Active Intervention Research Articles

Evidence of physical activity interventions on non-motor symptoms of people with Parkinson’s disease: an umbrella review

Evidence of physical activity interventions on non-motor symptoms of people with Parkinson’s disease: an umbrella review

Exploring depressive symptom trajectories in COVID-19 patients with clinically mild condition in South Korea using remote patient monitoring: longitudinal data analysis.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Korean government temporarily allowed full scale telehealth care for safety and usability. However, limited studies have evaluated the impact of telehealth by analyzing the physical and/or mental health data of patients with COVID-19 diagnosis collected through telehealth targeting Korean population. This study aimed to identify subgroup of depressive symptom trajectories in patients with clinically mild COVID-19 using collected longitudinal data from a telehealth-based contactless clinical trial. A total of 199 patients with COVID-19 were accrued for contactless clinical trial using telehealth from March 23 to July 20, 2022. Depressive symptoms were measured using the patient health questionnaire-9 on the start day of quarantine, on the final day of quarantine, and 1 month after release from quarantine. Additionally, acute COVID-19 symptoms were assessed every day during quarantine. This study used a latent class mixed model to differentiate subgroups of depressive symptom trajectories and a logistic regression model with Firth's correction to identify associations between acute COVID-19 symptoms and the subgroups. Two latent classes were identified: class 1 with declining linearity at a slow rate and class 2 with increasing linearity. Among COVID-19 symptoms, fever, chest pain, and brain fog 1 month after release from quarantine showed strong associations with class 2 (fever: OR, 19.43, 95% CI, 2.30-165.42; chest pain: OR, 6.55, 95% CI, 1.15-34.61; brain fog: OR, 7.03, 95% CI 2.57-20.95). Sleeping difficulty and gastrointestinal symptoms were also associated with class 2 (gastrointestinal symptoms: OR, 4.76, 95% CI, 1.71-14.21; sleeping difficulty: OR, 3.12, 95% CI, 1.71-14.21). These findings emphasize the need for the early detection of depressive symptoms in patients in the acute phase of COVID-19 using telemedicine. Active intervention, including digital therapeutics, may help patients with aggravated depressive symptoms.

Enhancing Awareness of Physical Activity Guidelines among Saudi College Students: The 150 Minutes Program

Objective. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the “150 Minutes Program” in increasing awareness and fostering positive behavior changes regarding recommended physical activity guidelines among Saudi college students. Initiated as part of the national “Sports for All Challenge,” this program targets college students to improve their understanding of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines. Methods. Engaging over 250 Saudi college students from 17 student groups across the United States, the program employs two intervention strategies: a general awareness campaign and the application of physical activity guidelines tailored to the Saudi student community. The study assesses the program’s impact through pre-/post-surveys, evaluating changes in participants’ awareness levels and physical activity behaviors. Results. A total of 110 participants completed either the presurvey (n = 35) or postsurvey (n = 75). Results indicate a significant rise in participants’ awareness of recommended physical activity guidelines, increasing from an initial 4% to 22.9%. Postprogram surveys reveal positive shifts in physical activity behaviors, with 51.4% of participants meeting adult physical activity guidelines, compared to 40% before the program. The average physical activity levels also demonstrated an increase. Conclusion. The 150 Minutes Program proves effective not only in enhancing awareness but also in instigating positive physical activity behavior changes among Saudi college students. The study contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of physical activity interventions within college populations, emphasizing the need for targeted programs, and collaborations with student organizations to ensure sustained impact and scalability.

Factors Associated With Physical Inactivity of Recipients of a Kidney Transplant: Results From the ADHERE BRAZIL Multicenter Study.

