Outcome expectations for exercise scale: utility and psychometrics

Disability reduction following a lumbar stabilization exercise program for low back pain: large vs. small improvement subgroup analyses of physical and psychological variables

BACKGROUND

Little is known about why patients with low back pain (LBP) respond differently to treatment, and more specifically, to a lumbar stabilization exercise program. As a first step toward answering this question, the present study evaluates how subgroups of patients who demonstrate large and small clinical improvements differ in terms of physical and psychological changes during treatment.

METHODS

Participants (n = 110) performed the exercise program (clinical sessions and home exercises) over eight weeks, with 100 retained at six-month follow-up. Physical measures (lumbar segmental instability, motor control impairments, range of motion, trunk muscle endurance and physical performance tests) were collected twice (baseline, end of treatment), while psychological measures (fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing, psychological distress, illness perceptions, outcome expectations) were collected at four time points (baseline, mid-treatment, end of treatment, follow-up). The participants were divided into three subgroups (large, moderate and small clinical improvements) based on the change of perceived disability scores. ANOVA for repeated measure compared well-contrasted subgroups (large vs. small improvement) at different times to test for SUBGROUP × TIME interactions.

RESULTS

Statistically significant interactions were observed for several physical and psychological measures. In all these interactions, the large- and small-improvement subgroups were equivalent at baseline, but the large-improvement subgroup showed more improvements over time compared to the small-improvement subgroup. For psychological measures only (fear-avoidance beliefs, pain catastrophizing, illness perceptions), between-group differences reached moderate to strong effect sizes, at the end of treatment and follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The large-improvement subgroup showed more improvement than the small-improvement subgroup with regard to physical factors typically targeted by this specific exercise program as well as for psychological factors that are known to influence clinical outcomes.

A physiotherapy group exercise and self-management approach to improve physical activity in people with mild-moderate Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Physical activity levels are low in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and have proved difficult to increase with exercise programs alone. Intervention approaches that address both the capacity to engage in physical activity and self-management strategies to change and maintain exercise behaviours are needed to address this intractable issue.

METHODS

This will be an assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial performed in Brisbane, Australia. Ninety-two people with mild-moderate PD will be randomly allocated to two groups: usual care, and a physiotherapy-led group exercise program combined with self-management strategies. In the intervention group, twelve, 80-min sessions will be conducted over 4 weeks in groups of up to 4 participants. The intervention will consist of circuit training including treadmill walking to target aerobic fitness, and activities targeting strength, balance, and gait performance. In addition, each session will also incorporate strategies focusing on self-management and behaviour change, augmented by the provision of a fitness activity tracker. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (T1), immediately post intervention (T2) and at 6 months follow-up (T3). The primary outcome measure is free-living physical activity (average daily step count over 7 days) at pre (T1) and post (T2) intervention measured using an activPAL™ device. Secondary outcome measures captured at all time points include time spent walking, sedentary and in moderate intensity exercise over 7 days; spatiotemporal gait performance (step length, gait speed, endurance); health-related quality of life; and outcome expectations and self-efficacy for exercise.

DISCUSSION

Sustainability of gains in physical activity following exercise interventions is a challenge for most populations. Our incorporation of a chronic disease self-management approach into the exercise program including fitness tracking extends previous trials and has potential to significantly improve free-living physical activity in people with PD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study has been prospectively registered in Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12617001057370), registered on 19/07/2017. Available from www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12617001057370.aspx .

StandUPTV: Preparation and optimization phases of a mHealth intervention to reduce sedentary screen time in adults

Recreational sedentary screen time (rSST) is the most prevalent sedentary behavior for adults outside of work, school, and sleep, and is strongly linked to poor health. StandUPTV is a mHealth trial that uses the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework to develop and evaluate the efficacy of three theory-based strategies for reducing rSST among adults. This paper describes the preparation and optimization phases of StandUPTV within the MOST framework. We identified three candidate components based on previous literature: (a) rSST electronic lockout (LOCKOUT), which restricts rSST through electronic means; (b) adaptive prompts (TEXT), which provides adaptive prompts based on rSST behaviors; and (c) earning rSST through increased moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) participation (EARN). We also describe the mHealth iterative design process and the selection of an optimization objective. Finally, we describe the protocol of the optimization randomized controlled trial using a 23 factorial experimental design. We will enroll 240 individuals aged 23-64 y who engage in >3 h/day of rSST. All participants will receive a target to reduce rSST by 50% and be randomized to one of 8 combinations representing all components and component levels: LOCKOUT (yes vs. no), TEXT (yes vs. no), and EARN (yes vs. no). Results will support the selection of the components for the intervention package that meet the optimization objective and are acceptable to participants. The optimized intervention will be tested in a future evaluation randomized trial to examine reductions in rSST on health outcomes among adults.

Anthropometric, physical activity, and psychological characteristics of Korean adults with and without developmental coordination disorder (DCD)

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, is characterized by movement difficulties in individuals without discernible neurological disorders or identifiable medical conditions. Previous studies from various countries have highlighted disparities in anthropometric, physical activity, and psychological characteristics between children diagnosed with DCD and their typically developing (TD) peers. These differences are influenced by sociocultural norms and geographical locations. However, little attention has been given to scrutinizing analogous differences in adult populations, particularly within Republic of Korea. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by employing a battery of questionnaires to assess anthropometric, physical activity, and psychological traits in a cohort of 377 Korean adults, encompassing those with DCD (n = 54) alongside TD counterparts (n = 323). It was hypothesized that Korean adults with DCD would exhibit higher body mass index and lower ratings in physical activity and psychological characteristics than TD, consistent with the previous studies performed in other countries on children. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the DCD and TD groups in anthropometric characteristics such as weight (kg), height (cm), and body mass index. The prevalence of walking and biking for daily commuting in daily routines within Korean society might have contributed to the mitigation of anthropometric among individuals with/without DCD. Statistically significant differences were found in physical activity levels at work and recreational settings, as shown in physical activity scores and duration. The DCD group also displayed lower scores across several psychological characteristics, including exercise adherence, intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, physical self-concept, exercise expectations, and intrinsic regulation. These findings underscore the necessity of incorporating sociocultural dynamics when investigating anthropometric, physical activity, and psychological characteristics in adults with DCD. Their perceived difficulties in fine motor skills were also significantly poor than TD. Future research studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving the observed patterns in this study, thus contributing to a more nuanced comprehension of how DCD manifests within specific sociocultural contexts.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity among Mostly Older, Overweight Black Women Living in the Rural Alabama Black Belt

Despite well-documented global declines in physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known regarding the specific impact among underserved, rural Alabama counties. This is concerning as this region was already disproportionately burdened by inactivity and related chronic diseases and was among the hardest hit by COVID-19. Thus, the current study examined the effect of COVID-19 on PA in four rural Alabama counties. An ancillary survey was administered between March 2020 and August 2021 to the first cohort (N = 171) of participants enrolled in a larger PA trial. Main outcomes of this survey included the perceived impact of COVID-19 on PA, leisure-time PA, and social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs at 3 months. Almost half of the participants reported being less active during the pandemic (49.7%) and endorsed that COVID-19 made PA more difficult (47.4%), citing concerns such as getting sick from exercising outside of the home (70.4%) and discomfort wearing a face mask while exercising (58%). Perceived COVID-19 impact on PA was significantly associated with education, household dependents, and gender (p's < 0.05). More women, parents, and college graduates reported that the COVID-19 pandemic made PA more difficult. Overall, there were no significant associations between PA, SCT constructs, or perceived COVID-19 impact on PA scores at 3 months. While the pandemic made PA difficult for many participants, these barriers were not associated with leisure-time PA levels or related theoretical mechanisms of action, which bodes well for the success of our ongoing intervention efforts and the resiliency of these communities.

Sensor-based telerehabilitation system increases patient adherence after knee surgery

OBJECTIVES

Implementing evidence-based recommendations with the option of patient-individualised and situation-specific adaptations in telerehabilitation may increase adherence with improved clinical outcome.

