12-week Physical Activity Intervention Research Articles

Diet Quality Changes in a 12-Week Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention without Explicit Dietary Guidance

Lifestyle habits seem interconnected and extant studies suggest that a lifestyle-related modification can impact other related behaviors. For instance, interventions targeting physical activity (PA) could potentially impact dietary patterns and quality. Therefore, we hypothesized that a web-based intervention to increase PA would lead to changes in diet quality without explicit dietary guidance. Our aim was to evaluate changes in diet quality, measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI-2020), following a 12-week web-based PA intervention in adults with obesity. The study consisted of secondary analysis of a 12-week pilot randomized controlled trial, wherein participants (N = 82) were randomized to the Physical Activity for The Heart (PATH) intervention group, which included workout videos and virtual coaching, or a wait-list control group. Diet quality was assessed at baseline and post-intervention using the HEI-2020 based on recalls collected through the Automated Self-Administered 24-h recall (ASA-24) system. Baseline characteristics were similar across groups. Both groups showed small improvements in HEI-2020 total scores after 12 wk (PATH: 65.11 vs. Control: 62.24). Stratification by moderate to vigorous physical activities increase (<60 min. vs. ≥60 min.) revealed greater improvements in specific HEI-2020 components in the ≥60 min group, though overall changes remained modest. The PA intervention led to small improvements in certain diet quality components, suggesting potential interconnectedness between PA and dietary habits. However, overall changes in HEI-2020 scores were modest. Future research with larger samples should explore the effects of PA intervention alone vs. combined with dietary guidance on diet quality in adults with obesity.

The perceived influence of a physical activity intervention on the intentions of parents of autistic children towards physical activities

BackgroundAutistic children can derive numerous benefits from engaging in physical activity (PA), necessitating parental support for active participation. However, parents often lack the foundational knowledge to effectively facilitate PA for their children. Despite the significance of this issue, limited research has explored the outcomes of parent-mediated PA interventions for autistic children. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes and intentions of parents to include their autistic children in PA after participating in a 12-week PA intervention. MethodsEmploying the Theory of Planned Behavior as a framework, we conducted a descriptive-qualitative investigation. Fifteen parents participated in semi-structured interviews, with the data transcribed and analyzed using thematic line-by-line analysis. ResultsThree themes emerged, elucidating how parents fostered PA opportunities for their autistic children were constructed: (a) Awareness and reinforcement of PA benefits, (b) Keep the momentum going, and (c) From intentions to behaviors. ConclusionsThe study findings indicate a positive impact on parental attitudes and intentions toward engaging in PA with their autistic children after participating in the intervention. his study highlights the significance of parent-mediated interventions in fostering PA for autistic children and suggests avenues for future research and interventions.

Perceptions of a comprehensive physical activity behavior intervention among endometrial cancer survivors with obesity. A qualitative study

PurposeEvaluate perceptions of a 12-week in-person physical activity intervention for endometrial cancer survivors with obesity. MethodsSixteen endometrial cancer survivors (Age: 64 ± 8 yrs) with obesity (BMI: 34 ± 8 kg·m−2) who completed a 12-week comprehensive physical activity program completed semi-structured interviews regarding perceptions of physical activity participation. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis and were confirmed by multiple authors. ResultsEmergent themes (and subthemes) were: 1) Routine physical activity (Walking, Chores), 2) Motivations for physical activity (Social, Independence, Health, Family, Weight), 3) Barriers to physical activity (Weather, Pain, Fatigue, Family Stress), 4) Motivation to 12-week program adherence (Social, Fun, Caring, Structure, Shared Experiences), 5) Perceived benefits of the program (Social, Self-efficacy, Activities of Daily Living, Body Composition, Well-being, Health), and 6) Feedback about the 12-week program (Timing, Setting, Exercise Modes, Incentives, Instructor, Learning). ConclusionsSocioculturally diverse cancer survivors with obesity who were able to complete a 12-week physical activity program emphasized the importance of maintaining independence, and being part of a fun, caring, and social environment for their ability to overcome fatigue, pain, and family stresses to adhere to the program. Participants discussed myriad health and wellness benefits, and wished the program were more robust. Implications for Cancer SurvivorsLow-burden exercise programs can confer meaningful health and wellness benefits for cancer survivors. To maintain adherence, programs should emphasize social cohesion and exercises to help maintain independence. Instructors should express caring support while also making classes fun, while emphasizing body composition instead of weight loss.

