Vicarious Experience to Affect Physical Activity in Women: A Randomized Control Trial

People compare themselves to others for self-evaluation, practical information, and motivation for healthy behaviors. The effect of active peer models on comparative thinking is unknown. The purpose of this 12-week, randomized, two-group pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a workplace peer modeling intervention on self-efficacy, motivation, and comparative thinking. The attention control group (ACG; n = 24) received general health information. The intervention group ( n = 26) met with active peer models, received an exercise prescription and information. No significant group by time interaction effects were found. Comparisons on ability (how well am I doing), opinions (what should I think or believe), future self (think about my future), and modeling (be like someone else) all increased in the intervention group ( n = 21) but decreased in the ACG ( n = 22). Active peer models may support physical activity behavior change through specific lines of comparative thinking.

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Feasibility and Effect of a Peer Modeling Workplace Physical Activity Intervention for Women

Workplace Health & Safety ◽

10.1177/2165079917753690 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 66 (9) ◽

pp. 428-436 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Sheri A. Rowland ◽

Kris E. Berg ◽

Kevin A. Kupzyk ◽

Carol H. Pullen ◽

Marlene Z. Cohen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Control Group ◽

Linear Modeling ◽

Significant Group ◽

Peer Modeling

Most working women do not meet current guidelines for physical activity (PA). A 12-week pilot study tested a workplace, peer modeling PA intervention. Inactive female employees from a health system were randomized to an attention control group (ACG; n = 26) or an intervention group (IG; n = 26). The ACG received health information. The IG participated in six group sessions with an active peer model and received an exercise prescription and PA information. Pre and post measures were PA (ActiGraph), Estimated VO2max (cycle ergometer), resting heart rate (HR), glucose and lipids, and cardiovascular risk. Using hierarchical linear modeling, no significant group by time effects were found. Although PA increased in both groups, F( df = 1) = 11.4, p = .002, the IG had greater improvements in fitness (VO2max, HR) and cardiovascular risk (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein [LDL], calculated risk score) compared with ACG. Results support repeating this intervention in a fully powered study.

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Effects of a Fundamental Motor Skill-Based Afterschool Program on Children’s Physical and Cognitive Health Outcomes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17030733 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 733 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Joonyoung Lee ◽

Tao Zhang ◽

Tsz Lun (Alan) Chu ◽

Xiangli Gu ◽

Ping Zhu

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Control Group ◽

Afterschool Program ◽

Cognitive Health

Globally, more than half of school-aged children do not engage in the recommended 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Given that developing sufficient fundamental motor skills (FMS) competence during early elementary school years is important for a child’s physical and cognitive development, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week FMS-based afterschool program on physical and cognitive health outcomes among elementary children. Participants were 31 K–2 students (19 girls, 12 boys; Mage = 6.65 ± 0.98) from three public elementary schools in the southwestern United States who were assigned to the intervention group (FMS-based afterschool program; n = 20) or the control group (traditional afterschool program; n = 11). A 2 × 2 repeated measures MANOVA showed significant changes in FMS competence and MVPA between the intervention and the control group over time. However, no significant changes were found in cognitive functioning. The 8-week FMS-based afterschool program showed significant improvements in FMS competence and MVPA, compared to a traditional afterschool program. This finding suggests that structured FMS-focused strategies (e.g., fun games and goal setting) can be a critical component when implementing a physical activity program to enhance children’s motor skills and physical activity behavior.

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Primary Care and Physical Literacy: A Non-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study to Combat the High Prevalence of Physically Inactive Adults in Austria

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18168593 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 8593

Author(s):

Peter Holler ◽

Johannes Jaunig ◽

Othmar Moser ◽

Silvia Tuttner ◽

Helmut Simi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Physical Literacy ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Activity Behavior

The multidimensional concept of physical literacy is fundamental for lifelong physical activity engagement. However, physical literacy-based interventions are in their infancy, especially among adults. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the association of a physical literacy-based intervention with changes in self-reported physical literacy among inactive adults. A non-randomized controlled study (2 × 2 design) was conducted, comparing pre- vs. postintervention. Twenty-eight inactive healthy participants in the intervention group (89% female, 53 ± 10 years) entered a physical literacy-based intervention once weekly for 14 weeks. The non-treated control group consisted of 22 inactive adults (96% female, 50 ± 11 years). Physical literacy was evaluated with a questionnaire encompassing five domains: physical activity behavior, attitude/understanding, motivation, knowledge, and self-efficacy/confidence. ANOVA models were applied to evaluate changes by time and condition. Following the intervention, significant improvements were seen for overall physical literacy and in four out of five physical literacy domains, including physical activity behavior, attitude/understanding, knowledge, and self-efficacy/confidence (all p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.38–0.83). No changes by time x condition were found for motivation. The physical literacy-based intervention applied in this study may be a promising approach to help inactive adults to adopt an active lifestyle.