METHODS

As part of a registry-embedded hybrid design (part 1), digital medical device (DMD)-usage in a home-based setting was analysed in a multinational registry. The DMD combines an inertial motion-sensor system with instructions for exercises and functional tests on smartphones. A prospective, single-blinded, patient-controlled, multicentre intervention study (DRKS00023857) compared implementation capacity of the DMD to standard physiotherapy (part 2). Usage patterns by health care providers (HCP) were assessed (part 3).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Registry raw data (10,311 measurements) were analysed from 604 DMD-users, demonstrating clinically expected rehabilitation progression post knee injuries. DMD-users performed tests for range-of-motion, coordination and strength/speed enabling insight to stage-specific rehabilitation (χ2 = 44.9, p<0.001). Intention-to-treat-analysis (part 2) revealed DMD-users to have significantly higher adherence to the rehabilitation intervention compared to the matched patient-control-group (86% [77-91] vs. 74% [68-82], p<0.05). DMD-users performed recommended exercises at home with higher intensity (p<0.05). HCP used DMD for clinical decision making. No adverse events related to the DMD were reported. Adherence to standard therapy recommendations can be increased using novel high quality DMD with high potential to improve clinical rehabilitation outcome, enabling evidence-based telerehabilitation.

Smart Walk: A Culturally Tailored Smartphone-Delivered Physical Activity Intervention for Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction among African American Women

This article reports the results of Smart Walk: a randomized pilot trial of an 8-month culturally tailored, smartphone-delivered physical activity (PA) intervention for African American women with obesity. Sixty participants (age range = 24−49 years; BMI range = 30−58 kg/m2) were randomized to the Smart Walk intervention (n = 30) or a wellness comparison intervention (n = 30). Results supported the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention, as demonstrated by participant retention (85% at 4 months and 78% at 8 months), Smart Walk app use, and intervention satisfaction (i.e., 100% of PA participants completing the intervention [n = 24] reported they would recommend it to friend). Smart Walk participants also reported greater increases in moderate-to-vigorous PA (4-month between-arm difference in change [b] = 43.3 min/week; p = 0.018; Cohen’s d = 0.69; 8-month b = 56.6 min/week; p = 0.046; d = 0.63) and demonstrated clinically relevant, although not statistically significant (p-values > 0.05), baseline to 4 months improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness (b = 1.67 mL/kg/min; d = 0.40), systolic blood pressure (b = −3.33 mmHg; d = 0.22), diastolic blood pressure (b = −4.28 mmHg; d = 0.37), and pulse wave velocity (b = −0.46 m/s; d = 0.33). Eight-month cardiometabolic outcomes followed similar trends, but had high rates of missing data (45−53%) due to COVID-19 restrictions. Collectively, findings demonstrated favorable outcomes for acceptability and feasibility, while also highlighting key areas for refinement in future research.

Psychosocial Determinants of Recommended Lifestyle Behaviors among Hypertensive Patients: An Integrative Literature Review

Healthy lifestyle levels are low among adults with hypertension (HTN). Unfortunately, psychosocial factors contributing to patients' inability to meet healthy lifestyle recommendations are not well-understood. This integrative review examined the relationships of three psychosocial factors (self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and social support) with dietary adherence (DA) and physical activity (PA) among adults with HTN. In total, 24 peer-reviewed studies were assessed. Results showed self-efficacy had small-to-large relationships with PA (r = 0.02-0.46) and DA (r = 0.06-0.79), with the strength of the associations varying by the assessed domain and country of origin. However, few studies reported a small relationship between the remaining factors (outcome expectancy and social support) and PA and DA. Thus, more efforts are needed to delineate the contributions of social support and outcome expectancies on DA or PA. When designing an intervention that focuses on improving PA or DA among adults with HTN, these psychosocial factors should be targeted.

Dyspnea and outcome expectations are associated with physical activity in persons with pneumoconiosis: a cross-sectional study

Background

There are various reports on factors associated with physical activity in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. However, there are no studies on the relationship between physical activity and psychological or environmental factors. In this study, we investigated the relationship between physical activity and psychological and environmental factors using questionnaires for patients with pneumoconiosis.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included patients with pneumoconiosis who underwent a pneumoconiosis health examination in 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to conduct the study. Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and subjective symptoms [dyspnea and quality of life (QOL)], environmental factors (environment around home and life space), psychological factors (depression, stage of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, and outcome expectations), and others (e.g., experience with pulmonary rehabilitation) were investigated.

Results

The number of respondents in the study was 185 (men: 171, women: 14). Age, dyspnea, stage of change, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, QOL, depression, decisional balance, and life space were significantly correlated with physical activity. In the multivariate analysis, outcome expectations and dyspnea were extracted as independent factors. In the path analysis, outcome expectations and dyspnea had a direct influence on physical activity. Dyspnea directly impacted not only physical activity but also outcome expectations, stage of change, QOL, life space, and depression.

Conclusions

Dyspnea and outcome expectations were associated with physical activity in patients with pneumoconiosis. To improve physical activity in pneumoconiosis patients, it was suggested that it may be necessary to improve dyspnea and promote an understanding of physical activity.

Determining the status of preconception care model in pregnant woman of Gorgan city (North of Iran) using structural equation modeling (SEM)

BACKGROUND

Preconception reduces unplanned pregnancies and plays an important role in reducing maternal and infant mortality. Considering the importance of these care services, this study was conducted to determine the status of preconception care (PCC) model with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 394 pregnant women referring to Gorgan's health centers. Samples were selected by multi-stage stratified sampling method. The instrument used in this research was a researcher-made questionnaire by Bayrami. Data were analyzed using R software version 4.1.4. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with weighted least square mean and variance method was used to fit the conceptual model and the significance level of the tests was considered 0.05.

RESULTS

The results showed that PCC model was deemed appropriate as optimum conditions indicators of goodness of fit; knowledge with a coefficient of 0.182 leads to self-efficacy (SE), and SE affects the accessibility of facilities with a coefficient of 0.465 and the expected outcome with a coefficient of 0.500. After facility structure with a coefficient of 0.500, SE construct with a coefficient of 0.215 had the most effect on performing PCC behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Facilities and SE as a key element of empowerment have an important role in promoting PCC. Identifying the factors associated with this care appears to help health policymakers to planning for these caregivers more precise and sensitive.

Impact of community-based exercise on fatigue in early breast cancer survivors: identifying potential determinants of change

BACKGROUND

Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue in early breast cancer survivors (EBCS), though it is unclear if these results translate to community-based exercise settings. Mechanisms that influence changes in fatigue seen after exercise are also poorly understood. This study sought to evaluate the impact of community-based exercise and identify associations of fatigue in EBCS.

METHODS

Twenty-nine EBCS and 13 non-cancer controls (CON) enrolled. Pre/post-intervention measurements included measures of fitness/function, balance, and adherence/compliance as well as self-reported measures of fatigue, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), well-being, self-efficacy, and physical activity. Both groups participated in a supervised 16-week aerobic + resistance exercise intervention. A mixed model ANOVA and Cohen's D effect size assessed fatigue changes, and univariable linear regressions identified fatigue associations.

RESULTS

Fatigue improved for EBCS (- 2.6, Cohen's D = 0.51) but not CON (0.0, Cohen's D = 0.02); no interaction effect was observed. Post-intervention fatigue in EBCS was associated with better QOL (R² = 0.387; p < 0.01), depression (R² = 0.251; p < 0.01), self-efficacy, (R² = 0.453; p < 0.01), outcome expectations from exercise (R² = 0.254; p < 0.01), balance (R² = 0.167; p < 0.05), and the 6-minute walk test (R² = 0.193; p < 0.05). EBCS improvements in fatigue were associated with improvements in self-reported physical health (R² = 0.425; p < 0.01), depression (R² = 0.233; p < 0.01), pain (R² = 0.157; p < 0.05), outcome expectations from exercise (R² = 0.420; p < 0.01), and the 6-minute walk test (R² = 0.172; p < 0.05). Less fatigue in the CON group was shown be associated with better sleep quality (R² = 0.309; p < 0.05) and pain (R² = 0.259; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Community-based exercise appears beneficial for alleviating fatigue in EBCS. These improvements may be driven by parallel improvements in psychosocial outcomes and objectively measured functional outcomes.

Psychosocial factors related to physical activity in frail and prefrail elderly people

BACKGROUND

Increased physical activity (PA) is a very important factor in a healthy aging lifestyle. Psychosocial factors have also a main role in the initiation and maintenance of this behavior, but nowadays its implications for frailty elderly people are unknown, therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the psychosociological variables of behavior change that influence the practice of (PA) in frail and prefrail elderly.

METHODS

A total of 103 frail and pre-frail elderly people (72 females) participated in this cross-sectional study, on the framework of the EXERNET-Elder3.0 project. Age ranged from 68-94 years (mean = 80.4 ± 5.9 years). Individualized face-to-face interviews according to the constructs of the Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) [(decisional balance (DB) and self-efficacy (SE)], social support (SS) (family and friends) and outcome expectations (OE) were administered to all participants.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in DB, perceived benefits (PBn), SE, family-related SS and OE as a function of stages of change (SoC) (p < 0.005), but no significant were found in perceived barriers (PBrr) (p = 0.259) and friends-related SS (p = 0.068). According to the Scheffé post-hoc test, those in advanced SoC (Action-Maintenance), scored higher than those in lower SoC (Precontemplation-Contemplation and Preparation).

