scholarly journals Increasing Physical Activity Efficiently: An Experimental Pilot Study of a Website and Mobile Phone Intervention

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjærsti Thorsteinsen ◽  
Joar Vittersø ◽  
Gunnvald Bendix Svendsen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Progress Monitoring ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Local Newspapers ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Daily Report ◽  
Intensity Of Exercise

The main objective of this pilot study was to test the effectiveness of an online, interactive physical activity intervention that also incorporated gaming components. The intervention design included an activity planner, progress monitoring, and gamification components and used SMS text as a secondary delivery channel and feedback to improve engagement in the intervention content. Healthy adults (n=21) recruited through ads in local newspapers (age 35–73) were randomized to the intervention or the control condition. Both groups reported physical activity using daily report forms in four registration weeks during the three-month study: only the experiment condition received access to the intervention. Analyses showed that the intervention group had significantly more minutes of physical activity in weeks five and nine. We also found a difference in the intensity of exercise in week five. Although the intervention group reported more minutes of physical activity at higher intensity levels, we were not able to find a significant effect at the end of the study period. In conclusion, this study adds to the research on the effectiveness of using the Internet and SMS text messages for delivering physical activity interventions and supports gamification as a viable intervention tool.

Impact of a physical activity intervention on adolescents’ subjective sleep quality: a pilot study

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 14-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birna Baldursdottir ◽  
Richard E. Taehtinen ◽  
Inga Dora Sigfusdottir ◽  
Alexandra Krettek ◽  
Heiddis B. Valdimarsdottir
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subjective Sleep Quality ◽  
Subjective Sleep ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to examine the impact of a brief physical activity intervention on adolescents’ subjective sleep quality. Cross-sectional studies indicate that physically active adolescents have better subjective sleep quality than those with more sedentary habits. However, less is known about the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in improving adolescents’ subjective sleep quality. Methods: In a three-week physical activity intervention, four Icelandic upper secondary schools were randomized to either an intervention group with pedometers and step diaries or a control group without pedometers and diaries. Out of 84, a total of 53 students, aged 15−16 years, provided complete data or a minimum of two days step data (out of three possible) as well as sleep quality measures at baseline and follow-up. Subjective sleep quality, the primary outcome in this study, was assessed with four individual items: sleep onset latency, nightly awakenings, general sleep quality, and sleep sufficiency. Daily steps were assessed with Yamax CW-701 pedometers. Results: The intervention group ( n = 26) had significantly higher average step-count ( p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.093) compared to the control group ( n = 27) at follow-up. Subjective sleep quality improved ( p = 0.02, partial η2 = 0.203) over time in the intervention group but not in the control group. Conclusions: Brief physical activity interventions based on pedometers and step diaries may be effective in improving adolescents’ subjective sleep quality. This has important public health relevance as the intervention can easily be disseminated and incorporated into school curricula.

scholarly journals Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Wearable Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention in Preschoolers: A Pilot Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 1821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wonwoo Byun ◽  
Erica Lau ◽  
Timothy Brusseau
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Parent Education ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Classroom Teachers ◽  
Parent Perception ◽  
Childcare Centers

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and the effectiveness of an intervention that employed a technology-based physical activity (PA) monitoring system and teacher-regulated strategies to promote PA in preschoolers. A total of 93 preschoolers (53% girls, 4.7 years) from 5 child care centers were recruited for a one-week intervention and randomly assigned into control (2 centers, n = 45) or intervention (3 centers, n = 48) group. Key intervention components included: (1) wearable device-based, real-time monitoring of children’s PA by classroom teachers and (2) teacher-regulated strategies for providing more opportunities for PA. Sedentary behavior (SED) and PA were measured using accelerometers. Overall, children in the intervention group showed significantly lower level of SED (31.6 vs. 33.6 min/h) and higher level of total PA (28.4 vs. 26.4 min/h) than children in the control group, after adjusting for age, sex, race, parent education level, parent perception of their child’s PA, BMI, and childcare centers. Teachers in the intervention group reported that the intervention was highly feasible to be implemented in their current classroom settings. In conclusion, we observed high acceptability and initial effectiveness of the current intervention. Subsequent research at larger-scale is warranted to fully evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention strategies tested in this study.

scholarly journals Cancer Survivor Perspectives on Text Messages in a Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 650-650
Author(s):  
Nancy Gell ◽  
Christine Vatovec
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Message Content ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions

Abstract Messaging through mobile apps and texts are a common feature of technology-based physical activity interventions. We aimed to examine perspectives of mid-life and older cancer survivors on message content, timing, and two-way communication. We conducted qualitative interviews with 14 participants (Mean 59.9 years, Range 52-79) who completed a remotely delivered intervention that included text messages to support physical activity. After transcription, the interviews were coded and analyzed thematically using inductive, directed content analysis. Themes related to content preferences included personalization, accountability, perspective on the ‘bigger picture,’ and acknowledgement of PA-related achievements. Random timing for receipt was considered acceptable whereas interest in responding to messages was highly variable. Older cancer survivors’ preferences for highly personalized messages are an important consideration in designing technology-based physical activity interventions. A combination of accountability, relation to personal factors, and acknowledgement of goal attainment need to be considered in efforts to scale interventions. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Cancer and Aging Interest Group.