Implementation of different strategies of the “ActTeens” intervention for adolescents: a process evaluation

Multicomponent programs to promote physical activity have shown promise to help adolescents to increase physical activity levels. Although evaluation of the intervention implementation process is important, information about this evaluation is rarely reported. This observational study aimed to evaluate the implementation of a 12-week physical activity intervention program for adolescents. The ActTeens program consists of three components: (1) structured physical activity sessions; (2) self-monitoring associated with daily goal setting; (3) healthy lifestyle messages (mHealth). The evaluation of the process was carried out through observations and self-reported information from the students. Fifty-one adolescents (37.5% girls) answered the questionnaire. Overall, the reach was 73.3%, retention rate 96.3%, and satisfaction with the intervention was high (score 5). The structured sessions presented high fidelity, and good acceptability among adolescents, with an average attendance rate of 93.7%. Participants rated the sessions as enjoyable and the teacher’s role as excellent. Adherence to self-monitoring (goal setting with a pedometer) was moderate and 57.8% of adolescents reported using the device daily. In addition, adolescents reported that the use of a pedometer increased their motivation to practice physical activity (72.4%). Satisfaction with the messages was considered low, with only 37.8% agreeing that the messages promoted the adoption of a healthy lifestyle. In conclusion, the structured sessions and the self-monitoring showed good acceptability among adolescents, and these strategies were considered relevant to promote a more physically active lifestyle. However, the component mHealth, when used as a single strategy, did not aid the adoption of healthy behavior.

Impacting Children’s Physical and Mental Health through Kinesiology Support in Clinical Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Objectives: To enhance the confidence of children and adolescents with medical conditions and disabilities to engage in healthy, active lifestyles. Children with medical conditions and disabilities often exhibit more sedentary lifestyles relative to peers and are at increased risk of poor health outcomes. Clinical experience suggests physical activity confidence is an important factor influencing physical activity participation.Methods: This randomized controlled trial evaluates an evidence-based intervention targeting physical activity confidence among children and adolescents with medical conditions and disabilities. Potential participants, 8 to 18 years of age diagnosed with a medical condition or disability, will be screened for adequate physical activity motivation but a lack confidence. Consenting participants (n=128) will be randomized 1:1 to a 12-week in-person or virtual physical activity intervention (24 hours/week total) led by a Registered Kinesiologist or control (assessments only). The intervention will combine physical activity participation with education about physical activity knowledge, goal setting, motivation and self-management. Primary outcomes are self-reported physical activity confidence and motivation at baseline, post-intervention and three months following intervention completion. A secondary outcome will be daily physical activity minutes assessed by accelerometry. A repeated measures mixed model will be used to compare outcomes between the in-person intervention, virtual intervention, and control groups (alpha=0.05).Conclusions: This trial aims to assess the impact of a novel application of behaviour change theory on physical activity confidence among children and adolescents living with medical conditions or disabilities. Increased physical activity confidence, knowledge and skills could enable these youth to lead a more active lifestyle.