CONCLUSION

The scores obtained from the study variables differed according to the SoC, supporting the external validity for the use of the TTM in frailty elderly. Further research is needed to determine the impact of PBrr and friends-related SS on this people, as well as to identify the validity of this model in the long-term in this population.

Effects of gain-loss-framed messages on virtual reality intervened fitness exercise

Purpose

Technology for fitness provides users with numerous features that aid the achievement of intended fitness/health goals such as checking consumption habits and adherence to exercise. Based upon the concepts of self-efficacy and prospect theories, this study aims to inspect the influence of messages frame on behavioral usage of virtual reality (VR) technology intervened fitness exercise.

Design/methodology/approach

By usage of a laboratory-based experiment commissioning certain fitness exercises, this study is conducted on 150 respondents. An assessment is conducted on the efficiency of gain appeal mechanism (exercise performance feedback) toward the usage of VR intervened fitness exercise and measured surge in exercise self-efficacy (ESE), playfulness (PL) and outcome expectations.

Findings

The results show that gain-appealed/framed messages prove advantageous over loss-appealed/framed in performing VR intervened exercises. A bootstrapped (method) mediation analysis confirms higher positive effects of gain-framed messages upon intentions to use VR intervened fitness exercise. VR intervened fitness exercise was strongly and positively mediated by ESE, PL and outcome expectations.

Practical implications

This study is of help to researchers and marketers trying to understand the role played by gain- and loss-framed messages on VR technology enabled fitness exercises.

Originality/value

This study helps VR and fitness technology developers and marketers understand the effectiveness of persuasive performance messages toward VR fitness exercise technology adoption amalgamating message intervention with better technology usage.

Social Cognitive Correlates of Physical Activity among Chinese University Employees: A Cross-Sectional Study

Despite the well-documented benefits of leisure time physical activity, university employees are often reported to be at high risk of physical inactivity and low fitness levels. However, few efforts have been made to identify modifiable correlates of physical activity among this population. From the perspective of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the current study aims to examine the relationship between physical activity and a series of demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, income, education), self-reported fitness, and social cognitive variables. Data were collected through mail-based surveys from a convenience sample consisting of 116 Chinese university employees (age = 36.59 ± 8.7 y). An array of SCT variables, namely, exercise self-efficacy (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), barrier self-efficacy (r = 0.35, p < 0.01), exercise social support (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), importance of physical self (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), outcome expectations (r = 0.24, p < 0.05), and satisfaction with health(r = 0.32, p < 0.01) were found to be positively correlated with physical activity in Chinese faculty and staff, and most of the correlations were moderate to large in magnitude. Further regression analyses indicate that exercise self-efficacy (β = 0.29, p < 0.01) and exercise social support from friends (β = 0.70, p < 0.01) emerge as significant predictors of physical activity after controlling for age, gender, occupation (faculty or staff), and self-reported fitness. It is concluded that these SCT variables are important correlates of university employees' physical activity behavior. Future physical activity promotion interventions in this population should incorporate strategies to improve one's confidence in maintaining regular physical activity and enhance social support from friends, which are likely to increase the effectiveness of these programs.

Multilevel mHealth Intervention Increases Physical Activity of Older Adults Living in Retirement Community

BACKGROUND

Regular physical activity is crucial for healthy aging, but older adults are the least active age group. This study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a multilevel mHealth intervention for increasing physical activity of older adults living in a retirement community.

METHODS

Participants included 54 older adults (mean age = 81.2 y, 77.8% female, 98.1% white) living in a retirement community. Participants received a Fitbit Zip and access to a multilevel mHealth physical activity intervention (MapTrek Residential) for 8 weeks. Physical activity (in steps per day) and intervention compliance (days worn) were measured objectively with the Fitbit for 12 weeks (8-wk intervention plus 4-wk follow-up). Psychosocial outcomes (social support, self-efficacy, and outcome expectations) were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks. Acceptability outcomes were assessed with an open-ended process evaluation survey and focus groups. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed models were used to examine intervention effects.

RESULTS

Participants increased daily steps from 5438 steps per day at baseline (95% CI, 4620 to 6256) to 6201 steps per day (95% CI, 5359 to 7042) at week 8 (P < .0001) but this was not maintained at 12 weeks (P = .92).

CONCLUSIONS

Our multilevel mHealth physical activity intervention was effective for increasing physical activity older adults over 8 weeks. Additional research focused on maintaining physical activity gains with this approach is warranted.

Design and Rationale for the Deep South Interactive Voice Response System-Supported Active Lifestyle Study: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The rates of physical inactivity and related cancer incidence and mortality are disproportionately high in the Deep South region in the United States, a rural, medically underserved region with a large African American population compared with the rest of the nation. Given this region's lower rates of literacy and internet access, interactive voice response (IVR) system-automated telephone-based interventions have the potential to help overcome physical activity intervention barriers (literacy, internet access, costs, and transportation) but have yet to be extended to rural, underserved populations, such as in the Deep South. Thus, extensive formative research is being conducted to develop and beta test the Deep South IVR System-Supported Active Lifestyle intervention in preparation for dissemination in rural Alabama counties.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe the design and rationale of an ongoing efficacy trial of the Deep South IVR System-Supported Active Lifestyle intervention.

METHODS

A two-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted to compare a 12-month physical activity intervention versus a wait-list control condition in 240 underactive adults from 6 rural Alabama counties. The Deep South IVR System-Supported Active Lifestyle intervention is based on the Social Cognitive Theory and includes IVR-automated physical activity-related phone counseling (daily in months 0-3, twice weekly in months 4-6, and weekly in months 7-12) and support from local rural county coordinators with the University of Alabama O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Community Outreach and Engagement Office. The primary outcome is weekly minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (7-day physical activity recall; accelerometry) at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Rural Active Living Assessments will be conducted in each rural county to assess walkability, assess recreational amenities, and inform future environment and policy efforts.

RESULTS

This study was funded in March 2019 and approved by the institutional review board of the University of Alabama at Birmingham in April 2019. As of February 2020, start-up activities (hiring and training staff and purchasing supplies) were completed. Study recruitment and assessments began in September 2020 and are ongoing. As of February 2021, a total of 43 participants have been enrolled in Dallas County, 42 in Sumter County, and 51 in Greene County.

CONCLUSIONS

IVR-supported phone counseling has great potential for addressing physical activity barriers (eg, culture, literacy, cost, or transportation) and reducing related rural health disparities in this region.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03903874; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03903874.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29245.

Results of a Culturally Tailored Smartphone-Delivered Physical Activity Intervention Among Midlife African American Women: Feasibility Trial

BACKGROUND

Regular aerobic physical activity (PA) is an important component of healthy aging. However, only 27%-40% of African American women achieve national PA guidelines. Available data also show a clear decline in PA as African American women transition from young adulthood (ie, 25-44 years) into midlife. This decline in PA during midlife coincides with an increased risk for African American women developing cardiometabolic disease conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, effective efforts are needed to promote PA among sedentary African American women during midlife.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally tailored, smartphone-delivered PA intervention, originally developed to increase PA among African American women aged 24-49 years, among a slightly older sample of midlife African American women aged 50-65 years.

METHODS

A single-arm pretest-posttest study design was implemented. In total, 20 insufficiently active African American (ie, ≤60 min per week of PA) women between the ages of 50-65 years participated in the 4-month feasibility trial. The Smart Walk intervention was delivered through the study Smart Walk smartphone app and text messages. Features available on the Smart Walk app include personal profile pages, multimedia PA promotion modules, discussion board forums, and an activity tracking feature that integrates with Fitbit activity monitors. Self-reported PA and social cognitive theory mediators targeted by the intervention (ie, self-regulation, behavioral capability, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and social support) were assessed at baseline and at 4 months. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using a postintervention satisfaction survey that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions evaluating participant perceptions of the intervention and suggestions for intervention improvement. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine pre- and postintervention changes in the PA and social cognitive theory variables. The effect size estimates were calculated using the Pearson r test statistic.

