scholarly journals Perceptions and Experiences of Women Participating in a Digital Technology–Based Physical Activity Intervention (the mPED Trial): Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teri Lindgren ◽  
Julie Hooper ◽  
Yoshimi Fukuoka
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Habit Formation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Tracking Technology ◽  
Physically Inactive

BACKGROUND Despite the benefits of regular physical activity, women in every age group have lower activity levels than men, and few women meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Digital technologies have been useful in increasing physical activity during the course of an interventional study. However, sustaining that activity once the clinical trial was complete was a major challenge. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the experiences and perspectives of physically inactive women who completed the mobile phone–based physical activity education (mPED), a randomized controlled trial, at 12 months. METHODS Of 210 women who were enrolled in the mPED trial, 203 completed a 12-month open-ended exit interview and survey through phone. The participants were asked about their physical activity levels; their digital technology use; what they learned from, liked, and would change about the trial; their motivations to keep active post-trial; and their advice for other women. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using the brief survey qualitative description. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the survey data with the significance level set at <italic>P</italic>&lt;.05. RESULTS In the 12-month survey, a greater proportion of the participants in the intervention group, compared with the control group, reported that they regularly wore a pedometer or physical activity tracker (49.3%, 66/143 vs 26.1%, 18/69; <italic>P</italic>=.002) and engaged in brisk walking (54.5%, 73/134 vs 30.4%, 21/69; <italic>P</italic>=.001). The experiences and perceptions of physical activity of physically inactive women over time were embedded in a complex interplay of internal and external factors. A total of 6 interactive themes emerged as critical in supporting continued engagement in physical activity postintervention: tracking, technology versus personal touch, accountability, resources and environment, motivation, and habit formation. Technology allowed for self-tracking, which supported internal accountability. However, tracking by another person (personal touch) was needed for external accountability. Resources and environment underpinned the relationship among the themes of tracking, technology versus personal touch, accountability, motivation, and habit formation. CONCLUSIONS Future research is needed to identify the best ways to harness this dynamic process in promoting and sustaining physical activity among inactive women. Digital technology is evolving at an exponential rate and provides new opportunities to transform research into new approaches to promote physical activity.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Experiences of Women Participating in a Digital Technology–Based Physical Activity Intervention (the mPED Trial): Qualitative Study

10.2196/13570 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e13570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teri Lindgren ◽  
Julie Hooper ◽  
Yoshimi Fukuoka
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Habit Formation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Tracking Technology ◽  
Physically Inactive

Background Despite the benefits of regular physical activity, women in every age group have lower activity levels than men, and few women meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Digital technologies have been useful in increasing physical activity during the course of an interventional study. However, sustaining that activity once the clinical trial was complete was a major challenge. Objective This study aimed to describe the experiences and perspectives of physically inactive women who completed the mobile phone–based physical activity education (mPED), a randomized controlled trial, at 12 months. Methods Of 210 women who were enrolled in the mPED trial, 203 completed a 12-month open-ended exit interview and survey through phone. The participants were asked about their physical activity levels; their digital technology use; what they learned from, liked, and would change about the trial; their motivations to keep active post-trial; and their advice for other women. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using the brief survey qualitative description. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the survey data with the significance level set at P<.05. Results In the 12-month survey, a greater proportion of the participants in the intervention group, compared with the control group, reported that they regularly wore a pedometer or physical activity tracker (49.3%, 66/143 vs 26.1%, 18/69; P=.002) and engaged in brisk walking (54.5%, 73/134 vs 30.4%, 21/69; P=.001). The experiences and perceptions of physical activity of physically inactive women over time were embedded in a complex interplay of internal and external factors. A total of 6 interactive themes emerged as critical in supporting continued engagement in physical activity postintervention: tracking, technology versus personal touch, accountability, resources and environment, motivation, and habit formation. Technology allowed for self-tracking, which supported internal accountability. However, tracking by another person (personal touch) was needed for external accountability. Resources and environment underpinned the relationship among the themes of tracking, technology versus personal touch, accountability, motivation, and habit formation. Conclusions Future research is needed to identify the best ways to harness this dynamic process in promoting and sustaining physical activity among inactive women. Digital technology is evolving at an exponential rate and provides new opportunities to transform research into new approaches to promote physical activity. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01280812; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01280812 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/1471-2485-11-933