Cardiovascular implications and physical activity in middle-aged and older adults with a history of COVID-19 (CV COVID): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundThe clinical manifestation of COVID-19 is associated with infection and inflammation of the lungs, but there is evidence to suggest that COVID-19 may also affect the structure and function of the cardiovascular system. At present, it is not fully understood to what extent COVID-19 impacts cardiovascular function in the short- and long-term following infection. The aim of the present study is twofold: (i) to define the effect of COVID-19 on cardiovascular function (i.e. arterial stiffness, cardiac systolic and diastolic function) in otherwise healthy individuals and (ii) to evaluate the effect of a home-based physical activity intervention on cardiovascular function in people with a history of COVID-19.MethodsThis prospective, single-centre, observational study will recruit 120 COVID-19-vaccinated adult participants aged between 50 and 85 years, i.e. 80 with a history of COVID-19 and 40 healthy controls without a history of COVID-19. All participants will undergo baseline assessments including 12-lead electrocardiography, heart rate variability, arterial stiffness, rest and stress echocardiography with speckle tracking imaging, spirometry, maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing, 7-day physical activity and sleep measures and quality of life questionnaires. Blood samples will be collected to assess the microRNA expression profiles, cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers, i.e. cardiac troponin T; N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide; tumour necrosis factor alpha; interleukins 1, 6 and 10; C-reactive protein; d-dimer; and vascular endothelial growth factors. Following baseline assessments, COVID-19 participants will be randomised 1:1 into a 12-week home-based physical activity intervention aiming to increase their daily number of steps by 2000 from baseline. The primary outcome is change in left ventricular global longitudinal strain. Secondary outcomes are arterial stiffness, systolic and diastolic function of the heart, functional capacity, lung function, sleep measures, quality of life and well-being (depression, anxiety, stress and sleep efficiency).DiscussionThe study will provide insights into the cardiovascular implications of COVID-19 and their malleability with a home-based physical activity intervention.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05492552. Registered on 7 April 2022.

A Novel Approach to Assess Weekly Self-efficacy for Meeting Personalized Physical Activity Goals Via a Cellphone: 12-Week Longitudinal Study.

Despite the health benefits of engaging in regular physical activity (PA), the majority of American adults do not meet the PA guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Self-efficacy, the belief that one can execute specific actions, has been suggested to be a strong determinant of PA behaviors. With the increasing availability of digital technologies, collecting longitudinal real-time self-efficacy and PA data has become feasible. However, evidence in longitudinal real-time assessment of self-efficacy in relation to objectively measured PA is scarce. This study aimed to examine a novel approach to measure individuals' real-time weekly self-efficacy in response to their personalized PA goals and performance over the 12-week intervention period in community-dwelling women who were not meeting PA guidelines. In this secondary data analysis, 140 women who received a 12-week PA intervention were asked to report their real-time weekly self-efficacy via a study mobile app. PA (daily step counts) was measured by an accelerometer every day for 12 weeks. Participants rated their self-efficacy on meeting PA goals (ranging from "not confident" to "very confident") at the end of each week via a mobile app. We used a logistic mixed model to examine the association between weekly self-efficacy and weekly step goal success, controlling for age, BMI, self-reported White race, having a college education or higher, being married, and being employed. The mean age was 52.7 (SD 11.5, range 25-68) years. Descriptive analyses showed the dynamics of real-time weekly self-efficacy on meeting PA goals and weekly step goal success. The majority (74.4%) of participants reported being confident in the first week, whereas less than half of them (46.4%) reported confidence in the final week of the intervention. Participants who met weekly step goals were 4.41 times more likely to be confident about achieving the following week's step goals than those who did not meet weekly step goals (adjusted odds ratio 4.41; 95% CI 2.59-7.50; P<.001). Additional analysis revealed that participants who were confident about meeting the following week's step goals were 2.07 times more likely to meet their weekly step goals in the following week (adjusted odds ratio 2.07; 95% CI 1.16-3.70; P=.01). The significant bidirectional association between real-time self-efficacy and weekly step goal success was confirmed in a series of sensitivity analyses. This study demonstrates the potential utility of a novel approach to examine self-efficacy in real time for analysis of self-efficacy in conjunction with objectively measured PA. Discovering the dynamic patterns and changes in weekly self-efficacy on meeting PA goals may aid in designing a personalized PA intervention. Evaluation of this novel approach in an RCT is warranted.

Physical activity improves body image of sedentary adults. Exploring the roles of interoception and affective response

To reduce the number of sedentary people, an improved understanding of effects of exercise in this specific group is needed. The present project investigates the impact of regular aerobic exercise uptake on body image, and how this effect is associated with differences in interoceptive abilities and affective response to exercise. Participants were 29 sedentary adults who underwent a 12-week aerobic physical activity intervention comprised of 30–36 sessions. Body image was improved with large effect sizes. Correlations were observed between affective response to physical activity and body image improvement, but not with interoceptive abilities. Explorative mediation models suggest a neglectable role of a priori interoceptive abilities. Instead, body image improvement was achieved when positive valence was assigned to interoceptive cues experienced during exercise.