Physical activity is recommended for recipients of a kidney transplant. However, ADHERE BRAZIL study found a high prevalence (69%) of physical inactivity in Brazilian recipients of a kidney transplant. To tackle this behavior, a broad analysis of barriers is needed. This study aimed to identify factors (patient and transplant center levels) associated with physical inactivity among recipients of a kidney transplant. This was a subproject of the ADHERE BRAZIL study, a cross-sectional, multicenter study of 1105 recipients of a kidney transplant from 20 kidney transplant centers. Using a multistage sampling method, patients were proportionally and randomly selected. Applying the Brief Physical Activity Assessment questionnaire, patients were classified as physically active (≥150min/wk) or physically inactive (<150min/wk). On the basis of an ecological model, 34 factors associated with physical inactivity were analyzed by sequential logistic regression. At the patient level, physical inactivity was associated with smoking (odds ratio = 2.43; 95% CI = 0.97-6.06), obesity (odds ratio = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.26-2.55), peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.20-8.42), >3 posttransplant hospitalizations (odds ratio = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.17-2.13), family income of >1 reference salary ($248.28 per month; odds ratio = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.48-0.90), and student status (odds ratio = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.37-0.92). At the center level, the correlates were having exercise physiologists in the clinical team (odds ratio = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.46-0.64) and being monitored in a teaching hospital (undergraduate students) (odds ratio = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.01-2.13). This study identified factors associated with physical inactivity after kidney transplantation that may guide future multilevel behavioral change interventions for physical activity. In a multicenter sample of recipients of a kidney transplant with a prevalence of physical inactivity of 69%, we found associations between this behavior and patient- and center-level factors. At the patient level, the chance of physical inactivity was positively associated with smoking, obesity, and patient morbidity (peripheral vascular disease and hospitalization events after kidney transplantation). Conversely, a high family income and a student status negatively correlated with physical inactivity. At the center level, the presence of a dedicated professional to motivate physical activity resulted in a reduced chance of physical inactivity. A broad knowledge of barriers associated with physical inactivity can allow us to identify patients at a high risk of not adhering to the recommended levels of physical activity.

A systematic review on barriers and facilitators to physical activity interventions programmes among UK adults during COVID-19 pandemic

A systematic review on barriers and facilitators to physical activity interventions programmes among UK adults during COVID-19 pandemic

Targeting Peer Contagion Dynamics in Children with ADHD: Effects from a Two-Site Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Objective Parental Friendship Coaching (PFC) teaches parents to coach their children in friendship skills. This paper examines whether PFC fosters positive peer contagion processes (i.e. dyadic mutuality) and reduces negative peer contagion processes (i.e. coercive joining) within the friendships of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method Participants were 134 families of children with ADHD and peer problems (age 6–11 years; 69% male; 72% white) at two Canadian sites, randomized to PFC or CARE (an active comparison intervention). Children were observed in the lab at baseline, post-treatment, and at 8-month follow-up during cooperation and competition tasks with a real-life friend. Amount and reciprocity of dyadic mutuality indicators (i.e. positive affect and positive behaviors) and coercive joining indicators (i.e. aggressive, controlling, and rule-breaking behaviors) between friends were coded. Results Across treatment conditions, children showed an increase in the amount of dyadic mutuality during cooperation and a decrease in the amount of coercive joining during competition over time. Relative to CARE, PFC induced a reduced amount of coercive joining behaviors during cooperation at post-treatment and follow-up. However, PFC led to decreases in the reciprocity of positive affect during cooperation at post-treatment and to increases in the reciprocity of coercive joining during competition at follow-up relative to CARE. Moderation analyses suggest PFC was associated with better outcomes for children with externalizing comorbidity, and for those with a stable or a best friend. Conclusions Findings highlight the importance of transactional processes, contextual differences, externalizing comorbidities, and friendship status when assessing the efficacy of PFC.

Association between changes in habitual stepping activity and cognition in older adults

Advancing age is associated with declines in cognitive function. Although physical activity is thought to protect against this decline, it is unclear how a short-term uptake in daily steps or a decline in day-to-day step variability may contribute to cognition among older adults. We tested associations between changes in step counts, day-to-day step variability and executive cognitive functions among older adults taking part in a physical activity intervention. Thirty-seven older adults (33 females; 71.4 ± 6.3 years) completed a 10-week personalized physical activity intervention. Participants wore a Fitbit to measure daily step counts throughout the study. They also completed a computerized Stroop task before and after the intervention. Average step counts and step count variability via average-real-variability (ARV) were determined. Compared to pre-intervention, step counts increased (p < 0.001) and step variability decreased post-intervention (p = 0.04). Models describing the changes in step counts and ARV over the 10-weeks were cubic (both, p < 0.04). Reaction times during the simple (p = 0.002) and switching (p = 0.04) conditions were faster post-intervention. Change in step variability was positively associated with the change in reaction time for the switching condition (β = 0.029, p = 0.002). On average, a reduction in day-to-day step variability was associated with improvements in cognitive flexibility.

