIONS The use of Fitbit devices in interventions has the potential to promote healthy lifestyles in terms of physical activity and weight. Fitbit devices may be useful to health professionals for patient monitoring and support. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019145450; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019145450

scholarly journals A co-designed active video game for physical activity promotion in people with COPD: Pilot trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Simmich ◽  
Allison Mandrusiak ◽  
Stuart Trevor Smith ◽  
Nicole Hartley ◽  
Trevor Glen Russell
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Active Video Game ◽  
Active Video

BACKGROUND People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are less active have lower quality of life, greater risk of exacerbations and greater mortality than those who are more active. The effectiveness of physical activity interventions may be facilitated the addition of game elements to improve engagement. The use of a co-design approach with people with COPD and clinicians as co-designers, may also improve the effectiveness of the intervention. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a co-designed mobile game, by examining the usage of the game, subjective measures of game engagement and adherence to wearing activity trackers. The secondary aim of the study was to estimate the effect of the game on daily steps and daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). METHODS Participants with COPD who were taking part in the co-design of the active video game (n=9) acted as the experiment group, spending 3 weeks testing the game they helped to develop. Daily steps and MVPA were compared to a control group (n=9) who did not co-design or test the game. RESULTS Most participants (8/9, 89%) engaged with the game after downloading it. Participants used the game to record physical activity on 58% of days the game was available. The highest scores on the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) were seen for the Value/Usefulness subscale, with a mean of 6.38 (SD 0.6). Fitbit wear adherence was high, with participants in both groups recording steps on >80% of days. Usage of the game was positively correlated with change in daily steps, but not with MVPA. CONCLUSIONS The co-designed mobile application shows promise as an intervention and should be evaluated in a larger-scale trial in this population. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Customary physical activity and odds of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 111 prospective cohort studies

2021 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-103140
Author(s):  
Rodney K Dishman ◽  
Cillian P McDowell ◽  
Matthew Payton Herring
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Prospective Cohort Studies ◽  
Over Time

ObjectiveTo explore whether physical activity is inversely associated with the onset of depression, we quantified the cumulative association of customary physical activity with incident depression and with an increase in subclinical depressive symptoms over time as reported from prospective observational studies.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesMEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and CINAHL Complete databases, supplemented by Google Scholar.Eligibility criteriaProspective cohort studies in adults, published prior to January 2020, reporting associations between physical activity and depression.Study appraisal and synthesisMultilevel random-effects meta-analysis was performed adjusting for study and cohort or region. Mixed-model meta-regression of putative modifiers.ResultsSearches yielded 111 reports including over 3 million adults sampled from 11 nations in five continents. Odds of incident cases of depression or an increase in subclinical depressive symptoms were reduced after exposure to physical activity (OR, 95% CI) in crude (0.69, 0.63 to 0.75; I2=93.7) and adjusted (0.79, 0.75 to 0.82; I2=87.6) analyses. Results were materially the same for incident depression and subclinical symptoms. Odds were lower after moderate or vigorous physical activity that met public health guidelines than after light physical activity. These odds were also lower when exposure to physical activity increased over time during a study period compared with the odds when physical activity was captured as a single baseline measure of exposure.ConclusionCustomary and increasing levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in observational studies are inversely associated with incident depression and the onset of subclinical depressive symptoms among adults regardless of global region, gender, age or follow-up period.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document