Physical activity intervention promotes working memory and motor competence in preschool children.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of 12 weeks of specifically designed physical activity intervention on working memory and motor competence in preschool children and explored the correlation between working memory changes and motor competence changes by the intervention.MethodsFour classes of preschool children were grouped into an intervention group and a control group. Children in the intervention group received a 12-week physical activity intervention, while children in the control group followed their daily routine as usual. Before and after the intervention period, children were assessed with the 1-back task and Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition (MABC-2) to measure their working memory and motor competence, respectively.ResultsRegarding working memory, the accuracy on the 1-back task increased significantly in the intervention group relative to the control group. The intervention group demonstrated a greater decrease in response time from pre- to posttest than the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Regarding motor competence, children's manual dexterity, aiming and catching and total score increased significantly in the intervention group relative to the control group, while no significant difference in static and dynamic balance was observed between the two groups. Furthermore, the correlation results showed that changes in the efficacy and efficiency of working memory were positively related to changes in static and dynamic balance and the total score on the MABC-2.ConclusionThese findings demonstrated that 12 weeks of specifically designed physical activity intervention could improve preschool children's efficacy of working memory as well as manual dexterity, aiming and catching and global motor competence. The improvement in the efficacy and efficiency of working memory was positively related to the improvement in static and dynamic balance and global motor competence.

Effects of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Obesity, Health-Related Physical Fitness, and Blood Pressure in Children with Intellectual Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Children with intellectual disability (ID) are more vulnerable to health conditions than their typically developing peers. Evidence of effective interventions is scarce. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 30 overweight and obese children with intellectual disability (ID) in China to evaluate a 12-week school-based physical activity intervention for obesity, health-related physical fitness (HRPF), and blood pressure. The intervention consisted of 24 physical activity (PA) sessions (2 sessions/week, 60 min/session), with exercise intensity progressively increasing from a moderate level to a vigorous level. All participants were followed up for 12 weeks after the intervention period to evaluate sustained effects. Outcomes were repeatedly measured at baseline, after the intervention, and after follow-up. The intervention was effective in reducing some obesity-related outcomes (including weight and body mass index) and improving some HRPF-related outcomes (including the 6 min walk test and the 30 s sit-to-stand test), with the significant effects being sustained after the 12-week follow-up. No effect was observed on blood pressure. The findings of this study contribute to the development and implementation of PA interventions to reduce obesity and improve HRPF in children with ID.

Exercise Effects on Cognition in Older African Americans: A Pilot Randomized Trial.

IntroductionRegular physical activity lowers risk for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Older African Americans (AAs) have been underrepresented in trials that increased physical activity to improve cognitive outcomes.Methods56 sedentary, older, cognitively healthy AAs (avg. 69.2 ± 3.4 yrs. old) were randomized in 1:1 ratio into either a 12-week successful aging group (SAG) or a 12-week physical activity group (PAG). Participants in SAG attended weekly 60-min educational sessions in which healthy aging topics were discussed. Participants in PAG attended supervised physical activity sessions twice per week at local YMCAs (90–120 min/week) and were prescribed 2–3 days per week of home-based activity. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) assessed cognitive function. ANCOVA models compared mean 12-week change in global cognition and subdomain scores between groups with secondary analyses for sex differences. Effect sizes for RBANS were calculated.ResultsThe RBANS global cognition score (SAG Est. 5.6 ± 1.8, effect size = 0.37, p = 0.003) and several subdomain scores (one-sample T tests, all p < 0.05) increased significantly within the SAG. Scores for global cognition increased more in SAG than in PAG (Change Estimate, PAG minus SAG: –4.6 ± 2.5 points, effect size = 0.31) at a trend level (p = 0.072). SAG females increased their global cognition score more than PAG females and more than males in either PAG or SAG (all p < 0.035).DiscussionA 12-week physical activity intervention (PAG) did not improve cognitive functioning among older AAs but a comparator healthy aging education program did. Inadequate physical activity dosage or duration, SAG members acting on health-related information from educational sessions, and/or social stimulation within the SAG may have contributed to these results. Future studies should combine socially engaging activities with vigorous physical activity for cognitive enhancement among cognitively healthy older African Americans.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03474302.

