Adding mobile elements to online physical activity interventions targeted at adults aged over 50: a systematic design approach (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eline H. G. M. Collombon ◽  
Catherine A. W. Bolman ◽  
Denise A. Peels ◽  
Gert-Jan de Bruijn ◽  
Renate H. M. de Groot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Mobile Elements ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Systematic Design ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Positive Effects

BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) can increase mental and physical health in adults aged over 50. However, it has been shown that PA-guidelines are often not met within this population. Therefore, our research group developed two computer tailored intervention programs in the last decade to stimulate PA: Active Plus and I Move. Although these programs were proven effective, positive effects diminished over time and attrition rates were relatively high. To respond to this, three interactive mobile elements are integrated in the existing programs, namely an activity tracker, an ecological momentary intervention program and a virtual coach application. OBJECTIVE To present the systematic approach for extending our online PA intervention programs Active Plus and I Move with three interactive mobile elements. METHODS Components often included in other (eHealth) design models were identified and served as a base for the definition of systematic steps: exploration of context, involvement of the target population, prototype and intervention testing, and implementation were identified as key components. RESULTS The systematic design approach consisting of ten steps is presented. The initial step is a literature search, of which the results serve as a base for development of the low fidelity prototypes in step two. The third to the sixth step are defined as the pilot phase and include semi-structured interviews, pilottests, and adaptations of the prototypes with intensive involvement of the target population of adults aged over 50, where particular attention is paid to lower educated persons. The seventh step is an effect evaluation in the form of a randomized controlled trial. During the eighth step the most effective intervention programs are selected and reinforced. These reinforced intervention programs are used during the design of an implementation plan in the ninth step and the subsequent field study in the tenth step. CONCLUSIONS In this paper, the ten systematic design steps for extending our existing online PA intervention programs with mobile elements are presented. The ten steps are presented as an useful approach to guide future eHealth design studies.

The Evolution of Physical Activity on Prescription (FaR) in Sweden

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Surgeon General ◽  
Positive Effects

In 1996, the first Report of the US Surgeon General on Physical Activity and Health provided an extensive knowledge overview about the positive effects of physical activity (PA) on several health outcomes and PA recommendations. This contributed to an enhanced interest for PA in Sweden. The Swedish Professional Associations for Physical Activity (YFA) were appointed to form a Scientific Expert Group in the project “Sweden on the Move” and YFA created the idea of Physical Activity on Prescription (FaR) and the production of a handbook (FYSS) for healthcare professionals. In Swedish primary care, licensed healthcare professionals, i.e. physicians, physiotherapists and nurses, can prescribe PA if they have sufficient knowledge about the patient’s current state of health, how PA can be used for promotion, prevention and treatment and are trained in patient-centred counselling and the FaR method. The prescription is followed individually or by visiting local FaR providers. These include sport associations, patient organisations, municipal facilities, commercial providers such as gyms, sports clubs and walking clubs or other organisations with FaR educated staff such as health promoters or personal trainers. In clinical practice, the FaR method increases the level of PA in primary care patients, at 6 and at 12 months. Self-reported adherence to the prescription was 65% at 6 months, similar to the known compliance for medications. In a randomised controlled trial, FaR significantly improved body composition and reduced metabolic risk factors. It is suggested that a successful implementation of PA in healthcare depends on a combination of a systems approach (socio-ecological model) and the strengthening of individual motivation and capability. General support from policymakers, healthcare leadership and professional associations is important. To lower barriers, tools for implementation and structures for delivery must be readily available. Examples include handbooks such as FYSS, the FaR system and the use of pedometers.

scholarly journals Strategies for Developing and Delivering a Parental Physical Activity Intervention: Answers to the What and How

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 152-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyra Hamilton ◽  
Katherine M. White
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Individualized Approach ◽  
Information Problem Solving ◽  
Parental Physical Activity

Background:Parents are at risk for physical inactivity; however, few studies have designed physical activity (PA) interventions specifically applied to individuals with young children. To ensure the effectiveness of interventions, it may be useful to first elicit the needs from the target population and incorporate salient strategies identified to the design and delivery of a resultant intervention. We aimed to explore strategies for what to include in and how to best deliver a program designed to increase parental PA.Methods:Twelve parents (6 mothers, 6 fathers) of children younger than 5 years participated in focus group discussions exploring strategies for an intervention program designed to increase parental PA.Results:A range of themes such as Focus on the Children and Flexible Life/Family Plans imbedded in strategies such as persuasion and information, problem-solving, skill building, and environmental approaches were identified. In addition, a range of strategies for how to best deliver a parental PA intervention evidenced in emerging themes such as Diverse and Brief and Individualized Approach was discussed.Conclusions:Future research should continue to adopt a ground up, community-based approach to the development and implementation of interventions for this at-risk group to ensure sustained involvement in regular PA.