RESULTS

Participants increased moderate-to-vigorous PA (median 30 minutes per week increase; r=0.503; P=.002) and reported improvements in 2 theoretical mediators (self-regulation: r=0.397; P=.01; behavioral capability: r=0.440; P=.006). Nearly all participants (14/15, 93% completing the satisfaction survey) indicated that they would recommend the intervention to a friend. Participants' suggestions for improving the intervention included enhancing the intervention's provisions of social support for PA.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide preliminary support for the feasibility of the smartphone-based approach to increase PA among midlife African American women. However, before larger-scale implementation among midlife African American women, enhancements to the social support components of the intervention are warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04073355; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04073355.

Evaluation of a balance and mobility program for older adults at risk of falling: a mixed methods study

RATIONAL, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES

The FallProof Balance and Mobility Program is a multifactorial fall prevention intervention that targets intrinsic risk factors such as muscle strength, balance, gait, and posture. Using mixed methods, we evaluated the implementation of the program for older adults at high risk of falling in the community.

METHODS

A pre-post program evaluation and semi-structured interviews were used to evaluate FallProof Balance and Mobility Program offered to older adults who were recurrent fallers. Over a 1-year period, the 12-week program was offered five times. Feasibility, acceptability, and outcome evaluation along with semi-structured interviews were done. Over the course of the evaluation, participants were evaluated three times (baseline, 12, and 16 weeks).

RESULTS

Of the 19 participants, who enrolled in the program, 16 completed the program and 12 attended at least 80% of the classes. Fourteen participants had mildly impaired cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment <26). Large gains (effect size 0.90) were seen with self-management (Partner-in-Health Scale). Participants were very satisfied with the program. Three themes emerged from the semi-structured interviews: (a) fall-related benefits, (b) variety of activities and motivating instructors, and (c) deterrents to participation.

CONCLUSION

Findings provided insights into pragmatic issues of implementing a balance and mobility program for older adults at risk of falling. The FallProof program was found to be feasible and acceptable in a small cohort of older adults from the community.

Reliability of the Swedish version of the multidimensional outcome expectations for exercise scale (MOEES-SW) in a cardiac population

Purpose: Translate and adapt the Multidimensional Outcome Expectations for Exercise Scale (MOEES) into Swedish language and to explore psychometric properties, in terms of test-retest reliability, internal consistency as well as factor structure and floor and ceiling effects, of the Swedish version of MOEES in cardiac patients.Materials and methods:This prospective psychometrical study set in a Swedish cardiac rehabilitation outpatient clinic included 74 patients; age ³18 years after acute coronary syndrome or that had undergone cardiac surgery. Translation and adaptation procedure of the MOEES followed established international guidelines. To evaluate test-retest reliability, relative (intra-class correlation coefficient ICC, 2.1)and absolute reliability (standard error of measurement (SEM) standard error of measurement % (SEM%), percentage of absolute agreement and Kappa coefficient for each item were calculated. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach´s alpha. The original 3-factor structure was tested with a confirmatory factor analysis. Floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Results: In total, 60 patients, mean age 65 years, were included in the study. The test-retest showed for the three outcome expectations subscales (Physical, Self-evaluative and Social) ICC-values of 0.40 (CI 95% 0.20-0.58), 0.57 (0.39-0.71) and 0.72 (0.57-0.83), respectively. In general, the Kappa coefficients were low and varied between 0.11 and 0.44. Two questions had low loadings in the confirmatory factor analysis (<0.5) , contributing to a weak fit of the model. There was no floor effect, but the subscales physical and self-evaluative outcome expectation showed ceiling effects. Conclusion:This is the first study to analyse test-retest reliability of the translated version of MOEES into Swedish in cardiac patients and shows need for further development of the instrument before use in clinical practice and research.

The Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Community-Based Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in Older Adults

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of translating a 4-week "Stand Up and Move More" (SUMM) intervention by state aging units to older adults (N = 56, M age = 74 years). A randomized controlled trial assessed sedentary behavior, physical function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and after the intervention. Participants included healthy community-dwelling, sedentary (sit > 6 hr/day) and aged ≥ 55 years adults. For the primary outcome, the SUMM group (n = 31) significantly (p < .05) reduced total sedentary time post-intervention by 68 min/day on average (Cohen's d = -0.56) compared with no change in the wait-list control group (n = 25, Cohen's d = 0.12). HRQoL and function also improved (p < .05) in the SUMM group post-intervention. Workshop facilitators indicated the intervention was easy to implement, and participants expressed high satisfaction. The SUMM intervention reduced sedentary time, improved physical function and HRQoL, and was feasible to implement in community settings.

A multi-component, community-engaged intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in perimenopausal Latinas: pilot study protocol

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk increases substantially during perimenopause. Latinas have a significantly worse CVD risk factor profile than non-Hispanic White women, potentially due to multiple sociocultural and environmental factors. To date, interdisciplinary interventions have not focused on improving nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and biologic CVD risk in perimenopausal Latinas. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and initial efficacy of a multi-component intervention to reduce CVD risk in perimenopausal Latinas.

METHODS

This is a two-group, repeated measures experimental study. Eighty perimenopausal Latinas (age 40-55 years) from two community groups will be randomized: one group will complete the intervention; the other will be a wait-list control. The intervention consists of 12-weekly sessions (education, physical activity, stress management, coping skills training), followed by 3 months of continued support, and 6 months of skill maintenance on their own. The primary outcomes include arterial stiffness, blood pressure, lipids, and blood glucose. Secondary outcomes are health behaviors (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, coping strategies), self-efficacy, and other biological factors related to CVD risk (adiposity, C-reactive protein, hair cortisol, vasomotor symptoms). We will assess changes in outcomes from Time 1 (baseline) to Time 2 (6 months) and Time 3 (12 months) using general linear mixed models to test the hypotheses. We will also evaluate the feasibility of the intervention by assessing enrollment and retention rates, barriers, and facilitators to enrollment, intervention fidelity, the suitability of study procedures, and participant satisfaction with the intervention and study protocol. We hypothesize the intervention group will decrease biologic CVD risk and improve health behaviors and self-efficacy significantly more than the wait-list control.

DISCUSSION

Results from this study will contribute to knowledge on the feasibility of behavioral interventions, including stress management and coping skills training, which could reduce CVD burden among perimenopausal Latinas. Because Hispanic/Latinos are the largest ethnic minority in the United States (US), progress regarding CVD risk among perimenopausal Latinas may lead to significant improvement in the overall CVD burden in the US.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospectively registered, NCT04313751 (03/19/2020), Protocol version 1.0.

The impact of exercise perceptions and depressive symptoms on polycystic ovary syndrome–specific health-related quality of life

Background:

Studies indicate that women with polycystic ovary syndrome have high depressive symptom scores and more perceived barriers than benefits to exercise, factors that may affect health-related quality-of-life. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore the impact of perceived exercise benefits and barriers, exercise outcome expectations, and depressive symptoms on polycystic ovary syndrome–specific health-related quality-of-life.

Methods:

A survey link was posted on polycystic ovary syndrome Facebook groups. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (n = 935) answered questionnaires about demographics, polycystic ovary syndrome–specific health-related quality-of-life, exercise benefits and barriers, exercise outcome expectations, and depressive symptoms. Data were collected using Qualtrics, transferred to SPSS, and statistically analyzed using regression analyses. Mean responses were reported for the questionnaires, with exercise benefits and barriers means divided for a ratio.

Results:

Respondents were 32 ± 10.6 years of age, mostly White (72%), and employed full-time (65%). The total mean scores were health-related quality-of-life, 2.7 ± 0.1; exercise outcome expectation, 2.4 ± 0.8; and depressive symptoms, 12.4 ± 5.8. The benefit/barrier ratio was 0.9. HRQoL increased 0.32 points for every additional perceived exercise benefit and 0.61 points for every additional exercise outcome expectation (EOE). HRQoL was reduced by 1.19 points for every additional perceived exercise barrier and 2.82 points for every additional one-point increase of the depressive symptoms score.

Conclusions:

Respondents reported low health-related quality-of-life, greater exercise barriers than benefits, neutral exercise outcome expectations, and high depressive symptoms. These results suggest that promoting exercise benefits, overcoming exercise barriers, and addressing management of depressive symptoms are important foci of future efforts to improve health-related quality-of-life among women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The MIPAM trial: a 12-week intervention with motivational interviewing and physical activity monitoring to enhance the daily amount of physical activity in community-dwelling older adults - a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Physical Activity Monitors (PAMs) have been shown to effectively enhance level of physical activity (PA) in older adults. Motivational interviewing is a person-centred model where participants are guided using self-reflection and counselling, and addresses the behavioural and psychological aspects of why people initiate health behaviour change by prompting increases in motivation and self-efficacy. The addition of motivational interviewing to PA interventions may increase the effectiveness of PAMs for older adults.