Weight Loss in Short-Term Interventions for Physical Activity and Nutrition Among Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Reaching, enrolling, and retaining participants in lengthy lifestyle change interventions for weight loss is a major challenge. The objective of our meta-analysis was to investigate whether lifestyle interventions addressing nutrition and physical activity lasting 6 months or less are effective for weight loss. We searched for peer-reviewed studies on lifestyle change interventions of 6 months or less published from 2012 through 2023. Studies were screened based on inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for adults with overweight or obesity. We used a random-effects model to pool the mean difference in weight loss between intervention and control groups. We also performed subgroup analyses by intervention length and control type. Fourteen RCTs were identified and included in our review. Half had interventions lasting less than 13 weeks, and half lasted from 13 to 26 weeks. Seven were delivered remotely, 4 were delivered in person, and 3 used combined methods. The pooled mean difference in weight change was -2.59 kg (95% CI, -3.47 to -1.72). The pooled mean difference measured at the end of the intervention was -2.70 kg (95% CI, -3.69 to -1.71) among interventions lasting less than 13 weeks and -2.40 kg (95% CI, -4.44 to -0.37) among interventions of 13 to 26 weeks. Short-term multicomponent interventions involving physical activity and nutrition can achieve weight loss for adults with overweight or obesity. Offering short-term interventions as alternatives to long-term ones may reach people who otherwise would be unwilling or unable to enroll in or complete longer programs.

Analysis of Physical Activity Behavior and Motivation in Students

Background: Despite the many benefits of an active lifestyle, lack of physical activity is a significant health problem for students. Objective: This research uses a descriptive research design. The purpose of this descriptive research is to determine the basic level of physical activity behavior, motivational factors, in order to develop tailored or targeted physical activity programs and interventions for students. This research consisted of 20 male students and 20 female students. Method: The collection methods used in this research are: physical activity behavior using GLTEQ (Goding Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), physical activity motivation using EMI-2 (Exercise Motivation Inventory-2) and Ability to use Self three types (Task, Coping and scheduling). Results: The results show that the physical activity of 28% of women and 45% of men from the entire sample participated in 20 minutes of vigorous activity, while only 17% of women and 10% of men from all participants participated in 30 minutes of less physical activity and for 5-day 13% female and 18% male of all students. The conclusion shows that students' physical activity behavior is lacking in physical activity behavior with low physical activity with a description of motivation and self-efficacy in maintaining health and physical fitness. Conclusion: Recommendations for further research are that the parties concerned pay more attention to physical activity behavior, motivation and self-efficacy in students because the benefits of regular physical activity will make the body healthy and increase constructive physical activity behavior.

Development of WHO Recommendations for the Final Phase of Elimination and Prevention of Re-Establishment of Malaria.

The WHO recommends that all affected countries work toward the elimination of malaria, even those still experiencing a high burden of disease. However, malaria programs in the final phase of elimination or those working to prevent re-establishment of transmission after elimination could benefit from specific evidence-based recommendations for these settings as part of comprehensive and quality-controlled malaria guidelines. The WHO convened an external guideline development group to formulate recommendations for interventions to reduce or prevent malaria transmission in areas with very low- to low-transmission levels and those that have eliminated malaria. In addition, several interventions that could be deployed in higher burden areas to accelerate elimination, such as mass drug administration, were reviewed. Systematic reviews were conducted that synthesized and evaluated evidence for the benefits and harms of public health interventions and summarized critical contextual factors from a health systems perspective. A total of 12 recommendations were developed, with five related to mass interventions that could be deployed at higher transmission levels and seven that would be most appropriate for programs in areas close to elimination or those working to prevent re-establishment of transmission. Four chemoprevention, two active case detection, and one vector control interventions were positively recommended, whereas two chemoprevention and three active case detection interventions were not recommended by the WHO. None of the recommendations were classified as strong given the limited and low-quality evidence base. Approaches to conducting higher quality research in very low- to low-transmission settings to improve the strength of WHO recommendations are discussed.

What Environments Support Reading Growth Among Current Compared With Former Reading Intervention Recipients? A Multilevel Analysis of Students and Their Schools.

School context can shape relative intervention response in myriad ways due to factors, such as instructional quality, resource allocation, peer effects, and correlations between the school context and characteristics of enrolled students (e.g., higher-poverty students attending higher-poverty schools). In the current study, we used data from 16,000 Grade 3 students in a community-based supplemental reading intervention program to investigate the degree to which school context factors (percentage eligible for free/reduced-price lunch [FRPL], school-level achievement) relate to the differences in triannual reading fluency growth rates between students actively receiving supplemental intervention (active recipients) and those that formerly received intervention (and therefore only received general class instruction at this time; former recipients). Using Bayesian multilevel modeling, our findings indicate that school-level FRPL eligibility played a more prominent factor in growth rate differences between these two groups than school-level reading achievement. However, school-level reading achievement was much more strongly related to reading fluency differences between active and former intervention recipients at the beginning of the school year (when controlling for FRPL). Implications for investigating school-level heterogeneity in intervention response and sustainability are discussed.