Effect of a Strategic Physical Activity Program on Cognitive Flexibility among Children with Internet Addiction: A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether a strategic physical activity program can improve cognitive flexibility among children with Internet addiction. Ten school-aged children were recruited by distributing flyers at an elementary school in Taiwan. The participants were screened using the Chinese Internet Addiction Scale. Their executive functions were assessed by a task-switching paradigm and their motor competence was evaluated by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children–Second Edition (MABC-2) before and after a 12-week strategic physical activity intervention (twice per week, 90 min per session). The posttest scores showed significant improvements in accuracy in the pure, mixed, and switch trials and in the manual dexterity and total score of the MABC-2 compared with the pretest scores. Despite the inherited limitations of a single group pretest-posttest design this study employed, the findings shed light on the possibility that a strategic physical activity intervention might be a feasible and effective behavioral approach to enhance cognitive function and motor competence in children with Internet addiction. Further studies including a control group, preferably with a randomized controlled trial design, will be needed to validate the findings.

The Effectiveness of a Computer-Tailored Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention Using Fitbit Activity Trackers in Older Adults (Active for Life): Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPhysical activity is an integral part of healthy aging; yet, most adults aged ≥65 years are not sufficiently active. Preliminary evidence suggests that web-based interventions with computer-tailored advice and Fitbit activity trackers may be well suited for older adults.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of Active for Life, a 12-week web-based physical activity intervention with 6 web-based modules of computer-tailored advice to increase physical activity in older Australians.MethodsParticipants were recruited both through the web and offline and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 trial arms: tailoring+Fitbit, tailoring only, or a wait-list control. The computer-tailored advice was based on either participants’ Fitbit data (tailoring+Fitbit participants) or self-reported physical activity (tailoring-only participants). The main outcome was change in wrist-worn accelerometer (ActiGraph GT9X)–measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from baseline to after the intervention (week 12). The secondary outcomes were change in self-reported physical activity measured by means of the Active Australia Survey at the midintervention point (6 weeks), after the intervention (week 12), and at follow-up (week 24). Participants had a face-to-face meeting at baseline for a demonstration of the intervention and at baseline and week 12 to return the accelerometers. Generalized linear mixed model analyses were conducted with a γ distribution and log link to compare MVPA and self-reported physical activity changes over time within each trial arm and between each of the trial arms.ResultsA total of 243 participants were randomly assigned to tailoring+Fitbit (n=78, 32.1%), tailoring only (n=96, 39.5%), and wait-list control (n=69, 28.4%). Attrition was 28.8% (70/243) at 6 weeks, 31.7% (77/243) at 12 weeks, and 35.4% (86/243) at 24 weeks. No significant overall time by group interaction was observed for MVPA (P=.05). There were no significant within-group changes for MVPA over time in the tailoring+Fitbit group (+3%, 95% CI –24% to 40%) or the tailoring-only group (–4%, 95% CI –24% to 30%); however, a significant decline was seen in the control group (–35%, 95% CI –52% to –11%). The tailoring+Fitbit group participants increased their MVPA 59% (95% CI 6%-138%) more than those in the control group. A significant time by group interaction was observed for self-reported physical activity (P=.02). All groups increased their self-reported physical activity from baseline to week 6, week 12, and week 24, and this increase was greater in the tailoring+Fitbit group than in the control group at 6 weeks (+61%, 95% CI 11%-133%).ConclusionsA computer-tailored physical activity intervention with Fitbit integration resulted in improved MVPA outcomes in comparison with a control group in older adults.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000646246; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12618000646246

Quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors participating in a pilot randomized controlled trial of physical activity trackers and daily text messages