The association of innate and acquired aerobic capacity with resilience in healthy adults: Protocol for an eight-week randomized controlled web-based physical exercise intervention study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Tobias Ochmann ◽  
Keito F A Philippi ◽  
Peter Zeier ◽  
Magdalena Sandner ◽  
Barlo Hillen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Aerobic Capacity ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Active Lifestyle ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Physically Inactive

BACKGROUND Physical activity ameliorates chronic stress. Latest research suggests a relation between resilience and physical fitness. Beneficial adaptations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the sympathetic nervous system, the endocannabinoid system, and the tryptophan pathway, induced by an active lifestyle, are considered to be resilience conducive. However, detailed knowledge on the molecular link between the effects of acute and chronic physical exercise and an improved resilience is missing. OBJECTIVE Therefore, we implement a human exercise intervention trial addressing the main hypotheses: (1) web-based exercise training improves aerobic capacity of physically inactive adults, which (2) is accompanied by improved resilience. In this setting, we will analyze the relation of resilience parameters with innate and acquired aerobic capacity as well as circulating signaling molecules. METHODS 70 healthy physically inactive (<150min/week physical activity) adults (18-45y) will be randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group receive weekly training utilizing progressive endurance and interval running individually adapted to their training performance via web-based physician support. A standardized incremental treadmill exercise test is performed before and after the intervention period of eight weeks to determine innate and acquired aerobic capacity. Before and after the intervention psychological tests and questionnaires that characterize parameters implicated in resilience (including impulse control, working memory, stress coping, emotion regulation) will be applied. Blood, and saliva will be sampled for analysis of lactate, cortisol, endocannabinoids, catecholamines, kynurenic acid, cell-free DNA and further circulating signal transducers. Statistical analysis will provide comprehensive knowledge on the relation of aerobic capacity and resilience, and furthermore, the capacity of peripheral factors to mediate the promoting effects of exercise on resilience. RESULTS The study was registered in October 2019. Enrollment began in September 2019. Out of 161 subjects, who were initially screened via telefon survey, 43 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included. Among the 17 participants in the intervention group, and 14 participants in the control group, who completed the study (total 31), no serious adverse event has been reported. Four participants withdrew during the programm (individual reasons), and 8 participants have not yet completed or begun the program due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Enrollment and data analysis are ongoing, and results are expected to be submitted for publication in October 2021. CONCLUSIONS Our study aims to demonstrate that an increase in physical activity with a simultaneous improvement in aerobic capacity is associated with an increase in resilience. This study design allows to investigate the effect of an active lifestyle on circulating molecular marker levels and their relationship to resilience factors. This will offer novel approaches for the diagnosis of depression and the therapy by exercise prescription. CLINICALTRIAL DRKS00018078, registered October 02, 2019, German Clinical Trials Register. Retrospectively registered: First participant September 10, 2019.

scholarly journals Recreo organizado como estrategia para mejorar los niveles actividad física y condición física en adolescentes escolares (Organized recess as a strategy to improve physical activity levels and physical condition in adolescents)

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 403-401
Author(s):  
Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez ◽  
Sebastián Molina Roblero ◽  
Gerson Luis De Moraes Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Condition ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Run Test ◽  
Shuttle Run ◽  
Lunch Time

