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

Work ◽  
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.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 286-292
Author(s):  
Sheri A. Rowland ◽  
Marlene Z. Cohen ◽  
Carol H. Pullen ◽  
Paula S. Schulz ◽  
Kris E. Berg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Peer Modeling ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Peer Models

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.

scholarly journals Twitter-Based Social Support Added to Fitbit Self-Monitoring for Decreasing Sedentary Behavior: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial With Female Patients From a Women’s Heart Clinic (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marily Oppezzo ◽  
Jennifer Tremmel ◽  
Manisha Desai ◽  
Michael Baiocchi ◽  
Danielle Ramo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Change Strategies ◽  
Self Monitoring

BACKGROUND Prolonged sitting is an independent risk behavior for the development of chronic disease. With most interventions focusing on physical activity and exercise, there is a separate need for investigation into innovative and accessible interventions to decrease sedentary behavior throughout the day. Twitter is a social media platform with application for health communications and fostering of social support for health behavior change. OBJECTIVE This pilot study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of delivering daily behavior change strategies within private Twitter groups to foster peer-to-peer support and decrease sedentary behavior throughout the day in women. The Twitter group was combined with a Fitbit for self-monitoring activity and compared to a Fitbit-only control group. METHODS In a 2-group design, participants were randomized to a Twitter + Fitbit treatment group or a Fitbit-only control group. Participants were recruited via the Stanford Research Repository System, screened for eligibility, and then invited to an orientation session. After providing informed consent, they were randomized. All participants received 13 weeks of tailored weekly step goals and a Fitbit. The treatment group participants, placed in a private Twitter support group, received daily automated behavior change “tweets” informed by theory and regular automated encouragement via text to communicate with the group. Fitbit data were collected daily throughout the treatment and follow-up period. Web-based surveys and accelerometer data were collected at baseline, treatment end (13 weeks), and at 8.5 weeks after the treatment. RESULTS The initial study design funding was obtained from the Women’s Heart Clinic and the Stanford Clayman Institute. Funding to run this pilot study was received from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute under Award Number K01HL136702. All procedures were approved by Stanford University’s Institutional Review Board, #32127 in 2018, prior to beginning data collection. Recruitment for this study was conducted in May 2019. Of the 858 people screened, 113 met the eligibility criteria, 68 came to an information session, and 45 consented to participate in this pilot study. One participant dropped out of the intervention, and complete follow-up data were obtained from 39 of the 45 participants (87% of the sample). Data were collected over 6 months from June to December 2019. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy results are being analyzed and will be reported in the winter of 2021. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study is assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of delivering behavior change strategies in a Twitter social support group to decrease sedentary behavior in women. These findings will inform a larger evaluation. With an accessible, tailorable, and flexible platform, Twitter-delivered interventions offer potential for many treatment variations and titrations, thereby testing the effects of different behavior change strategies, peer-group makeups, and health behaviors of interest. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02958189, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02958189 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/20926

scholarly journals Pilot Study about a Multifactorial Intervention Programme in Older Adults with Technological Devices Based on GeriaTIC Project

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
María del Carmen Miranda-Duro ◽  
Laura Nieto-Riveiro ◽  
Thais Pousada García
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Experimental Study ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Multifactorial Intervention ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Residential Center ◽  
Quasi Experimental

This pilot study was carried out with a sample of six older persons in a residential center in A Coruña. It is a “quasi-experimental” study, directed to assess the effect of an intervention on a given population, performing “pre” and “post” intervention measurements, but without comparison with a control group. The multifactorial intervention had a duration of 3 months, which includes the use of technological devices, like a wristband of physical activity and sleep.

scholarly journals Twitter-Based Social Support Added to Fitbit Self-Monitoring for Decreasing Sedentary Behavior: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial With Female Patients From a Women’s Heart Clinic

10.2196/20926 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e20926
Author(s):  
Marily Oppezzo ◽  
Jennifer Tremmel ◽  
Manisha Desai ◽  
Michael Baiocchi ◽  
Danielle Ramo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Support Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Change Strategies ◽  
Self Monitoring