Finite Difference Method for Solving Parabolic-Type Integro-Differential Equations in Multidimensional Domain with Nonhomogeneous First-Order Boundary Conditions

Introduction. We investigate a multidimensional (in terms of spatial variables) parabolic-type integro-differential equation with nonhomogeneous first-order boundary conditions. The locally one-dimensional finite difference scheme developed herein can be applied to solve various applied problems leading to multidimensional parabolic-type integro-differential equations. Examples include mathematical modelling of cloud processes, addressing the issue of active intervention in convective clouds to prevent hail and artificially enhance precipitation, as well as describing the droplet mass distribution function due to microphysical processes such as condensation, coagulation, fragmentation, and freezing of droplets in convective clouds.Materials and Methods. In this study, an approximate solution to the initial-boundary value problem is constructed using the locally one-dimensional scheme of A.A. Samarsky with a specified order of approximation О(h2 +τ). The primary research method employed is the method of energy inequalities.Results. A priori estimates have been obtained in the discrete interpretation, from which uniqueness, stability, and convergence of the solution of the locally one-dimensional difference scheme to the solution of the original differential problem follow, with a convergence rate equal to the order of approximation of the difference scheme.Discussion and Conclusions. The research findings can be utilized for further development of boundary value problem theory for parabolic equations with variable coefficients. Additionally, they may find applications in the fields of difference scheme theory, computational mathematics, and numerical modelling.

Developing ACTIVE SCHOOL—The Design Process for Two School-Based Physical Activity Interventions

ABSTRACT Introduction Physical activity (PA) interventions in schools can improve children’s overall PA levels and positively affect academic performance. However, implementing PA during the school day can be challenging in the complex school setting. Many school-based PA studies do not present their interventions’ design processes, although this knowledge is important to replicate the intervention. Purpose This article aims to provide insights into the collaborative design process of the two PA interventions for third-grade pupils of the ACTIVE SCHOOL project. The evidence-based interventions focus on PA integrated into academic content (Move &amp; Learn intervention) as embodied learning or PA as moderate to vigorous activity performed during the school day (Run, Jump &amp; Fun intervention). The study’s objective was to engage teachers and pedagogues early in the design process to ensure the design was tailored to practice. Methods A team consisting of researchers, school staff, and experts were involved in the design process. The process lasted one school year and comprised three phases: exploration and analysis, construction and design, and reflection and evaluation. Multiple methods were used, including focus group interviews, a design workshop, and observations of iterative in-school testing. Results The result of the analysis and exploration phase was a set of learning points based on information about school culture, school staff competences, and needs. The design and construction phase produced a set of intervention skeletons, which were the actual elements of the interventions. The evaluation and reflection phase created the main results, which are specific principles and multifaceted implementation strategies for Move &amp; Learn and Run, Jump &amp; Fun, respectively. Finally, dose and timing of the interventions were specified. Conclusion Collaboration with schools and an iterative approach were determinants for designing interventions appropriate to the Danish school context and school staff practice.

Evidence based lifestyle interventions in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition which affects up to 13% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with reproductive, metabolic and psychological features. Women with PCOS have a higher prevalence of longitudinal weight gain in population-based cohort studies compared to women without PCOS. On meta-analysis, women with PCOS also have an increased prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity, compared with controls. PCOS is therefore associated with an elevated prevalence of overweight and obesity which further worsen metabolic, reproductive and psychological dysfunction. Given the association between overweight and obesity and metabolic, reproductive and psychological dysfunction in women, weight management is a logical treatment strategy. This can be defined as prevention of excess weight gain, achieving a modest weight loss and sustaining a reduced weight long-term. This is best achieved through lifestyle management which traditionally refers to a complex multidisciplinary approach that combines dietary modification, physical activity and behavioural interventions. Lifestyle interventions and modest weight loss (5-10% of initial body weight) are associated with improvements in outcomes including central adiposity, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors. In PCOS specifically for dietary interventions, the majority of evidence indicates no differences between dietary approaches Lifestyle management advice should therefore follow general population guidance which states that lifestyle intervention can be achieved through a variety of dietary approaches providing these are tailored to dietary preferences and ensure the nutritional and health status of the individual patient with referral to a nutrition professional where possible. These recommendations are summarised in the 2023 International Evidence-based Guidelines on the Assessment and Management of PCOS. 1 These guidelines are now being translated and implemented internationally.