scholarly journals Reasons for participating and not participating in a e-health workplace physical activity intervention

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 229-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Bardus ◽  
Holly Blake ◽  
Scott Lloyd ◽  
L. Suzanne Suggs
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Behavioural Interventions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Purposive Sample

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reasons for participating and not participating in an e-health workplace physical activity (PA) intervention. Design/methodology/approach – Semi-structured interviews and two focus groups were conducted with a purposive sample of employees who enrolled and participated in the intervention and with those who did not complete enrolment, hence did not participate in it. Data were examined using thematic analysis according to the clusters of “reasons for participation” and for “non-participation”. Findings – Reported reasons for participation included a need to be more active, to increase motivation to engage in PA, and to better manage weight. Employees were attracted by the perceived ease of use of the programme and by the promise of receiving reminders. Many felt encouraged to enrol by managers or peers. Reported reasons for non-participation included lack of time, loss of interest towards the programme, or a lack of reminders to complete enrolment. Practical implications – Future e-health workplace behavioural interventions should consider focusing on employees’ needs and motivators to behaviour change, provide regular reminders for participants to complete enrolment and ensure that procedures are completed successfully. Barriers to participation could be identified through formative research with the target population and feasibility studies. Originality/value – This study combines a qualitative analysis of the reasons why some employees decided to enrol in a workplace PA intervention and why some others did not. This study highlights factors to consider when designing, implementing and promoting similar interventions and that could inform strategies to enhance participation in workplace PA interventions.

scholarly journals Randomized controlled trial of an e-learning designed behavioral intervention for increasing physical activity behavior in multiple sclerosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 205521731773488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W Motl ◽  
Elizabeth A Hubbard ◽  
Rachel E Bollaert ◽  
Brynn C Adamson ◽  
Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
E Learning

Background Internet-delivered, behavioral interventions represent a cost-effective, broadly disseminable approach for teaching persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) the theory-based skills, techniques, and strategies for changing physical activity. Objectives This pilot, randomized controlled trial examined the efficacy of a newly developed Internet website based on e-learning approaches that delivered a theory-based behavior intervention for increasing physical activity and improving symptoms, walking impairment, and neurological disability. Methods Participants with MS ( N = 47) were randomly assigned into behavioral intervention ( n = 23) or waitlist control ( n = 24) conditions delivered over a six-month period. Outcomes were administered before and after the six-month period using blinded assessors, and data were analyzed using analysis of covariance in SPSS. Results There was a significant, positive intervention effect on self-reported physical activity ( P = 0.05, [Formula: see text] = 0.10), and non-significant improvement in objectively measured physical activity ( P = 0.24, [Formula: see text] = 0.04). There were significant, positive effects of the intervention on overall ( P = 0.018, [Formula: see text] = 0.13) and physical impact of fatigue ( P = 0.003, [Formula: see text] = 0.20), self-reported walking impairment ( P = 0.047, [Formula: see text] = 0.10), and disability status ( P = 0.033, [Formula: see text] = 0.11). There were non-significant improvements in fatigue severity ( P = 0.10, [Formula: see text] = 0.06), depression ( P = 0.10, [Formula: see text] = 0.07) and anxiety ( P = 0.06, [Formula: see text] = 0.09) symptoms, and self-reported disability ( P = 0.10, [Formula: see text] = 0.07). Conclusions We provide evidence for the efficacy of an Internet-based behavioral intervention with content delivered through interactive video courses grounded in e-learning principles for increasing physical activity and possibly improving secondary outcomes of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and walking impairment/disability in persons with MS.

scholarly journals Native American Diabetes Prevention Intervention Programs

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-36
Author(s):  
Yue Dong ◽  
Maria Collado ◽  
Paul Branscum
Keyword(s):  
Native American ◽  
American Indian ◽  
American Indians ◽  
Alaska Native ◽  
Diabetes Prevention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Female Population

Background and Purpose: Diabetes is one of the biggest health problems for the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The purpose of this study was to review lifestyle based diabetes interventions from January 1995 to January 2015. Methods: The target population within this systematic review was adult American Indians and Alaska Natives. Four databases (Medline, Google Scholar, PsychINFO, and JSTOR) were used to find articles, of which nine articles met the inclusion criteria of being either an intervention or prevention program that reported at least one physiological or biological indicator of diabetes. Results: Among the nine articles reviewed, six articles showed significant changes of physiological indicators. Three of the studies only targeted the female population. Most of the programs lasted between 6 to 12 months. A major limitation among intervention or prevention programs was an inadequate use of a theoretical behavior change model. Conclusion: Overall, it was found that physical activities and diet -based methods have the potential for diabetes prevention and intervention programs among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Recommendations for future research include using randomized controlled trial research design, and using theory to guide program development.