METHODS

This motivational interviewing and PA monitoring trial is designed as an investigator-blinded, two arm parallel group, randomized controlled superiority trial with primary endpoint after 12 weeks of intervention. The intervention group will receive a PAM-based intervention and motivational interviewing and the control group will only receive the PAM-based intervention. The primary outcome is PA, objectively measured as the average daily number of steps throughout the intervention period. Secondary outcome measures include self-reported PA health-related quality of life, loneliness, self-efficacy for exercise, outcome expectancy for exercise, and social relations. The outcomes will be analysed with a linear regression model investigating between-group differences, adjusted for baseline scores. Following the intention to treat principle, multiple imputation will be performed to handle missing values.

DISCUSSION

A moderate effect of daily PA measured using PAMs is expected in this superiority RCT investigating the effect of adding motivational interviewing to a PAM intervention. According to the World Health Organization, walking and cycling are key activities in regular PA and should be promoted. To increase the general public health and lower the burden of inactivity in older adults, cost-beneficial solutions should be investigated further. If this RCT shows that motivational interviewing can enhance the effect of PAM-based interventions, it might be included as an add-on intervention when appropriate. No matter what the results of this study will be, the conclusions will be relevant for clinicians as the dependence on technology is increasing, especially in relation to public health promotion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03906162 , April 1, 2019.

Rationale and Design of the Women's Health And Daily Experiences Project: Protocol for an Ecological Momentary Assessment Study to Identify Real-Time Predictors of Midlife Women's Physical Activity

BACKGROUND

Midlife women are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated mortality. Those who have additional risk conditions such as obesity or hypertension report specific barriers to engaging in cardioprotective behaviors such as physical activity (PA). Considerable effort has been devoted to understanding PA determinants and designing interventions for midlife women, although with suboptimal success, as increasing PA could meaningfully attenuate CVD risk. An updated approach to understanding PA among midlife women could improve upon existing resources by focusing on novel psychosocial influences on PA in this population (ie, body satisfaction, social interactions, social comparisons, mood state) and within-person relations between these influences and PA in the natural environment.

OBJECTIVE

The overarching goal of Project WHADE (Women's Health And Daily Experiences) is to use an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach to capture ecologically valid relations between midlife women's psychosocial experiences and PA as they engage in their normal daily activities. The primary aim of the study is to identify within-person psychosocial predictors of variability in PA (ie, experiences associated with higher vs lower PA for a given individual).

METHODS

Midlife women (aged 40-60 years) with one or more additional risk markers for CVD (eg, hypertension) will be recruited from primary care clinics and the general community (target n=100). Eligible women will complete an initial survey and a face-to-face baseline session before engaging in a 10-day EMA protocol. Psychosocial experiences will be assessed using a brief self-report via a smartphone 5 times per day, and PA will be assessed throughout waking hours using a research-grade monitor. Participants will return for a brief exit interview at the end of 10 days. Multilevel models that address the nested structure of EMA data will be used to evaluate the study aims.

RESULTS

Recruitment and enrollment are ongoing, and a total of 75 women have completed the protocol to date. Data collection is expected to be completed in Fall 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Project WHADE is designed to identify naturally occurring psychosocial experiences that predict short-term variability in midlife women's PA. As such, the results of this study should advance the current understanding of PA among midlife women by providing further insight into within-person psychosocial influences on PA in this group. In the future, this information could help inform the design of interventions for this population.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/19044.

Development of a Generic Workshop Appraisal Scale (WASC) for Organizational Health Interventions and Evaluation

This study presents the development of a generic workshop appraisal scale (WASC) for the evaluation of organizational health interventions. Based on the session evaluation questionnaire (SEQ) by Stiles (1980), we developed a short, generic 10-item scale with pairs of adjectives, covering five facets: comprehensibility, relevance, novelty, activation, and valence. Our study is based on N = 499 employees from four organizations who participated in 41 workshops and filled out an evaluation questionnaire on-site. The questionnaire contained the newly developed WASC, as well as items capturing satisfaction with the developed output and outcome expectancies. Results from confirmative factor analysis confirmed the hypothesized five-factor structure of the WASC. The factor structure was found to be nearly invariant across the four organizations, a result that needs to be replicated in larger samples. Analysis of intra-class correlations indicated that 25% of the variance in workshop appraisal can be explained at workshop level. Hereby, perceived relevance and novelty exhibited lower amounts of shared variance, indicating that corresponding workshop appraisals are influenced more by individual factors and less by group dynamics. Furthermore, results from mediation analysis revealed that participants’ workshop appraisals were significantly related to their outcome expectancies, and that this relationship was mediated by output satisfaction. Again, the facets showed differential effects: Relevance and comprehensibility seem to contribute most to the total effect on outcome expectancy, followed by activation, whereas valence and especially novelty play a minor role. Taken together, participants’ workshop appraisals – together with output satisfaction and outcome expectancy – may be helpful for monitoring the implementation process and allow for corrective action if necessary.

"Worth the Walk": Culturally Tailored Stroke Risk Factor Reduction Intervention in Community Senior Centers

Background Racial/ethnic minority older adults have worse stroke burden than non-Hispanic white and younger counterparts. Our academic-community partner team tested a culturally tailored 1-month (8-session) intervention to increase walking and stroke knowledge among Latino, Korean, Chinese, and black seniors. Methods and Results We conducted a randomized wait-list controlled trial of 233 adults aged 60 years and older, with a history of hypertension, recruited from senior centers. Outcomes were measured at baseline (T0), immediately after the 1-month intervention (T1), and 2 months later (T2). The primary outcome was pedometer-measured change in steps. Secondary outcomes included stroke knowledge (eg, intention to call 911 for stroke symptoms) and other self-reported and clinical measures of health. Mean age of participants was 74 years; 90% completed T2. Intervention participants had better daily walking change scores than control participants at T1 (489 versus -398 steps; mean difference in change=887; 97.5% CI, 137-1636), but not T2 after adjusting for multiple comparisons (233 versus -714; mean difference in change=947; 97.5% CI, -108 to 2002). The intervention increased the percent of stroke symptoms for which participants would call 911 (from 49% to 68%); the control group did not change (mean difference in change T0-T1=22%; 99.9% CI, 9-34%). This effect persisted at T2. The intervention did not affect measures of health (eg, blood pressure). Conclusions This community-partnered intervention did not succeed in increasing and sustaining meaningful improvements in walking levels among minority seniors, but it caused large, sustained improvements in stroke preparedness. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 02181062.

German version of the outcome expectations for exercise scale-2 : Psychometric properties in geriatric patients after hip or pelvic fractures with fear of falling

OBJECTIVE

Physical exercise is associated with many health benefits. Especially for older adults it is challenging to achieve an appropriate adherence to exercise programs. The outcome expectations for exercise scale 2 (OEE-2) is a 13-item self-report questionnaire to assess negative and positive exercise outcome expectations in older adults. The aim of this study was to translate the OEE‑2 into German and to assess the psychometric properties of this version.

METHODS

The OEE‑2 was translated from English into German including a forward and backward translation process. Psychometric properties were assessed in 115 patients with hip/pelvic fractures (76% female, mean age 82.5 years) and fear of falling during geriatric inpatient rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Principal component analyses could confirm a two-factor solution (positive/negative OEE) that explained 58% of the total variance, with an overall internal reliability of α = 0.89. Cronbach's α for the 9‑item positive OEE subscale was 0.89, for the 4‑item negative OEE subscale 0.79. The two subscales were correlated with r_s = 0.49. Correlations of the OEE total score were highest with the perceived ability to manage falls, prefracture leisure time activities and prior training history (r_s = 0.35-0.41).

CONCLUSION

These results revealed good internal reliability and construct validity of the German version of the OEE‑2. The instrument is valid for measuring physical exercise outcome expectations in older, German-speaking patients with hip or pelvic fractures and fear of falling.

Using the immediate blood pressure benefits of exercise to improve exercise adherence among adults with hypertension: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

A single exercise session evokes immediate blood pressure (BP) reductions that persist for at least 24 h, termed postexercise hypotension (PEH). Self-monitoring of PEH may foster positive outcome expectations of exercise, and thus, enhance exercise adherence among adults with hypertension.

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of self-monitoring of exercise (EXERCISE) versus exercise and PEH (EXERCISE + PEH) to improve exercise adherence and BP control among adults with hypertension.