PurposeThere are over 1.3 million colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in the USA, many of whom report lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) years after treatment. This study aimed to explore the effect of digital health tools on HRQoL in CRC survivors.MethodsWe conducted a two-arm, randomized controlled trial of 42 subjects who had completed treatment for CRC. Participants in the intervention arm received a Fitbit Flex™ and daily text messages for 12 weeks. HRQoL was assessed as a secondary endpoint in both arms at enrollment and 12 weeks using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Survey (SF-36) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Colorectal (FACT-C). Survey score changes from enrollment to 12 weeks were compared between the two arms using independent t tests, and scores at enrollment and 12 weeks were compared using paired t tests.ResultsAn increase in the FACT-C functional well-being subscale was observed in individuals in the intervention arm pre- to post-intervention (median difference, 2; interquartile range (IQR), 1, 4; P = .02). Although the between-group comparison was not statistically significant, no change in the functional well-being subscale was observed in the control arm (median difference, 0; IQR, 1, 1; P = .71). No other measures of HRQoL appeared to differ within arm across time points or between arms.ConclusionA 12-week digital physical activity intervention may improve functional well-being among CRC survivors. Larger randomized studies are needed to determine if digital health tools improve functional well-being among CRC survivors and if this improvement can be sustained over time.Trial registrationNCT02966054; registration date, November 17, 2016

Examination of the feasibility and acceptability of a culturally-tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women

Introduction: Arab migrant populations tend to have lower levels of physical activity in comparison to the majority population of their host countries, with few interventions targeting physical activity among Arab women. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week culturally-tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women.

Preliminary Evidence of Improvement in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors' Brain Health Following Physical Activity: A Proof-of-Concept Sub-Study.

Background:Cognitive impairment is common among adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Physical activity (PA) may help mitigate cognitive impairment post-treatment by positively impacting two indicators of general brain health: fractional anisotropy (FA) and functional connectivity (FC). As part of a two-arm, mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), this sub-study was designed to provide preliminary proof-of-concept evidence for the effects of PA on FA and FC among AYA cancer survivors post-treatment to help inform decisions about proceeding to larger trials.Methods:AYA cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment and who were enrolled in a larger pilot RCT comparing a 12-week PA intervention to a waitlist control group, were invited to participate in this sub-study. Sub-study participants completed diffusion tensor imaging and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging prior to randomization and post-intervention. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, independent component analysis, and paired sample t-tests.Results:Post-intervention, participants showed increases in FA of the bilateral hippocampal cingulum, left anterior corona radiata, middle cingulum, left anterior thalamic radiation, and left cerebellum. A decrease in overall FC of the default mode network and increases in the cerebellar and visual networks were also noted post-intervention (p < .05).Conclusion:Results provide preliminary evidence for the possible positive effects of PA on FA and FC among AYA cancer survivors post-treatment. On the basis of these results, larger trials assessing the effects of PA on specific brain health indicators, as captured by FA and FC, among AYA cancer survivors are appropriate and warranted.

A proof-of-concept sub-study exploring feasibility and preliminary evidence for the role of physical activity on neural activity during executive functioning tasks among young adults after cancer treatment

BackgroundExecutive functioning (EF) deficits are troubling for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) after cancer treatment. Physical activity (PA) may enhance neural activity underlying EF among older adults affected by cancer. Establishing whether PA enhances neural activity among AYAs is warranted. As part of a two-arm, mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), this proof-of-concept sub-study sought to answer the following questions: (1) is it feasible to use neuroimaging with EF tasks to assess neural activity changes following a 12-week PA intervention? And (2) is there preliminary evidence that a 12-week PA intervention enhances neural activity among AYAs after cancer treatment?MethodsAYAs in the pilot RCT were approached for enrollment into this sub-study. Those who were eligible and enrolled, completed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with EF tasks (letter n-back, Go/No Go) pre- and post-PA intervention. Sub-study enrollment, adherence to scheduled fMRI scans, outliers, missing data, and EF task performance data were collected. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) analyses, and paired sample t-tests.ResultsNine eligible participants enrolled into this sub-study; six attended scheduled fMRI scans. One outlier was identified and was subsequently removed from the analytical sample. Participants showed no differences in EF task performance from pre- to post-PA intervention. Increases in neural activity in brain regions responsible for motor control, information encoding and processing, and decision-making were observed post-PA intervention (p < 0.05; n = 5).ConclusionsFindings show that fMRI scans during EF tasks detected neural activity changes (as assessed by the BOLD signal) from pre- to post-PA intervention. Results thus suggest future trials confirming that PA enhances neural activity underlying EF are needed, though feasibility issues require careful consideration to ensure trial success.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, NCT03016728. Registered January 11, 2017, clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03016728.