  El propósito del estudio fue identificar los efectos de una intervención durante recreos escolares sobre la condición física y actividad física en una muestra de adolescentes chilenos. Participaron 50 escolares voluntarios (27 chicas), con un promedio de 14,2 ± 1,3 años. Grupo control (n=21) y grupo intervención (n=29). Se realizaron actividades dirigidas en el patio del colegio durante los dos recreos de las mañanas por 12 semanas. Se evaluó el test de 20m ida-vuelta, dinamometría manual, composición corporal, cuestionario PAQ-A y acelerometría. El grupo intervención (GI), tuvo mejor nivel de actividad física que el grupo control (GC), durante los recreos, clase de Educación Física, hora de almuerzo y más pasos/día (p<0,05). En conclusión, la participación activa durante los recreos puede aumentar los minutos de actividad física moderada-vigorosa y mejorar la condición física cardiorrespiratoria. Abstract. The purpose of this project was to identify the effects of an intervention during school recesses on physical condition and physical activity in Chilean adolescents. Fifty volunteer students (27 girls) participated, with an average of 14.2 ± 1.3 years. Control group (n=21) and intervention group (n=29). Targeted activities were carried out in the schoolyard during the two recesses in the morning, for 12 weeks. Pre and post test, the 20m shuttle run test, manual dynamometry, body composition, PAQ-A questionnaire and accelerometry were evaluated. The intervention group (GI), had better levels of physical activity than the control group (GC), during recess, physical education class, lunch time and steps/day (p <0.05). In conclusion, the active participation during recesses can increase minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity and improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Home-Based Postal and Telephone Physical Activity and Nutrition Pilot Program for Seniors

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy H. Lee ◽  
Jonine Jancey ◽  
Peter Howat ◽  
Linda Burke ◽  
Deborah A. Kerr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Postal Questionnaire ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pilot Program ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Fibre Intake ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Walking Activity

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based postal and telephone physical activity and nutrition pilot program for seniors.Methods. The program was delivered by mailed material and telephone calls. The main intervention consisted of a booklet tailored for seniors containing information on dietary guidelines, recommended physical activity levels, and goal setting. Dietary and walking activity outcomes were collected via a self-administered postal questionnaire pre- and postintervention and analysed using linear mixed regressions. Of the 270 seniors recruited, half were randomly selected for the program while others served as the control group.Results. The program elicited favourable responses. Postintervention walking for exercise/recreation showed an average gain of 27 minutes per week for the participants in contrast to an average drop of 5 minutes for the controls (P<.01). Little change was evident in errand walking for both groups. The intervention group (n=114) demonstrated a significant increase in fibre intake (P<.01) but no reduction in fat intake (P>.05) compared to controls (n=134).Conclusions. The participants became more aware of their health and wellbeing after the pilot program, which was successful in increasing time spent walking for recreation and improving fibre intake.

Physical and Psychosocial Function in Residential Aged-Care Elders: Effect of Nintendo Wii Sports Games

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin W.L. Keogh ◽  
Nicola Power ◽  
Leslie Wooller ◽  
Patricia Lucas ◽  
Chris Whatman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Aged Care ◽  
Residential Aged Care ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Nintendo Wii ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

This mixed-methods, quasi-experimental pilot study examined whether the Nintendo Wii Sports (NWS) active video game (exergame) system could significantly improve the functional ability, physical activity levels, and quality of life of 34 older adults (4 men and 30 women, 83 ± 8 yr) living in 2 residential aged-care (RAC) centers. Change score analyses indicated the intervention group had significantly greater increases in bicep curl muscular endurance, physical activity levels, and psychological quality of life than the control group (p< .05). Analysis of the quotes underlying the 3 themes (feeling silly, feeling good; having fun; and something to look forward to) suggested that intervention group participants developed a sense of empowerment and achievement after some initial reluctance and anxiousness. They felt that the games were fun and provided an avenue for greater socialization. These results add some further support to the utilization of NWS exergames in the RAC context.

scholarly journals ROLE OF BODY MASS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN AUTONOMIC FUNCTION MODULATION ON POST-COVID-19 CONDITION: AN OBSERVATIONAL SUBANALYSIS OF FIT-COVID STUDY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Figueira Freire ◽  
Fabio Santos de Lira ◽  
Ana Elisa von Ah Morano ◽  
Telmo Pereira ◽  
Manuel-Joao Coelho Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Autonomic Function ◽  
Parasympathetic Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Inactive