Background Prolonged sitting is an independent risk behavior for the development of chronic disease. With most interventions focusing on physical activity and exercise, there is a separate need for investigation into innovative and accessible interventions to decrease sedentary behavior throughout the day. Twitter is a social media platform with application for health communications and fostering of social support for health behavior change. Objective This pilot study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of delivering daily behavior change strategies within private Twitter groups to foster peer-to-peer support and decrease sedentary behavior throughout the day in women. The Twitter group was combined with a Fitbit for self-monitoring activity and compared to a Fitbit-only control group. Methods In a 2-group design, participants were randomized to a Twitter + Fitbit treatment group or a Fitbit-only control group. Participants were recruited via the Stanford Research Repository System, screened for eligibility, and then invited to an orientation session. After providing informed consent, they were randomized. All participants received 13 weeks of tailored weekly step goals and a Fitbit. The treatment group participants, placed in a private Twitter support group, received daily automated behavior change “tweets” informed by theory and regular automated encouragement via text to communicate with the group. Fitbit data were collected daily throughout the treatment and follow-up period. Web-based surveys and accelerometer data were collected at baseline, treatment end (13 weeks), and at 8.5 weeks after the treatment. Results The initial study design funding was obtained from the Women’s Heart Clinic and the Stanford Clayman Institute. Funding to run this pilot study was received from the National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute under Award Number K01HL136702. All procedures were approved by Stanford University’s Institutional Review Board, #32127 in 2018, prior to beginning data collection. Recruitment for this study was conducted in May 2019. Of the 858 people screened, 113 met the eligibility criteria, 68 came to an information session, and 45 consented to participate in this pilot study. One participant dropped out of the intervention, and complete follow-up data were obtained from 39 of the 45 participants (87% of the sample). Data were collected over 6 months from June to December 2019. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy results are being analyzed and will be reported in the winter of 2021. Conclusions This pilot study is assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of delivering behavior change strategies in a Twitter social support group to decrease sedentary behavior in women. These findings will inform a larger evaluation. With an accessible, tailorable, and flexible platform, Twitter-delivered interventions offer potential for many treatment variations and titrations, thereby testing the effects of different behavior change strategies, peer-group makeups, and health behaviors of interest. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02958189, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02958189 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/20926

scholarly journals IMPACT OF THE BE EPIC: A PERSON-CENTERED COMMUNICATION INTERVENTION FOR HOME CARE WORKERS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S773-S774
Author(s):  
Marie Y Savundranayagam ◽  
Kristine N Williams ◽  
Shalane Basque ◽  
J B Orange ◽  
Marita Kloseck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Communication Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Personal Support ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Significant Change ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The current study assessed the impact of Be EPIC, an innovative, evidence-informed and theoretically-grounded 6-week person-centered communication intervention for personal support workers (PSWs) caring for persons with dementia. Be EPIC focuses on [E]nvironment contexts for using [P]erson-centered communication, while considering client relationships ([I] matter too), and [C]lients’ abilities, life history and preferences during routine care. A pre- post-Be EPIC comparative design included an intervention (n=13) and a 6-week waitlist control group (n=10) who completed the same communication-related questionnaire. A Two-Way Mixed ANOVA showed a significant group by time interaction for perceived communication skill (F(1, 21) = 4.67, p = .042, ηp2= .18). Simple main effects analysis showed that participants who completed Be EPIC reported feeling more confident in communicating with persons with dementia (Mpre = 13.46; SD = .76; Mpost = 16.31, SD = .85). There was no significant change in the control group. Similarly, there was a significant group by time interaction for perceived helpfulness of communication strategies (F(1, 21) = 6.23, p = .021, ηp2 = .23). Simple main effects analysis showed that participants who completed Be EPIC reported significant increases in the helpfulness of effective communication strategies (Mpre = 36.92; SD = 3.42; Mpost = 43.15, SD = 3.21), with no significant change among controls. Findings indicate that Be EPIC enhanced PSWs’ confidence in communicating with persons with dementia and enhanced their perception of the helpfulness of effective communication strategies.

Personalized Behavioral Nutrition Intervention in Older Asian Americans with Type 2 Diabetes during COVID-19 Pandemic: Study Protocol for a Pilot, Hybrid, Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jisook Ko ◽  
Yan Du ◽  
Rozmin Jiwani ◽  
Chengdong Li ◽  
Jing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Glycemic Control ◽  
Asian Americans ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Behavioral Nutrition

