scholarly journals Connecting Social Psychology and Deep Reinforcement Learning: A Probabilistic Predictor on the Intention to Do Home-Based Physical Activity After Message Exposure

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Catellani ◽  
Valentina Carfora ◽  
Marco Piastra
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Reinforcement Learning ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Dynamic Bayesian Network ◽  
Psychological Profile ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Probabilistic Structure ◽  
Intention To Exercise ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
At Home

Previous research has shown that sending personalized messages consistent with the recipient's psychological profile is essential to activate the change toward a healthy lifestyle. In this paper we present an example of how artificial intelligence can support psychology in this process, illustrating the development of a probabilistic predictor in the form of a Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN). The predictor regards the change in the intention to do home-based physical activity after message exposure. The data used to construct the predictor are those of a study on the effects of framing in communication to promote physical activity at home during the Covid-19 lockdown. The theoretical reference is that of psychosocial research on the effects of framing, according to which similar communicative contents formulated in different ways can be differently effective depending on the characteristics of the recipient. Study participants completed a first questionnaire aimed at measuring the psychosocial dimensions involved in doing physical activity at home. Next, they read recommendation messages formulated with one of four different frames (gain, non-loss, non-gain, and loss). Finally, they completed a second questionnaire measuring their perception of the messages and again the intention to exercise at home. The collected data were analyzed to elicit a DBN, i.e., a probabilistic structure representing the interrelationships between all the dimensions considered in the study. The adopted procedure was aimed to achieve a good balance between explainability and predictivity. The elicited DBN was found to be consistent with the psychosocial theories assumed as reference and able to predict the effectiveness of the different messages starting from the relevant psychosocial dimensions of the recipients. In the next steps of our project, the DBN will form the basis for the training of a Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) system for the synthesis of automatic interaction strategies. In turn, the DRL system will train a Deep Neural Network (DNN) that will guide the online interaction process. The discussion focuses on the advantages of the proposed procedure in terms of interpretability and effectiveness.

scholarly journals Acceptability, Feasibility and Preliminary Evaluation of a Novel, Personalised, Home-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Chronic Heart Failure (Active-at-Home-HF): a Pilot Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nduka C. Okwose ◽  
Leah Avery ◽  
Nicola O’Brien ◽  
Sophie Cassidy ◽  
Sarah J. Charman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Chronic Heart Failure ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Step Count ◽  
Home Based ◽  
At Home

Abstract Purpose Less than 10% of heart failure patients in the UK participate in cardiac rehabilitation programmes. The present pilot study evaluated feasibility, acceptability and physiological effects of a novel, personalised, home-based physical activity intervention in chronic heart failure. Methods Twenty patients (68 ± 7 years old, 20% females) with stable chronic heart failure due to reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (31 ± 8 %) participated in a single-group, pilot study assessing the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week personalised home-based physical activity intervention aiming to increase daily number of steps by 2000 from baseline (Active-at-Home-HF). Patients completed cardiopulmonary exercise testing with non-invasive gas exchange and haemodynamic measurements and quality of life questionnaire pre- and post-intervention. Patients were supported weekly via telephone and average weekly step count data collected using pedometers. Results Forty-three patients were screened and 20 recruited into the study. Seventeen patients (85%) completed the intervention, and 15 (75%) achieved the target step count. Average step count per day increased significantly from baseline to 3 weeks by 2546 (5108 ± 3064 to 7654 ± 3849, P = 0.03, n = 17) and was maintained until week 12 (9022 ± 3942). Following completion of the intervention, no adverse events were recorded and quality of life improved by 4 points (26 ± 18 vs. 22 ± 19). Peak exercise stroke volume increased by 19% (127 ± 34 vs. 151 ± 34 m/beat, P = 0.05), while cardiac index increased by 12% (6.8 ± 1.5 vs. 7.6 ± 2.0 L/min/m2, P = 0.19). Workload and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold also increased by 16% (49 ± 16 vs. 59 ± 14 watts, P = 0.01) and 10% (11.5 ± 2.9 vs. 12.8 ± 2.2 ml/kg/min, P = 0.39). Conclusion The Active-at-Home-HF intervention is feasible, acceptable and effective for increasing physical activity in CHF. It may lead to improvements in quality of life, exercise tolerance and haemodynamic function. Trial Registration www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT0367727. Retrospectively registered on 17 September 2018.

scholarly journals The Healthy Children, Strong Families 2 (HCSF2) Randomized Controlled Trial Improved Healthy Behaviors in American Indian Families with Young Children

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 53-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily J Tomayko ◽  
Ronald J Prince ◽  
Kate A Cronin ◽  
KyungMann Kim ◽  
Tassy Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Obesity Prevention ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Home Based