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Controlled Evaluation of a Physical Activity Intervention for Senior School Students: Effects of the Lifetime Activity Program

Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology ◽

10.1123/jsep.28.3.252 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 252-268 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

David Lubans ◽

Kathy Sylva

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

High School Students ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Exercise Program ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Learning Theories ◽

Control Group ◽

School Students ◽

Significant Group

This study describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a structured physical activity intervention designed for high school students (years 11 and 12). A sample of 78 students was randomly allocated to control or intervention conditions for a period of ten weeks. Students in the control group (n = 40) participated in unstructured physical activity in a health and fitness center. Students in the intervention group (n = 38) participated in a ten-week structured health and exercise program based on Banduraʼs social learning theories. At the initial posttest, a number of statistically significant group differences were found using analysis of covariance. The intervention group reported more physical activity and improved exercise self-efficacy in comparison to the control group. At the 3-month follow-up, no statistically significant differences in physical activity were found. Results from this study suggest that a well-organized exercise-based program can be effective in increasing physical activity behavior of adolescents on a short-term basis.

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Perceptions of a Peer Modeling Workplace Physical Activity Intervention for Women

Workplace Health & Safety ◽

10.1177/2165079918782258 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 66 (9) ◽

pp. 437-443 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sheri A. Rowland ◽

Marlene Z. Cohen ◽

Carol H. Pullen ◽

Paula S. Schulz ◽

Kris E. Berg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Focus Group ◽

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Qualitative Description ◽

Physically Active ◽

Peer Modeling ◽

Real People ◽

Active Lifestyles ◽

Peer Models

A workplace physical activity (PA) study tested a novel use of peers to deliver the intervention. Peer models provided vicarious experience for living physically active lifestyles to a group of inactive women. The purpose of this study was to describe participants’ perceptions of the peer modeling intervention. Nine women from the intervention group ( n = 26) participated in a 90-minute focus group. Qualitative description using thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the focus group transcript. Two themes about the intervention were “I am left wanting more” and “focus on food.” Two themes about the peer models were “real people” and “it is doable.” Focus group participants perceived the peer modeling PA intervention favorably; however, they desired more attention to healthy eating and more time with peer models. Replication of the study accounting for themes identified by focus group participants is needed to strengthen the peer modeling intervention.

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Pilot Test of an Appreciative Inquiry Intervention in Hypertension Self-management

Western Journal of Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/0193945919897077 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 42 (7) ◽

pp. 543-553

Author(s):

Oluwatomisin D. Olayinka ◽

Shirley M. Moore ◽

Kurt C. Stange

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Behavior Change ◽

Appreciative Inquiry ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Health Behavior Change ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Group ◽

Care Clinic

We implemented an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) intervention to assist people with hypertension improve diet, physical activity, and blood pressure. In a two-group randomized controlled trial conducted over 12 weeks, 50 participants were recruited at an urban outpatient health care clinic. The intervention used participants’ high peak positive experiences to promote behavior change, during two face-to-face individual sessions and three coaching telephone calls. Data were analyzed using test of differences between groups and analysis of covariance controlling for confounding variables. The intervention group had significantly higher levels of ideal self, positive emotions, and self-efficacy for chronic disease management than the control group. No significant group differences in physical activity, diet, or blood pressure. Findings provide empirical evidence about the underlying processes by which AI may promote health behavior change. Future research should examine the effectiveness of this AI intervention in a larger sample of patients and over a longer intervention period.

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Could a Multitask Balance Training Program Complement the Balance Training in Healthy Preschool Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10124100 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 4100

Author(s):

Vanesa Abuín-Porras ◽

Carmen Jiménez Antona ◽

María Blanco-Morales ◽

Antonio Palacios ◽

Carlos Romero-Morales ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Experimental Study ◽

Preschool Children ◽

Training Program ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Balance Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Program Outcomes ◽

Significant Group ◽

Time Interaction ◽

Quasi Experimental

This prospective quasi-experimental study investigated the efficacy of a multitask balance training program to improve the balancing ability of healthy preschool children. A total of 85 (51.8% boys) healthy preschool children aged 4–6 years were randomly divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group received a multitask balance training program, while the control group received a placebo training program. Outcomes were collected at baseline and immediately following the intervention. Independent members of the research team recorded balance skill measurements in the cohort at pre- and post-training using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS). Balance-related outcomes were recorded using the Battelle Development Inventory in Spanish using the second edition (BDI-II). A significant effect of time interaction (F = 7.27, p = 0.015; F = 6.16, p = 0.02 and F = 7.41, p = 0.014) existed for the PBS and BDI-II over balance immediately after the intervention (p < 0.001 for each). A significant group-by-time interaction was detected for the PBS and BDI-II (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). This study supports the efficacy of multitask-based balance training programs to improve balance in children aged 4–6 years.