METHODS

Adults with high BP were randomized to EXERCISE (n = 12) or EXERCISE + PEH (n = 12). Participants underwent supervised, moderate intensity aerobic exercise training for 40-50 min/session, 3 days/week for 12 weeks and encouraged to exercise unsupervised at home at least 30 min/day, 1-2 days/week. EXERCISE + PEH also self-monitored BP before and after exercise. Adherence was calculated as [(no. of exercise sessions performed/no. of possible exercise sessions) × 100%]. BP was measured pre and posttraining.

RESULTS

Healthy, middle-aged (52.3 ± 10.8 years) men (n = 11) and women (n = 13) with hypertension (136.2 ± 10.7/85.2 ± 8.9 mmHg) completed exercise training with 87.9 ± 12.1% adherence. EXERCISE + PEH demonstrated greater adherence to supervised training (94.3 ± 6.6%) than EXERCISE (81.6 ± 13.2%; P = 0.007). EXERCISE + PEH performed 32.6 ± 22.5 min/week more unsupervised home exercise than EXERCISE (P = 0.004), resulting in greater exercise adherence (107.3 ± 18.7%) than EXERCISE (82.7 ± 12.2%; P = 0.002). Post versus pretraining BP was reduced -7.4 ± 11.3/-4.9 ± 9.9 mmHg (P < 0.025) with no statistical difference between EXERCISE (-5.2 ± 13.3/-3.6 ± 6.1 mmHg) and EXERCISE + PEH (-9.9 ± 11.3/-6.1 ± 6.9 mmHg; P > 0.344).

CONCLUSION

The current study is the first to demonstrate that PEH self-monitoring is an efficacious tool to improve exercise adherence among a small sample of adults with hypertension. Future research among a larger, more diverse sample is needed to confirm these novel findings and determine whether EXERCISE + PEH translates to better BP control relative to EXERCISE self-monitoring alone.

[Development and Effects of Smartphone App-Based Walking Exercise Program for Taxi Drivers: Based on Bandura's Self Efficacy Theory]

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of smart-phone app-based walking exercise programs for taxi drivers on self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise, health-related quality of life, walking as an exercise, and physiological indexes.

METHODS

A nonequivalent control group with a pre-post-test design was used. The subjects were recruited in G metropolitan city. Subjects were assigned to the experimental (n=31) or control groups (n=30). The smart phone app-based walking exercise program consisted of educations via the app, twelve short message services, and one individual telephone counseling session, which was spread over 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and health-related quality of life had significantly higher pre-post test differences in scores in the experimental group. Additionally, blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference had significantly decreased pre-post-test difference levels in the experimental group. Walking as an exercise (which consisted of days walked, number of steps walked, and amount of time walked) had significantly increased in the experimental group after 7~12 weeks in the period following the intervention program rather than 1~6 weeks after the program.

CONCLUSION

The smart phone app-based walking exercise program based on the self-efficacy theory demonstrates a significant effect on improving self-efficacy, outcome expectations physical activities, and health-related quality of life for taxi drivers. Therefore, it is recommended to actively use the program as a tool to promote self-efficacy, physical activities, and health behaviors in taxi drivers.

Outcome Expectations for Exercise and Decisional Balance Questionnaires Predict Adherence and Efficacy of Exercise Programs in Dialysis Patients

The purpose of this study was to define if Outcomes Expectations for Exercise (OEE) and Decisional Balance (DB) scales predict adherence to guided exercise programs and associate with the improvement in physical performance in the dialysis population. Participants (n = 40; age 63.6 ± 12.5 years) completed OEE and DB questionnaires before randomization to the experimental group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20) of a two-phased exercise program—the experimental group received eight weeks of supervised functional exercise and exercise counseling (1st phase) before commencing eight weeks of home-based exercise on non-dialysis days (2nd phase). Both groups performed intradialytic cycling on dialysis days during both study phases. Patients with above-median OEE and DB scores (>3.15 and >1.3, respectively) expressed significantly better adherence to intradialytic cycling (89% vs. 76%, 89% vs. 77%, respectively, p < 0.05). Experimental group patients with an above-median OEE (but not DB) score had significantly better adherence to supervised and home-based functional exercise (93% vs. 81% and 85% vs. 60%, respectively, p < 0.05). Baseline DB score predicted the final result in the hand-grip test and 6-min walk test. Low OEE and, to a lesser degree, low DB questionnaire scores associate with inferior adherence to dialysis bundled and home-based exercise programs and may help define patient subsets in need of intensified motivational input by exercise caregivers.

[Development and Effects of Smartphone App-Based Exercise Program for Hemodialysis Patients]

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of a smartphone application-based exercise program on self-efficacy expectations (SEE) and outcome expectations regarding exercise (OEE), physical fitness, activity level, physiological indices, and health-related quality of life in a sample of hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental control group pre-test post-test design was used. Subjects were recruited from two university hospitals in G city. The subjects were assigned randomly by coin toss: 33 participants to the experimental group and 30 to the control group. A literature review and the self-efficacy theory were used to develop the smartphone program. Experts designed and verified the program to be userfriendly and in consideration of user interaction. Data were collected through a self-report pre-test post-test questionnaire and online medical records.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, the levels of physical fitness and physical activity were significantly improved post-test, but the scores on health-related quality of life and the physical indices did not improve. In the experimental group, the SEE and OEE post-test scores were also significantly higher than the pre-test scores, but the control group's scores did not change.

CONCLUSION

The smartphone application-based exercise program based on self-efficacy theory significantly improved the level of physical fitness and activity, SEE, and OEE for hemodialysis patients. The use of this application-based exercise program for hemodialysis patients might be an effective nursing intervention tool for improving SEE, OEE, level of physical fitness, and physical activity.

Depressive symptom severity as a predictor of attendance in the HOME behavioral weight loss trial

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether total depressive symptoms and symptom clusters predicted behavioral weight loss attendance among economically disadvantaged adults in a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

150 adults with obesity were randomized to 12 months of in-person, video conference, or enhanced usual care weight loss groups. We categorized percent session attendance in the intervention arms into three levels: no attendance, poorer attendance, and better attendance.

RESULTS

Higher baseline Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) score was associated with a greater odds of being in the poorer versus better attendance group (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.02-3.69, p = .04). A similar relationship between PHQ-8 score and odds of being in the no attendance versus better attendance group was observed but was not statistically significant (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 0.94-2.81, p = .08). Both cognitive/affective and somatic clusters contributed to the depressive symptoms-attendance relationships.

CONCLUSION

Greater depressive symptoms at the start of a behavioral weight loss program may predict poorer subsequent session attendance. Screening for and addressing depression may improve intervention uptake. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02057952.

The Use and Effects of an App-Based Physical Activity Intervention "Active2Gether" in Young Adults: Quasi-Experimental Trial

BACKGROUND

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is highly prevalent and associated with adverse health conditions and the risk of noncommunicable diseases. To increase levels of PA, effective interventions to promote PA are needed. Present-day technologies such as smartphones, smartphone apps, and activity trackers offer several possibilities in health promotion.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the use and short-term effects of an app-based intervention (Active2Gether) to increase the levels of PA in young adults.

METHODS

Young adults aged 18-30 years were recruited (N=104) using diverse recruitment strategies. The participants were allocated to the Active2Gether-Full condition (tailored coaching messages, self-monitoring, and social comparison), Active2Gether-Light condition (self-monitoring and social comparison), and the Fitbit-only control condition (self-monitoring). All participants received a Fitbit One activity tracker, which could be synchronized with the intervention apps, to monitor PA behavior. A 12-week quasi-experimental trial was conducted to explore the intervention effects on weekly moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and relevant behavioral determinants (ie, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, social norm, intentions, satisfaction, perceived barriers, and long-term goals). The ActiGraph wGT3XBT and GT3X+ were used to assess baseline and postintervention follow-up PA.

RESULTS

Compared with the Fitbit condition, the Active2Gether-Light condition showed larger effect sizes for minutes of MVPA per day (regression coefficient B=3.1; 95% CI -6.7 to 12.9), and comparatively smaller effect sizes were seen for the Active2Gether-Full condition (B=1.2; 95% CI -8.7 to 11.1). Linear and logistic regression analyses for the intervention effects on the behavioral determinants at postintervention follow-up showed no significant intervention effects of the Active2Gether-Full and Active2Gether-Light conditions. The overall engagement with the Fitbit activity tracker was high (median 88% (74/84) of the days), but lower in the Fitbit condition. Participants in the Active2Gether conditions reported more technical problems than those in the Fitbit condition.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed no statistically significant differences in MVPA or determinants of MVPA after exposure to the Active2Gether-Full condition compared with the Active2Gether-Light or Fitbit condition. This might partly be explained by the small sample size and the low rates of satisfaction in the participants in the two Active2Gether conditions that might be because of the high rates of technical problems.