ABSTRACT Background American Indian (AI) families experience a disproportionate risk of obesity due to a number of complex reasons, including poverty, historic trauma, rural isolation or urban loss of community connections, lack of access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities, and high stress. Home-based obesity prevention interventions are lacking for these families. Objective Healthy Children, Strong Families 2 (HCSF2) was a randomized controlled trial of a healthy lifestyle promotion/obesity prevention intervention for AI families. Methods Four hundred and fifty dyads consisting of an adult primary caregiver and a child ages 2 to 5 y from 5 AI communities were randomly assigned to a monthly mailed healthy lifestyle intervention toolkit (Wellness Journey) with social support or to a child safety control toolkit (Safety Journey) for 1 y. The Wellness Journey toolkit targeted increased fruit/vegetable (F/V) intake and physical activity, improved sleep, decreased added sugar intake and screen time, and improved stress management (adults only). Anthropometrics were collected, and health behaviors were assessed via survey at baseline and at the end of Year 1. Adults completed surveys for themselves and the participating child. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess change over the intervention period. Results Significant improvements to adult and child healthy diet patterns, adult F/V intake, adult moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, home nutrition environment, and adult self-efficacy for health behavior change were observed in Wellness Journey compared with Safety Journey families. No changes were observed in adult body mass index (BMI), child BMI z-score, adult stress measures, adult/child sleep and screen time, or child physical activity. Qualitative feedback suggests the intervention was extremely well-received by both the families and our community partners across the 5 participating sites. Conclusions This multi-site community-engaged intervention addressed key gaps regarding family home-based approaches for early obesity prevention in AI communities and showed several significant improvements in health behaviors. Multiple communities are working to sustain intervention efforts. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01776255.

scholarly journals Self-reported physical activity in European adolescents: results from the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 246-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrien De Cocker ◽  
Charlene Ottevaere ◽  
Michael Sjöström ◽  
Luis A Moreno ◽  
Julia Wärnberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Status ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Home Based

AbstractObjectiveTo describe self-reported physical activity (PA) patterns in the various domains (school, home, transport, leisure time) and intensity categories (walking, moderate PA, vigorous PA) in European adolescents. Furthermore, self-reported PA patterns were evaluated in relation to gender, age category, weight status category and socio-economic status (SES).DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTen European cities.SubjectsIn total, 3051 adolescents (47·6 % boys, mean age 14·8 (sd1·2) years) completed an adolescent-adapted version of the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire.ResultsThe total sample reported most PA during leisure time (485 min/week) and least PA at home (140 min/week). Boys reported significantly more school-based PA (P< 0·001), leisure-time PA (P= 0·003), vigorous PA (P< 0·001) and total PA (P= 0·002) than girls, while girls reported more home-based PA (P< 0·001) and walking (P= 0·002) than boys. Self-reported PA at school (P< 0·001), moderate PA (P< 0·001), vigorous PA (P< 0·001) and total PA (P< 0·001) were significantly higher in younger age groups than in older groups. Groups based on weight status differed significantly only in leisure-time PA (P= 0·004) and total PA (P= 0·003), while groups based on SES differed in all PA domains and intensities except transport-related PA and total PA.ConclusionsThe total sample of adolescents reported different scores for the different PA domains and intensity categories. Furthermore, patterns were different according the adolescents’ gender, age, weight status and SES.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Western Australian Children’s Physical Activity and Screen Time

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2583
Author(s):  
Andrea Nathan ◽  
Phoebe George ◽  
Michelle Ng ◽  
Elizabeth Wenden ◽  
Pulan Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Screen Time ◽  
Outdoor Recreation ◽  
Total Duration ◽  
Outdoor Play ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity ◽  
At Home

Physical activity is essential for children’s healthy development, yet COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions such as school closures and staying at home, playground closures, and the cancelling of organised community sport have dramatically altered children’s opportunities to be physically active. This study describes changes in levels of physical activity and screen time from February 2020 (i.e., before COVID-19 restrictions were introduced in Western Australia) to May 2020 (i.e., when COVID-19 restrictions were in place). Parents of children aged 5 to 9 years from Western Australia were eligible to participate and recruited through convenience sampling. An online survey instrument that included validated measures of their children’s physical activity (unstructured, organized, home-based, indoor/outdoor active play, dog play/walking), sociodemographic, and other potential confounders was administered to parents. Paired t-tests and mixed ANOVA models assessed changes in physical activity outcomes. The analytic sample comprised parents of 157 children who were 6.9 years of age (SD = 1.7) on average. Overall, weekly minutes of total physical activity (PA) did not change from before to during COVID-19. However, frequency and duration (total and home-based) of unstructured physical activity significantly increased. Outdoor play in the yard or street around the house, outdoor play in the park or playground or outdoor recreation area, and active indoor play at home all significantly increased. Frequency and total duration of organised physical activity significantly declined during COVID-19 distancing. During Western Australian COVID-19 restrictions, there was an increase in young children’s unstructured physical activity and outdoor play and a decrease in organised physical activity. It remains to be seen whether children’s increased physical activity has been sustained with the easing of physical distancing restrictions.