The harmful effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can reach the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and endothelial function. Therefore, the detrimental multiorgan effects of COVID-19 could be induced by deregulations in ANS that may persist after the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, investigating the differences in ANS response in overweight/obese, and physically inactive participants who had COVID-19 compared to those who did not have the disease is necessary. The aim of the study was to analyze the autonomic function of young adults after mild-to-moderate infection with COVID-19 and to assess whether body mass index (BMI) and levels of physical activity modulates autonomic function in participants with and without COVID-19. Patients previously infected with COVID-19 and healthy controls were recruited for this cross-sectional observational study. A general anamnesis was taken and BMI and physical activity levels were assessed. The ANS was evaluated through heart rate variability. A total of 57 subjects were evaluated. Sympathetic nervous system activity in post-COVID-19 group was increased (stress index; p=0.0273). They also presented lower values of parasympathetic activity (p<0.05). Overweight/obese subjects in the post-COVID-19 group presented significantly lower parasympathetic activity and reduced global variability compared to non-obese in control group (p<0.05). Physically inactive subjects in post-COVID-19 group presented significantly higher sympathetic activity than active subjects in control group. Parasympathetic activity was significantly increased in physically active subjects in control group compared to the physically inactive post-COVID-19 group (p<0.05). COVID-19 promotes changes in the ANS of young adults, and these changes are modulated by Overweight/obesity and physical activity levels.

scholarly journals Use of the Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot App to Promote Stair-Climbing Habits Among Office Workers: Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/15085 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. e15085 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meihua Piao ◽  
Hyeongju Ryu ◽  
Hyeongsuk Lee ◽  
Jeongeun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Habit Formation ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intrinsic Rewards ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Lack of time for exercise is common among office workers given their busy lives. Because of occupational restrictions and difficulty in taking time off, it is necessary to suggest effective ways for workers to exercise regularly. Sustaining lifestyle habits that increase nonexercise activity in daily life can solve the issue of lack of exercise time. Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot is a messenger app based on the habit formation model that can be used as a tool to provide a health behavior intervention that emphasizes the importance of sustainability and involvement. Objective This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot intervention presented via a messenger app aimed at stair-climbing habit formation for office workers. Methods From February 1, 2018, to April 30, 2018, a total of 106 people participated in the trial after online recruitment. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=57) or the control group (n=49). The intervention group received cues and intrinsic and extrinsic rewards for the entire 12 weeks. However, the control group did not receive intrinsic rewards for the first 4 weeks and only received all rewards as in the intervention group from the fifth to twelfth week. The Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI) of participants was evaluated every week, and the level of physical activity was measured at the beginning and end of the trial. SPSS Statistics version 21 (IBM Corp) was used for statistical analysis. Results After 4 weeks of intervention without providing the intrinsic rewards in the control group, the change in SRHI scores was 13.54 (SD 14.99) in the intervention group and 6.42 (SD 9.42) in the control group, indicating a significant difference between the groups (P=.04). When all rewards were given to both groups, from the fifth to twelfth week, the change in SRHI scores of the intervention and control groups was comparable at 12.08 (SD 10.87) and 15.88 (SD 13.29), respectively (P=.21). However, the level of physical activity showed a significant difference between the groups after 12 weeks of intervention (P=.045). Conclusions This study provides evidence that intrinsic rewards are important to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of an intervention. The Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot program can be a cost-effective method for healthy habit formation. Trial Registration Clinical Research Information Service KCT0004009; https://tinyurl.com/w4oo7md

scholarly journals The effects of a physical activity intervention based on a fatness and fitness smartphone app for University students

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 146045822098727
Author(s):  
Adrià Muntaner-Mas ◽  
Victor A Sanchez-Azanza ◽  
Francisco B Ortega ◽  
Josep Vidal-Conti ◽  
Pere Antoni Borràs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Smartphone App ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
New Methodologies ◽  
Cluster Randomized