Attitudes and Beliefs of Older Female Breast Cancer Survivors and Providers About Exercise in Cancer Care

OBJECTIVES

To understand breast cancer survivors' and providers' attitudes and beliefs regarding exercise counseling and structured exercise programs within cancer care.

SAMPLE & SETTING

61 female breast cancer survivors and 11 breast cancer providers from a university cancer center in the Pacific Northwest.

METHODS & VARIABLES

Survivors completed anonymous self-report surveys, and providers participated in semistructured interviews. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Breast cancer survivors and providers believed that including exercise counseling within cancer care was important. More than half of the survivors reported that they would attend structured exercise classes; a majority of providers thought cancer centers should offer exercise programs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Nurses could facilitate exercise counseling within cancer care and advocate for clinic-based exercise programs.

Factors of Engagement and Patient-Reported Outcomes in a Stage IV Breast Cancer Facebook Group

This study examines the factors of online engagement, and the relationship between online engagement and health expectations in a Stage IV breast cancer Facebook group. Members of the Facebook group completed a survey that assessed tie strength, homophily, and health expectations. A content analysis measured optimal social support, and Facebook analytics measured engagement. The results show optimal social support and tie strength are positively related to engagement. However, only optimal social support explains variance in engagement independent of tie strength and homophily. Additionally, the more engaged members are, the more positive their health expectations. The results emphasize the value of optimal social support and engagement in online support groups for individuals with Stage IV breast cancer.

My Quest, a Community-Based mHealth Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Promote Weight Loss in Predominantly Rural-Dwelling, Low-Income, Alabama Women

Rural-dwelling, overweight/obese, limited-resource individuals and women have the lowest leisure-time physical activity rates among Americans. This community-based, single-group pre- posttest study sought to increase physical activity, step counts, and promote weight loss in 104 low-income women (84% rural). Analyses included nonparametric and repeated-measures analyses of variance to determine physical activity behaviors, step counts, and weight loss. Results show, from pre- to postintervention, participants improved self-reported step counts, physical activity goal setting and behaviors, and body weight. This study adds support that text message programs can reach a high-risk, limited-resource, predominantly rural population to promote physical activity and weight loss.

Reconceptualizing the measurement of expectations to better understand placebo and nocebo effects in psychological responses to exercise

The understanding of placebo and nocebo effects in psychological responses to exercise may be improved by measuring expectations. Despite availability of several validated expectation measures, we argue for using scales that take both positive and negative expectations for exercise-induced changes into account. A cross-sectional survey was used to collect information on positive and negative expectations pertaining to how exercise would affect 14 different outcomes related to psychological health (n = 966). Outcomes for which a majority of the sample (>50%) reported positive expectations for exercise-induced changes included: psychological well-being (75.3%), depression (74.3%), relaxation (74.2%), sleep quality (73.3%), stress (72.2%), anxiety (69.8%), energy (67.1%), and attention (60.2%). Outcomes for which a majority of the sample (>50%) reported a negative expectation for exercise-induced changes were muscle pain (66.3%), fatigue (57.3%), and joint pain (50.7%). Across all 14 outcomes, the percentage of participants with negative expectations for exercise-induced changes ranged from 5.9 to 66.3%. Elucidating the potential presence of placebo and nocebo effects through measurement of expectations may improve the understanding of variability in the direction and magnitude of exercise-related effects on psychological health. Although there were only 3 outcomes for which the majority of participants reported negative expectations, we found that negative expectations were present to some degree for all 14 outcomes. Thus, for researchers who wish to characterize expectations in studies of psychological responses to exercise, we recommend using measures that give equal consideration to positive and negative expectations.

Investigating Gains in Neurocognition in an Intervention Trial of Exercise (IGNITE): Protocol

Despite the ubiquity of normal age-related cognitive decline there is an absence of effective approaches for improving neurocognitive health. Fortunately, moderate intensity exercise is a promising method for improving brain and cognitive health in late life, but its effectiveness remains a matter of skepticism and debate because of the absence of large, comprehensive, Phase III clinical trials. Here we describe the protocol for such a randomized clinical trial called IGNITE (Investigating Gains in Neurocognition in an Intervention Trial of Exercise), a study capable of more definitively addressing whether exercise influences cognitive and brain health in cognitively normal older adults. We are conducting a 12-month, multi-site, randomized dose-response exercise trial in 639 cognitively normal adults between 65 and 80 years of age. Participants are randomized to (1) a moderate intensity aerobic exercise condition of 150 min/week (N = 213), (2) a moderate intensity aerobic exercise condition at 225 min/week (N = 213), or (3) a light intensity stretching-and-toning control condition for 150 min/week (N = 213). Participants are engaging in 3 days/week of supervised exercise and two more days per week of unsupervised exercise for 12 months. A comprehensive cognitive battery, blood biomarkers and battery of psychosocial questionnaires is assessed at baseline, 6 and 12-months. In addition, brain magnetic resonance imaging, physiological biomarkers, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and positron emission tomography of amyloid deposition are assessed at baseline and at the 12-month follow-up. The results from this trial could transform scientific-based policy and health care recommendations for approaches to improve cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults.

Translating a "Stand Up and Move More" intervention by state aging units to older adults in underserved communities: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

As aging is associated with functional decline, preventing functional limitations and maintaining independence throughout later life has emerged as an important public health goal. Research indicates that sedentary behavior (prolonged sitting) is associated with functional loss and diminished ability to carry out activities of daily living. Despite many efforts to increase physical activity, which can be effective in countering functional loss, only an estimated 8% of older adults meet national physical activity guidelines. Thus, shifting the focus to reducing sitting time is emerging as a potential new intervention strategy but little research has been conducted in this area. With community support and funding, we developed and pilot tested a 4-week "Stand Up and Move More" intervention and found decreases in sedentary behavior, increases in physical activity, and improvements in mobility and vitality in a small sample of older adults. The purpose of this project is to expand upon these pilot results and examine the effectiveness and feasibility of translating a "Stand Up and Move More" intervention by State Aging Units to older adults in underserved communities. Eighty older adults from 4 counties across Wisconsin predominantly made up of rural older adults and older African American adults are randomly assigned to intervention (n = 40) or wait-list control (n = 40) groups. The intervention consists of 4 weekly sessions plus a refresher session at 8 weeks, and is delivered by community partners in each county. The sessions are designed to elicit ideas from older adults regarding how they can reduce their sitting time, help them set practical goals, develop action plans to reach their goals, and refine their plans across sessions to promote behavior change. Sedentary behavior, physical activity levels, functional performance, and health-related quality of life are assessed before and after the intervention to examine the effectiveness of the program. Feasibility of implementing the program by our community partners is assessed via semi-structured interviews. Strengths of this project include strong community collaborations and a high need given that the older adult population is projected to increase substantially in the next 15 years.

CONCLUSION

This project will provide an important step in developing effective strategies for maintaining independence in older adults through determining the feasibility and impact of a community-based intervention to break up sitting time.

Rationale and design of Smart Walk: A randomized controlled pilot trial of a smartphone-delivered physical activity and cardiometabolic risk reduction intervention for African American women

BACKGROUND

African American (AA) women perform low levels of physical activity (PA) and are disproportionally burdened by cardiometabolic disease conditions when compared to White women and the U.S. population as a whole. These disparities emphasize the need for innovative and effective interventions to increase PA and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk among AA women. Recent evidence suggests that mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to increase PA and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk factors. Few studies have examined the efficacy of mHealth PA interventions among racial/ethnic minorities, including AA women. This represents a missed opportunity given the reported success of technology-delivered PA interventions in predominately White populations and the high use of technology among AA women.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the design, theoretical rationale, and cultural relevance of Smart Walk, a culturally sensitive smartphone-delivered PA intervention for AA women.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Smart Walk is an 8-month, randomized controlled pilot trial designed to increase PA and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk among AA women. Sixty physically inactive AA women with obesity will be assigned to receive either a culturally relevant intervention designed to increase PA (by targeting leisure-time, household chore/task-related, and occupational PA) or a culturally relevant wellness attention-matched control condition. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 months, and 8 months, and include feasibility and acceptability of the PA intervention and evaluation of effects on PA and cardiometabolic risk factors.

SUMMARY

Smart Walk represents a culturally relevant, theory-based approach to promote PA and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk in AA women.