Who Participates in Physical Activity Intervention Trials?

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren Ashleigh Waters ◽  
Benedicte Galichet ◽  
Neville Owen ◽  
Elizabeth Eakin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Intervention Trials ◽  
Study Participants

Background:Taking a representative snapshot of physical activity intervention trial findings published between 1996 and 2006, we empirically evaluated participant characteristics, response and retention rates, and their associations with intervention settings.Methods:A structured database search identified 5 representative health behavior journals, from which 32 research reports of physical activity intervention trials were reviewed. Interventions settings were categorized as workplace, healthcare, home- or community-based. Information on participant and intervention characteristics was extracted and reviewed.Results:The majority of participants were Caucasian (86%), women (66%), healthy but sedentary (63%), and middle-aged (mean age = 51 years). Intervention response rates ranged from 20% to 89%, with the greatest response rate for healthcare and home-based interventions. Compared with nonparticipants, study participants tended to be women, Caucasian, tertiary-educated, and middle-class. Participants in workplace interventions were younger, more educated, and healthier; in community-based interventions, participants were older and more ethnically diverse. Reporting on education and income was inconsistent. The mean retention rate was 78%, with minimal differences between intervention settings.Conclusions:These results emphasize the need for physical activity interventions to target men, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and ethnic minority populations. Consistent reporting of response rate and retention may enhance the understanding of which intervention settings best recruit and retain large, representative samples.

scholarly journals A Guide to Physical Activity at Home During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 632-645
Author(s):  
Mohammad Parastesh ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Library Method ◽  
At Home

Background and Aim: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reduced the physical activity of people worldwide. The purpose of this study is to provide a practical guide for performing physical activities at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods & Materials: The study was conducted by using library method and reviewing the books and articles on home-based physical activity, to provide a scientific basis for performing physical activity at home. In this regard, various physical activities with and without equipment at homes were examined. Ethical Considerations: This article is a review article with no human or animal sample. Results: Home-based practical suggestions for staying active and cope with its physical and psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were reported walking or running on a treadmill, the use of stationary bikes, and body weight resistance exercise, in addition to aerobic exercise. Conclusion: This proposed physical activity programs can be used during the pandemic at home by people with sedentary lifestyle.

scholarly journals The relationship between the home environment and children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour at home

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Michael P. R. Sheldrick
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Physical Factors ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Children's Home ◽  
Environment Study ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity ◽  
At Home

Increasing children’s physical activity (PA) and reducing their sedentary behaviour are considered important preventative measures for obesity and several other health risk factors in children. Given children spend significant time at home, an improved understanding of these behaviours in the home environment would provide invaluable insight for interventions. Therefore, the overarching aim of this thesis was to provide new insight into how the home environment is related to children’s home-based PA and sedentary behaviour. Study 1 investigated the relationship between sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (≥60 min·day–1) and excessive screen-time (≥2 h·day–1) with lifestyle factors in children, and found they were associated with healthy and unhealthy factors, respectively. This study highlighted the importance of meeting PA and screen-time recommendations in relation to important health-related lifestyle factors, which is of concern, as few children were shown to meet such recommendations. Identifying the correlates of children’s behaviours is an important stage in intervention development, therefore studies 2-5 focussed on improving understanding of children’s PA and sedentary behaviour at home. Study 2 demonstrated the validity and reliability of HomeSPACE-II, a novel instrument for measuring physical factors that influence children’s home-based PA and sedentary behaviour. Using HomeSPACE-II, study 3 showed that the physical home environment is related to children’s home-based PA and sedentary behaviour. Given the established influence of social and individual factors on children’s behaviour and their confounding effects in study 3, study 4 investigated the influence of social and individual factors on: (i) children’s home-based PA and sedentary behaviour, and; (ii) the home physical environment. Study 4 revealed that parental and child activity preferences and priorities, as well as parental rules were associated with children’s home-based PA and sedentary behaviour and the physical home environment. Study 5 found clusters of social and physical factors at home, which were associated with children’s home-based PA and sedentary behaviour as well as background characteristics in the expected directions.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Outbreak in Italy: Physiological Benefits of Home-Based Exercise During Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Ravalli ◽  
Giuseppe Musumeci
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Exercise Routine ◽  
Physiological Benefits ◽  
At Home

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced the hardest-hit populations, like Italians, to radically change their daily habits, starting with social distancing, strict preventive measures, and self-isolation. These precautions also apply to sport-related facilities and activities. The difficulty to practice physical activity during this dramatic moment in time adds to the risks associated with sedentary habits, due to staying all the time at home. Here, the importance and the benefits of maintaining exercise routine, even at home, are emphasized in order to avoid the consequences of inactivity.

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