Since the 2012 Lancet Series on physical activity, progress regarding this topic has been negligible at global level. Thus, improving physical activity levels in specific populations through new methodologies is positioned as a priority. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a physical activity intervention on body fatness composition, and measured and self-reported physical fitness components based on the use of a smartphone app. The investigation included 100 Spanish university students, cluster-randomized into the smartphone app intervention group or a control group ( n = 35 and n = 31 respectively, after applying exclusion criteria). The physical activity intervention comprised a 9-week programme designed to promote a healthy physical activity pattern using a smartphone app. Specifically, an mHealth approach was taken containing five BCTs. The results showed that the intervention group improved their physical fitness ( F = 8.1, p = .006) and reported better general scores in self-reported physical fitness ( F = 7.4, p = .008) over time, in comparison to the control group. However, the intervention group did not show any changes to their fatness. Further research is needed to disentangle which BCTs are more effective to achieve physical health improvements when using physical activity apps.

The Effects of Choice on Autonomous Motivation, Perceived Autonomy Support, and Physical Activity Levels in High School Physical Education

2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yew Meng How ◽  
Peter Whipp ◽  
James Dimmock ◽  
Ben Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Autonomy Support ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Autonomous Motivation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
High School Physical Education ◽  
Perceived Autonomy Support

This study examined whether the provision of choice in physical education (PE) enhanced students’ autonomous motivation, perceived autonomy support, and physical activity (PA) levels, relative to a “regular PE” control group. Students from eight intact high school PE classes (N = 257, Mage = 12.91) were randomly assigned to control (i.e., four classes) and intervention (i.e., four classes) conditions. Students in the intervention group were given a unique opportunity to choose their preferred participatory role in their PE units, while control students participated in normal teacher-led PE, and data were collected over a 15-week program (i.e., three units of five weeks each). The results indicated that a lack of choice in PE aligned with less positive perceptions of autonomy support among students within the control group, compared with their counterparts in the intervention group. In some choice formats, students exhibited significantly higher PA levels than students who undertook normal PE. These findings indicate that offering choice in high school PE lessons may encourage perceptions of autonomy support and levels of in-class physical activity.

scholarly journals Use of the Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot App to Promote Stair-Climbing Habits Among Office Workers: Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meihua Piao ◽  
Hyeongju Ryu ◽  
Hyeongsuk Lee ◽  
Jeongeun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Habit Formation ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Stair Climbing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intrinsic Rewards ◽  
Significant Difference

BACKGROUND Lack of time for exercise is common among office workers given their busy lives. Because of occupational restrictions and difficulty in taking time off, it is necessary to suggest effective ways for workers to exercise regularly. Sustaining lifestyle habits that increase nonexercise activity in daily life can solve the issue of lack of exercise time. Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot is a messenger app based on the habit formation model that can be used as a tool to provide a health behavior intervention that emphasizes the importance of sustainability and involvement. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot intervention presented via a messenger app aimed at stair-climbing habit formation for office workers. METHODS From February 1, 2018, to April 30, 2018, a total of 106 people participated in the trial after online recruitment. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=57) or the control group (n=49). The intervention group received cues and intrinsic and extrinsic rewards for the entire 12 weeks. However, the control group did not receive intrinsic rewards for the first 4 weeks and only received all rewards as in the intervention group from the fifth to twelfth week. The Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI) of participants was evaluated every week, and the level of physical activity was measured at the beginning and end of the trial. SPSS Statistics version 21 (IBM Corp) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS After 4 weeks of intervention without providing the intrinsic rewards in the control group, the change in SRHI scores was 13.54 (SD 14.99) in the intervention group and 6.42 (SD 9.42) in the control group, indicating a significant difference between the groups (<i>P</i>=.04). When all rewards were given to both groups, from the fifth to twelfth week, the change in SRHI scores of the intervention and control groups was comparable at 12.08 (SD 10.87) and 15.88 (SD 13.29), respectively (<i>P</i>=.21). However, the level of physical activity showed a significant difference between the groups after 12 weeks of intervention (<i>P</i>=.045). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that intrinsic rewards are important to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of an intervention. The Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Chatbot program can be a cost-effective method for healthy habit formation. CLINICALTRIAL Clinical Research Information Service KCT0004009; https://tinyurl.com/w4oo7md

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