Adding family digital supports to classroom-based physical activity interventions to target in- and out-of-school activity: An evaluation of the Stay Active intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-228
Author(s):  
Bethany Forseth ◽  
Adrian Ortega ◽  
Paul Hibbing ◽  
Mallory Moon ◽  
Chelsea Steel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Family Based

Introduction: Interventions targeting multiple levels of influence and settings may have a greater impact on children’s total daily physical activity than those targeting a single setting. This study evaluated the addition of family supports to a classroom-based physical activity intervention. Methods: 6 schools were randomized to a remotely delivered classroom-based physical activity only (CBPA) or classroom-based physical activity plus family (CBPA+) arm. The latter added behavior change tools (e.g., self-regulation) delivered via text messages and newsletters to caregiver/child dyads. The intervention lasted for 7 weeks with a 1-week baseline and 1-week post-intervention assessment (9 weeks total). Children who enrolled in the evaluation study received a Garmin activity monitor, which was used to tailor the text messages and evaluate changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Caregivers completed surveys evaluating intervention acceptability. Results: The 53 child participants (CBPA n=35; CBPA+ n=18) were 9.7±0.7 years old, 64% were female, 59% were Black, and 23% were Hispanic/Latinx. Almost 90% of caregivers reported high satisfaction with the added family-based intervention content. Adherence to wearing the Garmin was higher in the CBPA+ arm. MVPA was low at baseline and during the first 3 weeks of the intervention (CBPA 7.5±3.1 minutes/day; CBPA+ 7.9±2.7 minutes/day) and increased by ~45 min/day by weeks 6-8 (CBPA 56.8±34.2 minutes/day; CBPA+ 49.2±18.7minutes/day). Changes in MVPA were similar between arms. Conclusion: The high acceptability and intervention engagement in the CBPA+ arm show promise for integrating mHealth tools to provide additional family support in multilevel multiapproach interventions targeting children’s physical activity.

scholarly journals Sensory Profile of Adults with Reduced Food Intake and the Potential Roles of Nutrition and Physical Activity Interventions

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1120-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Eve Mathieu ◽  
Ryan E R Reid ◽  
Neil A King
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Sensory Profile ◽  
Sensory Response ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity ◽  
Sensory Training

ABSTRACT The sensory profile, referring to sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch, plays an essential role in optimizing the habitual intake of energy and macronutrients. However, specific populations, such as older adults, are known to have impaired energy intake. In this paper, the relevance of sensory impairments in this older population is described, and the extent to which nutritional and physical activity interventions can modulate these sensory responses when food intake is insufficient is explored. With aging, all senses deteriorate, and in most cases, such deteriorations diminish the nutritional response. The only exception is sight, for which both positive and negative impacts on nutritional response have been reported. From a prevention perspective, nutritional interventions have been understudied, and to date, only hearing is known to be positively affected by a good nutritional profile. In comparison, physical activity has been more frequently studied in this context, and is linked to an improved preservation of 4 senses. Regarding treatment, very few studies have directly targeted sensory training, and the focus of research has tended to be on nutrition and physical activity intervention. Sensory training, and nutritional and physical activity treatments all have beneficial effects on the senses. In the future, researchers should focus on exploring gaps in the literature specifically concerning prevention, treatment, and sensory response to understand how to improve the efficacy of current approaches. In order to maintain sensory acuity and recover from sensory impairment, the current state of knowledge supports the importance of improving nutritional habits as well as physical activity early on in life. A combined approach, linking a detailed lifestyle profile with the assessment of numerous senses and one or more interventional approaches (nutrition, physical activity, sensory training, etc.), would be required to identify effective strategies to improve the nutritional state of older individuals.

scholarly journals Effects of a 1-Year Physical Activity Intervention on Markers of Hemostasis among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

TH Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 05 (01) ◽  
pp. e14-e23
Author(s):  
Siv Kjølsrud Bøhn ◽  
Inger Thune ◽  
Vidar Gordon Flote ◽  
Hanne Frydenberg ◽  
Gro Falkenér Bertheussen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Factor Vii ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients ◽  
Hemostatic Factors