Telephone-based motivational interviewing versus usual care in primary care to increase physical activity: a randomized pilot study

Background

Diabetes and prediabetes are chronic conditions that affect over 40% of the US adult population combined. Regular physical activity can benefit people with diabetes through improved glucose control and can reduce the conversion of prediabetes to diabetes. Studies are needed in settings where people with these conditions can be identified and provided the skills and support to increase physical activity. The primary care setting meets this need, but there are insufficient high-quality trials to recommend this approach be broadly implemented.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, 24-week pilot study in Southern California to assess the feasibility of using information technology systems available in primary care for identifying potential participants, test methods for obtaining physical activity clearance, conducting mail-based assessments, and delivering telephone-based motivational interviewing to increase physical activity. Eligibility criteria included age between 18 and 74 years, diabetes or prediabetes, and physically inactive based on a clinical assessment tool. At baseline and follow-up, physical activity was assessed by a 7-day accelerometry, cardiometabolic risk factors were collected from electronic medical records, and psychosocial factors were assessed from validated questionnaires administered through a mail survey. Participants were block randomized into intervention or usual care. Staff collecting outcome data were blinded to group assignment. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the difference at follow-up between the intervention and usual care, adjusting for baseline.

Results

A total of 67 participants were randomized. Follow-up mail assessments were completed by 53 participants. Of 224 potential intervention calls, 194 were completed (87%). Psychosocial measures significantly improved in four of the five factors for physical activity motivation relative to participants in the usual care arm. The more internally focused factors for exercise self-regulation and outcome expectancies scores were significantly greater for participants in intervention compared with usual care. Moderate to vigorous physical activity improved in intervention participants relative to usual care, but the difference was not statistically significant. No adverse events were noted.

Conclusions

The objectives of this pilot study were met. If a fully powered trial is successful, primary care settings with “behind-the-scenes” information technology support may be appropriate to increase physical activity among patients with prediabetes and diabetes.

Trial registration

Exercise Promotion in Primary Care (EPPC), NCT03429088, registered on February 5, 2018.

Exploring Path Models of Disablement in Residential Care and Assisted Living Residents

This study examined the relationships between individual and environmental factors and physical activity, and between physical activity and functional limitations and disability in residential care/assisted living (RC/AL) residents. Participants completed questionnaires and physical performance tests, and wore the Fitbit Motion Tracker® to capture physical activity. Model fit was analyzed using two-level path models with residents nested within RC/AL settings. Model parameters were estimated using the MPlus robust maximum likelihood method. A multilevel model with good fit (root mean square error of approximation = 0.07, comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.91) showed that persons with greater exercise self-efficacy were more physically active, and persons who were more physically active had better physical function and less disability. Setting-level factors did not significantly correlate with physical activity or disability. Although environmental factors may influence physical activity behavior, only individual factors were associated with physical activity in this sample of RC/AL residents.

The role of personality in patients with fibromyalgia

Previous studies suggest personality, the multifaceted characteristics underlying a person's affect, cognition, and behavior, may influence fibromyalgia. We examined associations among personality, fibromyalgia impact, and health-related outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia. We further tested whether anxiety and depression mediated the effect of personality on fibromyalgia impact. We performed a secondary analysis using baseline data from a randomized trial on fibromyalgia. Personality was assessed using the NEO-Five Factor Inventory 3. Fibromyalgia impact was evaluated using the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR). We also measured symptom severity, anxiety, depression, stress, quality of life, social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and mindfulness. Multivariable linear regression was performed to evaluate each association. Mediation analysis assessed whether anxiety and depression mediated the relationship between personality and FIQR. There were 92 participants, 95% female, mean age 52 years, body mass index (BMI) 30 kg/m², 52% white, and mean duration of body pain 14 years. Higher neuroticism was significantly associated with higher FIQR (P = 0.002) and symptom severity (P = 0.008), as well as higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress, worse mental component quality of life, and lower self-efficacy, mindfulness, and social support. Higher conscientiousness and extraversion were associated with better psychological health and health-related outcomes. The effect of neuroticism on fibromyalgia impact was mediated by anxiety and depression. Personality was associated with fibromyalgia impact and a variety of health outcomes. Identifying the factors that influence fibromyalgia will help us better understand the condition and provide insight for more effective treatment.

Physical Activity Maintenance Following Home-Based, Individually Tailored Print Interventions for African American Women

African American women report low participation in physical activity and are disproportionately burdened by related conditions (obesity, breast, and colon cancer). Physical activity interventions have shown promising results among African American women, but most studies in this area have focused on short-term increases. More enduring changes in health behavior will be needed to eliminate existing health disparities. Thus, the current study examined 12-month physical activity and psychosocial outcomes from a pilot randomized controlled trial (N = 84) of a Home-based Individually tailored Physical activity Print (HIPP) intervention for African American women in the Deep South. Retention was 77.4% at 12 months. HIPP participants increased self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from 35.1 minutes/week (standard deviation [SD] = 47.8) at baseline to 124 minutes/week (SD = 95.5) at 12 months, compared with the wellness contact control participants who reported increases from 48.2 minutes/week (SD = 51.3) to 102.5 minutes/week (SD = 94.5) over 12 months (between-group p > .05). Results indicate that modest improvements in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and related psychosocial variables occurred during the active intervention phase (months 0-6) and were sustained during the tapered maintenance period (months 6-12). Low-cost, high-reach, home-based strategies have great potential for supporting sustained participation in physical activity and achieving long-term health benefits among African American women in the Deep South.

What Do Breast Cancer Survivors Expect From Exercise?

BACKGROUND

Exercise outcome expectations (OEs) (ie, what one expects to obtain or avoid by exercising) are influential to increase exercise among cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to measure the accessibility (ie, frequency one thinks about exercise resulting in an outcome) and importance (ie, one's value of the outcome) of OEs among breast cancer survivors.

METHODS

Stage IA to IIB breast cancer survivors who were 1 to 5 years posttreatment completed OE questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to examine OE accessibility and importance.

RESULTS

The sample (n = 73) was 91.8% white, 5.4% African American, 1.4% Asian or Pacific Islander, and 1.4% other. The mean age was 58 (SD, 9.6) years. Outcome expectation importance mean was 6.1 (SD, 0.4), indicating OEs are overall "important." Accessibility mean was 4.8 (SD, 0.6), demonstrating breast cancer survivors think about exercise OEs "sometimes/50% of the time." There was a moderate (rs = 0.48) relationship between OE importance and accessibility, indicating they are related, yet distinct.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome expectations are generally important to breast cancer survivors. Thus, OEs may motivate increased exercise among this population.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Oncology providers should encourage patients to think about OEs more often to increase exercise. Compared with traditional approaches of informing patients about exercise benefits, this may be a more comprehensive and powerful approach to motivate exercise among breast cancer survivors.

Let's walk! Age reattribution and physical activity among older Hispanic/Latino adults: results from the ¡Caminemos! Randomized trial

Background

Many older Hispanics/Latinos are physically inactive and suffer the harmful health consequences associated with prolonged periods of inactivity. Negative age attributions that equate getting older with “slowing down” reinforce this inactive behavior. We implemented a community-based exercise intervention among insufficiently active older Hispanics/Latinos with a randomized trial of an attribution-retraining program, ¡Caminemos! (Let’s Walk!), and measured the effect of the program on walking behavior.

Methods

Five hundred and seventy-two older Hispanics/Latinos (≥60 years) were enrolled in an exercise program that randomly assigned participants to the exercise class and one of two conditions: (a) treatment (attribution retraining to dispel the notion that physical activity inevitably ceases with age) or (b) control (generic health education). Data were collected at baseline and follow-up (1, 12, and 24 months). Physical activity was determined through pedometer data and the Yale Physical Activity Survey. We also measured the intervention effects on age-expectations, self-efficacy expectations, and outcome expectations for physical activity. Mixed-effects regression models were used to determine intervention effects on prospective measures of physical activity and intrapersonal expectations.

Results

The sample had a mean age of 73 years (SD = 6.8) and was 77% female, and 76% of the sample reported income <$20,000. At baseline, control and treatment groups walked about 3000 steps/day. By 24 months, participants in both arms of the intervention maintained greater than 10,000 mean steps/day, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, education, income, health status, and acculturation, participants in both trial arms increased their mean numbers of steps at 12 and 24 months, with the treatment group showing a greater number of mean steps compared to the controls at 12 months.

Conclusions

In this group of physically inactive older Hispanics/Latinos, attribution retraining in combination with an exercise class was superior to the exercise class alone with regard to increasing walking behavior. This success was sustained at 12 months (the pre-defined primary study outcome) but not at 24 months. For older Hispanics/Latinos, enrollment in an attribution-retraining exercise program can improve an inactive lifestyle.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00183014.