scholarly journals Using self-determination theory to understand and improve recruitment for the Coaching for Healthy Ageing (CHAnGE) trial

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259873
Author(s):  
Abby Haynes ◽  
Catherine Sherrington ◽  
Geraldine Wallbank ◽  
James Wickham ◽  
Allison Tong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Healthy Ageing ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Change Trial ◽  
Health Coaches

Background Intervention trials promoting physical activity among older people frequently report low and unrepresentative recruitment. Better understanding of reasons for participation can help improve recruitment. This study explored why participants enrolled in the Coaching for Healthy Ageing (CHAnGE) trial, including how their decision was influenced by recruitment strategies. CHAnGE was a cluster randomised controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a healthy ageing program targeting inactivity and falls. Seventy-two groups of people aged 60+ were recruited from community organisations via informal presentations by the health coaches. Methods We conducted a secondary thematic analysis of interview data from our wider qualitative evaluation in which 32 purposively sampled trial participants took part in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of CHAnGE. Data relating to recruitment and participation were analysed inductively to identify themes, then a coding framework comprising the core constructs from self-determination theory—autonomy, competence and relatedness—was used to explore if and how this theory fit with and helped to explain our data. Results Recruitment presentations promoted the CHAnGE intervention well in terms of addressing value expectations of structured support, different forms of accountability, credibility, achievability and, for some, a potential to enhance social relationships. Participation was motivated by the desire for improved health and decelerated ageing, altruism and curiosity. These factors related strongly to self-determination concepts of autonomy, competence and relatedness, but the intervention’s demonstrated potential to support self-determination needs could be conveyed more effectively. Conclusions Findings suggest that recruitment could have greater reach using: 1. Strengths-based messaging focusing on holistic gains, 2. Participant stories that highlight positive experiences, and 3. Peer support and information sharing to leverage altruism and curiosity. These theory-informed improvements will be used to increase participation in future trials, including people in hard-to-recruit groups. They may also inform other physical activity trials and community programs.

scholarly journals Effects of Exercise Interventions and Physical Activity Behavior on Cancer Related Cognitive Impairments: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Zimmer ◽  
Freerk T. Baumann ◽  
Max Oberste ◽  
Peter Wright ◽  
Alexander Garthe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Exercise Interventions ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Activity Behavior

This systematic review analyzes current data on effects of exercise interventions and physical activity behavior on objective and subjective cancer related cognitive impairments (CRCI). Out of the 19 studies which met all inclusion criteria, five RCTs investigated rodents, whereas the other 14 trials explored humans and these included six RCTs, one controlled trial, two prospective noncontrolled trials, one case series, one observational study, and three cross-sectional studies. The results from animal models revealed positive effects of exercise during and after chemotherapy or radiation on structural alterations of the central nervous system, physiological as well as neuropsychological outcomes. The overall study quality in patient studies was poor. The current data on intervention studies showed preliminary positive effects of Asian-influenced movement programs (e.g., Yoga) with benefits on self-perceived cognitive functions as well as a reduction of chronic inflammation for breast cancer patients in the aftercare. Exercise potentially contributes to the prevention and rehabilitation of CRCI. Additional RCTs with standardized neuropsychological assessments and controlling for potential confounders are needed to confirm and expand preliminary findings.

scholarly journals Effects of an Intervention for Promoting Basic Motor Competencies in Middle Childhood

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7343
Author(s):  
Anne Strotmeyer ◽  
Miriam Kehne ◽  
Christian Herrmann
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Middle Childhood ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Object Movement

The development of motor competencies is necessary for participation in the culture of sport, exercise, and physical activity, which in turn supports the development of a healthy lifestyle. A lack of physical activity in childhood and deficits in motor performance emphasize the relevance of interventions for promoting basic motor competencies. However, there are research desiderata with regard to such interventions. This article describes an intervention program for promoting basic motor competencies in middle childhood (around 6 to 10 years of age). The intervention was investigated in a longitudinal study from June 2019 to January 2020 (n = 200; 58% girls, M = 8.84 years, SD = 0.63) at three primary schools. The intervention was conducted once a week in physical education (PE). The comparison group participated in regular PE. The intervention showed significant effects on basic motor competencies in object movement but not in self-movement. The results demonstrate that positive effects on basic motor competencies can be achieved with the help of a relatively simple intervention. Further longitudinal studies are desirable as a means of substantiating the results and developing evidence-based concepts to support children in their development in the best possible way.

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