Building on Lessons Learned in a Mobile Intervention to Reduce Pain and Improve Health (MORPH): Protocol for the MORPH-II Trial.

BackgroundEngaging in sufficient levels of physical activity, guarding against sustained sitting, and maintaining a healthy body weight represent important lifestyle strategies for managing older adults’ chronic pain. Our first Mobile Health Intervention to Reduce Pain and Improve Health (MORPH) randomized pilot study demonstrated that a partially remote group-mediated diet and daylong activity intervention (ie, a focus on moving often throughout the day) can lead to improved physical function, weight loss, less pain intensity, and fewer minutes of sedentary time. We also identified unique delivery challenges that limited the program’s scalability and potential efficacy.ObjectiveThe purpose of the MORPH-II randomized pilot study is to refine the MORPH intervention package based on feedback from MORPH and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of this revised package prior to conducting a larger clinical trial.MethodsThe MORPH-II study is an iteration on MORPH designed to pilot a refined framework, enhance scalability through fully remote delivery, and increase uptake of the daylong movement protocol through revised education content and additional personalized remote coaching. Older, obese, and low-active adults with chronic multisite pain (n=30) will be randomly assigned to receive a 12-week remote group-mediated physical activity and dietary weight loss intervention followed by a 12-week maintenance period or a control condition. Those in the intervention condition will partake in weekly social cognitive theory–based group meetings via teleconference software plus one-on-one support calls on a tapered schedule. They will also engage with a tablet application paired with a wearable activity monitor and smart scale designed to provide ongoing social and behavioral support throughout the week. Those in the control group will receive only the self-monitoring tools.ResultsRecruitment is ongoing as of January 2021.ConclusionsFindings from MORPH-II will help guide other researchers working to intervene on sedentary behavior through frequent movement in older adults with chronic pain.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04655001; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04655001International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/29013

Promoting Positive Health Outcomes in an Urban Community-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Preschool Aged Children on the Autism Spectrum.

While there is wide consensus regarding the importance of early intervention, health is rarely considered within priorities. Twenty-five children on the autism spectrum (Mage = 4.67, SD = 0.82) participated in a 12-week physical activity intervention. Primary objective was to examine impact of a physical activity intervention on physical activity, fitness and motor competence. Secondary objective was to examine associations between motor behavior and ASD symptoms. Ball skills (p < .001) and isometric push-up performance (p = .02) improved. Autism symptoms were associated with motor skills (r > − .49, p < .05). Study outcomes provide new knowledge regarding design, delivery, and measures for early interventions targeting health disparities in young children on the autism spectrum.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10803-021-04871-7.

Understanding adolescents' and young adults' self-perceptions after cancer treatment in the context of a two-arm, mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled physical activity trial.

The self-perceptions of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) after cancer treatment are not well understood. As part of a two-arm, mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), this qualitative sub-study explored AYAs' self-perceptions after cancer treatment and investigated how physical activity (PA) may contribute to their self-perceptions. Data were collected from 16 AYAs who completed cancer treatment and who participated in a two-arm, mixed-methods pilot RCT. Recruited AYAs were randomized to a 12-week PA intervention or a wait-list control group, and semi-structured interviews were conducted at baseline (pre-randomization) and 12 weeks later (post-intervention or post-waiting period) to elicit discussions on self-perceptions and PA. Data were analyzed thematically using inductive and deductive approaches. The exercise and self-esteem model (EXSEM) was the theoretical lens for the deductive analysis. Data were organized into four unified main themes: (1) I came out on top and am (re)discovering myself, (2) Comparison to my past self and others induces negative feelings, (3) My changed body brings me down, but it does not rule my life, and (4) My previous experience with PA informs my expectations for my future PA, and two themes contingent on group allocation: (5) Participating in a PA program made me feel better about myself, and (6) I did not notice any changes while waiting for the PA program, but I am anticipating support. AYAs' self-perceptions are amenable to change, positively and negatively valenced, and influenced by PA. Although the EXSEM captured intrapersonal factors related to AYAs' self-perceptions after cancer treatment, interpersonal and contextual factors beyond the EXSEM also shaped their self-perceptions. Clinicaltrials.gov , NCT03016728. Registered January 11, 2017.