Promoting physical activity compliance in a low socioeconomic Latina population with chronic neurological disorders: A Proof-of-Concept Study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Physical activity is known to improve quality of life as well as reduce mortality and disease progression in individuals with chronic neurological disorders. However, Latinas are less likely to participate in recommended levels of physical activity due to common socioeconomic barriers including limited resources and access to exercise programs. Therefore, we developed a community-based intervention with activity-monitoring and behavioral coaching to target these barriers and facilitate sustained participation in an exercise program promoting physical activity. OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility and efficacy of a community-based intervention to promote physical activity (PA) through self-monitoring via a Fitbit and behavioral coaching in Latina participants with chronic neurological disorders. METHODS We conducted a proof-of-concept study in 21 Spanish-speaking Latina participants recruited from the Los Angeles County/ University of Southern California (LAC/USC) neurology clinic and enrolled in the 16-week intervention at The Wellness Center at The Historic General Hospital. Demographic data was assessed at baseline. Feasibility was defined by participant attrition and Fitbit adherence. Physical activity promotion was determined by examining change in time spent performing moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over the 16-week period. The effect of behavioral coaching was assessed by quantifying the difference in MVPA on days coaching occurred vs. days without coaching. Change in psychometric measures (baseline vs. post-intervention) and medical center visits (16-weeks pre-intervention vs. during intervention) were also examined. RESULTS Participants were of low socioeconomic status and acculturation. 19 participants completed the study (attrition 9.5%) with high Fitbit wear adherence (90.31%). Time performing moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) significantly increased throughout the study (P<0.001). Behavioral coaching enhanced intervention effectiveness as evidenced by a higher time spent in MVPA on days coaching occurred. Participants’ illness perception (Effect Size g=.30), self-rated quality-of-life (Effect Size g=.32), and medical center visit frequency (Effect Size r =.44) improved. CONCLUSIONS Self-monitoring with behavioral coaching is a feasible community-based intervention for PA promotion in low socioeconomic Latinas with chronic neurological conditions. PA is known to be important in brain health in neurological conditions but remains relatively unexplored in minority populations. CLINICALTRIAL Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT04820153

POSSIBILITIES OF APPLICATION OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL COACHING IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

The author raises the question of the possibility of using one of the coaching methods, which is cognitive-behavioural coaching, within the education system. The first part presents an analysis of the very concept of coaching, including research on its effectiveness in solving selected problems or improving selected areas / problems of the education system. In the further part, the author approaches and defines one of the types of coaching, that is cognitive behavioural-coaching. He cites the research on the effectiveness of this method, indicating the potential areas of its application in the education system. In order to demonstrate the potential usefulness of the cognitive-behavioural coaching method, the author refers to examples of techniques of working with a client (student, parent) derived from cognitive-behavioural therapy, which, in the author's opinion, can be successfully transferred to the ground of cognitive-behavioural coaching. The article is exploratory in nature. The author raises the question of the application of cognitive-behavioural coaching in educational institutions, at the same time attracting attention to the need for in-depth empirical research in this area.

Feasibility of “Sit Less, Move More”: An intervention for reducing sedentary behavior Among African Americans with MS

Background Sedentary behavior is a major concern in multiple sclerosis, as it may accelerate disease progression and physical disability. This is especially concerning in African Americans, who present with greater neurological disability than Caucasians. Objective We conducted a feasibility trial on an intervention targeting sedentary behavior in African Americans with multiple sclerosis. Methods We examined the feasibility of the Sit Less, Move More program, a 12-week behavioral intervention that used text messaging along with theory-driven newsletters and behavioral coaching for managing sedentary behavior. We recruited ambulatory, inactive, African Americans with multiple sclerosis, and assessed feasibility on process, resource, management, and scientific outcomes. Results Of the 64 people initially contacted, 45 were assessed for eligibility, 31 were sent the informed consent document, and 30 returned a signed document and were included in the study. Study costs were US$7242.38. Personnel time to complete the study was 130 h. There was a small effect on both device-measured ( d = −0.19) and self-reported ( d = −0.39) sedentary behavior. Conclusions The Sit Less, Move More intervention is safe and feasible for African Americans with multiple sclerosis, and yielded a small reduction in sedentary behavior. The intervention was low cost and well received. Our results suggest the Sit Less, Move More program should progress towards a Phase II trial to determine its efficacy.

Coaching in Visegrad Four Countries: A Comparison to other European countries

The Visegrad Four countries (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary) share common traits in economics (Capik/Drahokoupil 2011), common history (Fawn 2013) and some political and social challenges (Förster/György Tòth 1997). In this article, we seek to determine common trends in the relatively narrow field of (executive) coaching. In the introduction, we explain the psychological background rooted in different learning theories (e.g., Kolb model, ELT) and psychotherapeutic approaches related to coaching such as humanistic psychology or solution-focused approach. The study itself formed part of a European-wide research project, where almost 3000 respondents from 51 European countries answered a questionnaire regarding professional coaching and mentoring. Answers from 419 Visegrad coaches and 1745 coaches from other European countries were compared to determine the trends and traits of the Visegrad Group-based coaching. Key insights from the study included significant differences in the use of methods of reflection such as reading coaching research, attending peer networks, using a mentor or attending webinars. There were also significant differences in the areas in which coaches pursue. Visegrad Four coaches coach significantly more in the area of life and well-being coaching and education coaching and less in the area of performance coaching. We also explored the coaching approaches and found that cognitive-behavioral coaching, NLP, transactional analysis and gestalt coaching are significantly more popular in the European sample while a solution-focused approach is used more in the Visegrad Four countries sample.