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the in-person-based self-management approach (i.e., face-to-face or group approach) of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Older adults with T2D, including Asian Americans (AAs), have experienced worsening of diabetes control due to various reasons, including uncertainty of continuous access to essential diabetes medications, devices, education, limited health literacy, as well as constant anxiety and stress. Hybrid clinical trials that incorporate virtual elements into the in-person-based study could provide these vulnerable populations with accessible and timely interventions OBJECTIVE The primary aims of this pilot study are to determine (1) the effect of personalized behavioral nutrition (PBN) intervention on glycemic control, weight control, and metabolites profiles; and (2) the acceptability of PBN. to enhance glycemic control using personalized behavioral nutrition. METHODS Participants will be recruited with a web-based registry, advertisements in ethnic newspapers, and social network services popular among AAs. A total of 60 AAs, aged 65 years or older, who are descendants of Chinese, Korean, or South Asian, and have a diagnosis of T2D will be randomized into two groups: a PBN group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). A 4-week PBN intervention comprises three components: 1) digital self-monitoring; 2) personal nutrition change goals and recommendations; and 3) diabetes nutrition educations. All participants will complete digital self-monitoring on diet, physical activity, and blood glucose. In addition, all participants will access an interactive digital platform to track their self-monitoring data and communicate with the research team. The effectiveness and acceptability of implementing the intervention will be assessed. RESULTS Funding support and institutional review board approval for this study have been secured. Data collection started in August 2020 and is ongoing. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the effectiveness and acceptability of PBN utilizing a metabolomics approach and digital-assisted intervention with hybrid RCT among older AAs. The findings of this pilot study will inform the development of a full-scale PBN protocol and hybrid clinical trials that can be adapted for people with T2D in the ongoing pandemic.

scholarly journals Greater Power but Not Strength Gains Using Flywheel Versus Equivolumed Traditional Strength Training in Junior Basketball Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1181
Author(s):  
Marko D. M. Stojanović ◽  
Mladen Mikić ◽  
Patrik Drid ◽  
Julio Calleja-González ◽  
Nebojša Maksimović ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strength Training ◽  
Training Group ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Basketball Players ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Sprint Time ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
And Control

The main aim of the present study was to compare the effects of flywheel strength training and traditional strength training on fitness attributes. Thirty-six well trained junior basketball players (n = 36; 17.58 ± 0.50 years) were recruited and randomly allocated into: Flywheel group (FST; n = 12), traditional strength training group (TST; n = 12) and control group (CON; n = 12). All groups attended 5 basketball practices and one official match a week during the study period. Experimental groups additionally participated in the eight-week, 1–2 d/w equivolume intervention conducted using a flywheel device (inertia = 0.075 kg·m−2) for FST or free weights (80%1 RM) for TST. Pre-to post changes in lower limb isometric strength (ISOMET), 5 and 20 m sprint time (SPR5m and SPR20m), countermovement jump height (CMJ) and change of direction ability (t-test) were assessed with analyses of variance (3 × 2 ANOVA). Significant group-by-time interaction was found for ISOMET (F = 6.40; p = 0.000), CMJ (F = 7.45; p = 0.001), SPR5m (F = 7.45; p = 0.010) and T test (F = 10.46; p = 0.000). The results showed a significantly higher improvement in CMJ (p = 0.006; 11.7% vs. 6.8%), SPR5m (p = 0.001; 10.3% vs. 5.9%) and t-test (p = 0.045; 2.4% vs. 1.5%) for FST compared to the TST group. Simultaneously, th FST group had higher improvement in ISOMET (p = 0.014; 18.7% vs. 2.9%), CMJ (p = 0.000; 11.7% vs. 0.3%), SPR5m (p = 0.000; 10.3% vs. 3.4%) and t-test (p = 0.000; 2.4% vs. 0.6%) compared to the CON group. Players from the TST group showed better results in CMJ (p = 0.006; 6.8% vs. 0.3%) and t-test (p = 0.018; 1.5% vs. 0.6%) compared to players from the CON group. No significant group-by-time interaction was found for sprint 20 m (F = 2.52; p = 0.088). Eight weeks of flywheel training (1–2 sessions per week) performed at maximum concentric intensity induces superior improvements in CMJ, 5 m sprint time and change of direction ability than equivolumed traditional weight training in well trained junior basketball players. Accordingly, coaches and trainers could be advised to use flywheel training for developing power related performance attributes in young basketball players.

scholarly journals Effects of 4 Weeks of a Technique-Specific Protocol with High-Intensity Intervals on General and Specific Physical Fitness in Taekwondo Athletes: An Inter-Individual Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3643
Author(s):  
Alex Ojeda-Aravena ◽  
Tomás Herrera-Valenzuela ◽  
Pablo Valdés-Badilla ◽  
Jorge Cancino-López ◽  
José Zapata-Bastias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Specific Protocol

The aim of this research was to compare the effects of a technique-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocol vs. traditional taekwondo training on physical fitness and body composition in taekwondo athletes, as well as to analyse the inter-individual response. Utilising a parallel controlled design, sixteen male and female athletes (five females and 11 males) were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) that participated in the technique-specific HIIT and a control group (CG) that participated in traditional taekwondo training. Both groups trained three days/week for four weeks. Squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 5-metre sprint (5M), 20-metre shuttle run (20MSR), taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT), multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKTMULT), total kicks, and kick decrement index (KDI), as well as body composition were evaluated. Results indicate that there are no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the factors group and time factor and group by time interaction (p > 0.05). Although percentage and effect size increases were documented for post-intervention fitness components in TSAT, total kicks, KDI, and 20MSR, responders and non-responders were also documented. In conclusion, a HIIT protocol based on taekwondo-specific technical movements does not report significant differences in fitness and body composition compared to traditional taekwondo training, nor inter-individual differences between athletes.