Abstract Introduction Physical activity may reduce the development of breast cancer. Whereas hypercoagulability has been linked to adverse outcomes in breast cancer patients, the effects of physical activity on their hemostatic factors are unknown. The study aimed to assess whether long-term (1 year) physical activity can affect hemostatic factors in breast cancer patients. Methods Fifty-five women (35–75 years) with invasive breast cancer stage I/II were randomized to a physical activity intervention (n = 29) lasting 1 year or to a control group (n = 26), and analyzed as intention to treat. Fibrinogen, factor VII antigen, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen as well as prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, the endogenous thrombin potential and D-dimer, were measured in plasma before intervention (baseline), and then after 6 and 12 months. Results Maximal oxygen uptake (measure of cardiorespiratory fitness) decreased the first 6 months among the controls, but remained stable in the intervention group. We found no significant differences between the two study groups regarding any of the hemostatic factors, except a significantly higher increase in factor VII antigen in the intervention group. The effect of the intervention on VWF was, however, significantly affected by menopausal stage, and a significant effect of the intervention was found on VWF among postmenopausal women, even after adjustment for dietary intake. Conclusion Long-term physical activity had no effect on the majority of the hemostatic factors measured, but led to increased plasma concentrations of factor VII antigen and prevented an increase in VWF concentration after breast cancer treatment in postmenopausal women. The clinical impact of these findings for risk of vascular thrombosis warrants further studies.

scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aymen El Masri ◽  
Gregory S. Kolt ◽  
Emma S. George
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Session Attendance ◽  
Australian Community

Abstract Background Despite being one of the largest migrant groups in Australia, few physical activity interventions exist for Arab-Australians. The primary aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women. Methods This study used a single-group pretest–posttest design, and was informed by extensive formative research and consultation involving the Arab-Australian community. Participants were insufficiently active Arab-Australian women aged 35–64 with no current illness or injury that would limit physical activity participation. The intervention comprised 6 face-to-face physical activity and education sessions over 12 weeks. The intervention was conducted at 2 separate intervention sites in Western Sydney, Australia. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, session attendance, and retention. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed through a process evaluation questionnaire completed post-intervention. Accelerometers and the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to measure physical activity at baseline and post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used for feasibility and acceptability outcomes, and changes in physical activity were examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Of the 53 women who were contacted or expressed interest, 22 were eligible and enrolled in the study. Participants were primarily recruited through direct contact by Arab-Australian community workers and by word-of-mouth. Average session attendance was 63% and the retention rate post-intervention was 68%. The culturally-related intervention components, such as the appropriateness of content, and women-only setting, were rated highly favourably (4.33 to 4.87/5). General intervention elements, such as the face-to-face delivery, knowledge and approachability of facilitators, and session structure, were also rated favourably (4.33 to 4.93/5), and the lowest scored item was the intervention session frequency (3.2/5). There were no statistically significant changes in physical activity post-intervention. Conclusions The findings from this study highlighted factors related to recruitment and delivery that need to be considered when developing physical activity interventions for Arab-Australian women. Further research is required using a larger sample and a randomised controlled trial design to examine the longer-term impact on physical activity, and to also examine ways of increasing intervention engagement and retention among Arab-Australian women. Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001392257. Registered 20 August 2018, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375636.

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 Physical activity in the classroom to prevent childhood obesity: a pilot study in Santiago, Chile

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Mardones ◽  
Pilar Arnaiz ◽  
Johana Soto-Sánchez ◽  
Juana Saavedra ◽  
Angélica Domínguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Hand Grip Strength ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Waist Circumference ◽  
Hand Grip

AbstractThis paper describes a 4-month pilot study that tested the suitability of a physical activity intervention for first graders (children aged 6 and 7 years) in a public school in Santiago, Chile. Teachers were trained to deliver the programme in the classroom during the school day. Teachers were surveyed to determine if this intervention fit within their curriculum and classroom routines and they reported in a focus group that it was suitable for them. All children actively participated in the programme and positive changes in their attitudes towards physical activity were observed by their teachers. Anthropometrics, blood pressure and hand grip strength were measured in the students. A significant reduction was observed in children with high waist circumference ≥ 90th percentile, and in mean systolic blood pressure. However, statistical power values for those comparisons were rather low. Anthropometry and hand grip strength were not modified. The latter calculations and the lack of a control group are showing the weaknesses of this pilot study and that further research with a larger sample size and an experimental design is strongly needed.

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