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Sprint Interval Training and the School Curriculum: Benefits Upon Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Physical Activity Profiles, and Cardiometabolic Risk Profiles of Healthy Adolescents

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.2018-0155 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 296-305 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Rhona Martin-Smith ◽

Duncan S. Buchan ◽

Julien S. Baker ◽

Mhairi J. Macdonald ◽

Nicholas F. Sculthorpe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

Cardiometabolic Risk ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Interval Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Sprint Interval Training ◽

Significant Group ◽

School Based ◽

The Impact

Background:This study examined the impact of a 4-week school-based sprint interval training program on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), daily physical activity (PA) behavior, and cardiometabolic risk (CMR) outcomes in adolescents.Methods:A total of 56 adolescents (22 females) were allocated to either an intervention (n = 22; 17.0 [0.3] y) or control group (n = 30; 16.8 [0.5] y). Intervention group performed 5 to 6, 30 second “all out” running sprints, interspersed with 30-second rest intervals, 3 times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks, whereas control group performed their normal physical education lessons. CRF was estimated from the 20-m multistage fitness test and PA behavior was determined using accelerometry. Fasting blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical markers of CMR.Results:Significant group × time interactions were observed for CRF (5.03 [1.66 to 8.40];P < .001;d = 0.95), sedentary time (136.15 [91.91 to 180.39];P = .004;d = 1.8), moderate PA (57.20 [32.17 to 82.23];P < .001;d = 1.5), vigorous PA (5.40 [4.22 to 6.57];P < .001;d = 1.2), fasting insulin (0.37 [−0.48 to 1.21];P = .01;d = 1.0), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (0.26 [0.15 to 0.42];P < .001;d = 0.9), and clustered CMR score (0.22 [−0.05 to 0.68];P < .001;d = 10.63).Conclusion:Findings of this study indicate that 4 weeks of school-based sprint interval training improves CRF, improves PA profiles, and maintains CMR in adolescents during the school term.

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Effect of life skills training on physical activity patterns amongst school adolescents in Delhi: a non-randomized interventional study

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2013-0338 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 575-583 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Tanu Anand ◽

Gopal Krishna Ingle ◽

Gajendra Singh Meena ◽

Jugal Kishore ◽

Sangita Yadav

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Life Skills ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Physical Activity Behavior ◽

Skills Training ◽

Control Group ◽

Interventional Study ◽

Life Skills Training

Abstract Background: Effect of life skills on physical activity behavior of adolescents is little explored. Objective: To assess impact of life-skills training on the level of physical activity amongst adolescents. Methods: A nonrandomized interventional study with a control group. All students studying in Class IX and XI of two schools in Delhi were included. Data was collected at baseline, 15 days and 3 months after the life-skills training. Two life-skills training sessions were conducted for each standard following collection of baseline data. Results: There were 180 students in the intervention and 183 students in the control group. A significant increase was noted in the level of light-moderate, vigorous physical activity, and stretching and strengthening exercises (p<0.001) in an intervention group over the period of 3 months following the training. The number of students enrolled in physical education classes also increased. Conclusions: A skills-based approach helped to improve the level of physical activity amongst the school adolescents.

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Self-compassion training within a workplace physical activity program: A pilot study

Work ◽

10.3233/wor-213436 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Duke D. Biber ◽

Rebecca Ellis ◽

Ken Rice

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Significant Group ◽

Self Monitoring ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Time Interaction ◽

Main Effects

BACKGROUND: Desire2Move (D2M) is an 8-week team-based, workplace program that incorporates competition and self-monitoring to encourage physical activity (PA). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-compassion (SC) intervention within the existing workplace PA program. METHODS: University employees (n = 20) were assigned to a SC treatment group or an attention control group. Participants logged their PA minutes using MapMyRun. Treatment group. participants received a 7-week, SC podcast intervention. Participants self-reported PA, SC, and demographic information at pre- and post-intervention. Separate ANOVAs were used to determine group differences. RESULTS: There was not a statistically significant group x time interaction for SC, F(1, 18) = 0.02, p = 0.90, or main effects for time, F(1, 18) = 0.28, p = 0.61, or group, F(1, 18) = 1.70, p = 0.21, g = –0.42 [95%CI = –3.13, 2.29]. There were not significant differences between groups for total PA minutes during D2M, F(1, 18) = 2.15, p = 0.16, g = –0.63 [–1.53,0.27]. Overall, participants engaged in more than the recommended levels of PA each week. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provided feedback and guidance for future online SC training within a workplace PA intervention.

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