scholarly journals A Short Mindfulness Retreat for Students to Reduce Stress and Promote Self-Compassion: Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Exploring Both an Indoor and a Natural Outdoor Retreat Setting

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 910
Author(s):  
Dorthe Djernis ◽  
Mia S. O’Toole ◽  
Lone O. Fjorback ◽  
Helle Svenningsen ◽  
Mimi Y. Mehlsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Here, we developed and examined a new way of disseminating mindfulness in nature to people without meditation experience, based on the finding that mindfulness conducted in natural settings may have added benefits. We evaluated a 5-day residential programme aiming to reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes. We compared an indoor and an outdoor version of the programme to a control group in a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT). Sixty Danish university students experiencing moderate to high levels of stress were randomised into a residential mindfulness programme indoors (n = 20), in nature (n = 22), or a control group (n = 18). Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Self-Compassion Scale (primary outcomes) along with additional secondary outcome measures at the start and end of the program and 3 months after. Stress was decreased with small to medium effect sizes post-intervention, although not statistically significant. Self-compassion increased post-intervention, but effect sizes were small and not significant. At follow-up, changes in stress were not significant, however self-compassion increased for both interventions with medium-sized effects. For the intervention groups, medium- to large-sized positive effects on trait mindfulness after a behavioural task were found post-intervention, and small- to medium-sized effects in self-reported mindfulness were seen at follow-up. Connectedness to Nature was the only outcome measure with an incremental effect in nature, exceeding the control with a medium-sized effect at follow-up. All participants in the nature arm completed the intervention, and so did 97% of the participants in all three arms. Overall, the results encourage the conduct of a larger-scale RCT, but only after adjusting some elements of the programme to better fit and take advantage of the potential benefits of the natural environment.

667 Effects of Sleep-Extend on glucose metabolism in women with a history of gestational diabetes: A pilot study

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A261-A261
Author(s):  
Sirimon Reutrakul ◽  
Pamela Martyn-Nemeth ◽  
Laurie Quinn ◽  
Kirstie Danielson ◽  
Brett Rydzon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Glucose Metabolism ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Living ◽  
Short Sleep ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sleep Extension

Abstract Introduction Experimental and epidemiological data have linked insufficient sleep to increased diabetes risk. Women with a history of gestational diabetes (GDM) have a 7-fold greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This pilot study explored the feasibility of a sleep extension intervention in women with a history of GDM and short sleep, and the effects on glucose metabolism. Methods Women age 18–45 years with a history of GDM (at least 1 year postpartum) and actigraphy confirmed short sleep duration (<7h/night) on weekdays were randomized at a ratio of 1 control (healthy living information) to 2 cases (6 weeks of “Sleep Extend” intervention: use of a Fitbit, weekly digital content, interactive tools, and coach delivered feedback in order to increase sleep duration). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), 7-day actigraphy recording and questionnaires were obtained at baseline and 6 weeks (at the end of the intervention). Results Twelve women (mean (SD) age 40.3 (4.5) years) participated (n=8 Sleep Extend, n=4 control). Compared to baseline, nightly sleep duration increased in Sleep Extend group (+30.6 (48.8) minutes) but decreased in the control group (-6.8 (22.9) minutes). Both fasting and 2-h glucose levels from OGTT increased in both groups but were greater in the control group (Sleep extend vs. healthy living: fasting glucose +2.1 (9.8) vs. +12.8 (7.3) mg/dL; 2-h glucose +8.2 (21.9) vs. +20.0 (19.4) mg/dL). Self-reported sleep quality improved in both groups. When compared controls, Sleep Extend participants reported improved fatigue symptoms (Promis fatigue score change -5.1 (9.3) vs. 7.0 (1.0), p=0.008), and self-reported physical activity tended to increase (+1614 (3659) vs. -2900 (3922) MET-minutes/week). Combining all participants, an increase in sleep duration correlated with a decrease in fatigue (r= -.62, p=0.04) and anxiety symptoms (r= -.69, p=0.02). Conclusion Sleep extension through coaching and use of remote monitoring is feasible in women with a history of GDM. It appears to decrease fatigue and may improve glucose metabolism and physical activity. Support (if any) NIDDK P30 DK092949

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