Pupil Voices: Review of Factors Influencing Pupil Participation in Primary School Physical Activity

ABSTRACT Context Because the purpose of school-based physical activity (PA) interventions is to improve academic and/or health-related outcomes for children, their views must be considered for such programs to be successful. To inform the development of acceptable initiatives, a need exists to examine and synthesize pupil perspectives. Objective This review explores what is known about primary-aged pupils’ perspectives on school-based PA and qualitatively synthesizes the factors that influence pupil participation. Design This rapid qualitative review was conducted systematically and followed the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. Eligibility Criteria Peer-reviewed articles published in the English language between January 2013 and April 2023 that reported qualitative data on primary school pupil participation in school-based PA were included. Study Selection Databases searched were Medline (Web of Science), ERIC (Education Collection-ProQuest), and EBSCO (Academic Search Complete, Education Source, ERIC, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, SportDiscus, CINAHL complete, Medline Full Text, Humanities Source Ultimate). Twenty-one articles that included qualitative evaluations of pupil participation in school-based PA from the pupil perspective were included. Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measured was pupil perceptions of factors that influence their participation in school-based PA. Results Ten themes emerged from the pupil data. The most prevalent was fun and enjoyment, followed by perceived health benefits, social interaction, and perceived academic benefits. Autonomy, appropriate level of challenge, perceived motor competence, school culture and environment, outdoor play, and influence of teachers were also identified. Conclusion To promote participation in PA, schools must support autonomy with developmentally appropriate equipment and space to facilitate physically active games. Positive and encouraging adults must maintain socially safe environments where pupils can be active with their friends. Physical education must be highly regarded, and pupils should have multiple opportunities to engage in PA throughout the school day.

Undoing mothers' avoidant coping with children's negative emotion: A randomized controlled trial of relational savoring.

Some mothers report using avoidant coping strategies (minimizing, punishing) in response to their young children's negative emotion, an aspect of insensitive parenting that places children at risk for emotional or behavioral dysregulation (Fabes et al., 2001) and insecure attachment (De Wolff & van Ijzendoorn, 1997). In prior work, an in-home attachment-based relational savoring (RS) intervention, administered over a month's time, positively affected maternal emotion and sensitive behavior with young children (Borelli et al., 2023); further, a one-time online RS protocol had greater impacts on emotion and relationship satisfaction for mothers with greater attachment avoidance (Burkhart et al., 2015). However, we do not yet know whether a brief, laboratory intervention impacts highly avoidant mothers' behavior with their children and not just their self-reports of satisfaction. Here, we examine whether mothers' endorsement of avoidant coping strategies moderates the effect of an RS versus active control intervention on mothers' use of emotion-coaching during an emotionally charged conversation with their child. Mothers (N = 122; Mage = 33.42, SD = 5.40) and their preschoolers (Mage = 41.80 months, SD = 4.65; 48.4% female) from diverse backgrounds (41% Latina, 40% White [non-Latina]; 42% under $60,000 annual income) participated. The interaction between condition and level of avoidant coping on mothers' emotion-coaching behaviors was significant. Mothers high in avoidant coping (top quartile) displayed better emotion-coaching during the emotion conversation if they had been in the RS condition. Savoring may be a valuable tool to promote effective emotion-coaching among parents most prone to avoid their children's negative emotion. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

T Cell Exhaustion Markers in Multiple Myeloma Patients are Lower After Physical Activity Intervention

PurposeThere is compelling evidence that CD4+ and CD8+T cells are dysfunctional in multiple myeloma, compromising their ability to control disease progression. Pre-clinical models suggest that exercise represents a non-pharmacologic means to reduce immune exhaustion, but no studies to date have examined the relationship between an exercise intervention and biomarkers of immune exhaustion in multiple myeloma patients. Patients and MethodsThe current study includes 24 multiple myeloma patients who participated in a six-month physical activity intervention, consisting of supervised strength training (n = 12) and unsupervised home-based walking arms (n = 12). Comprehensive flow cytometry was utilized to assess the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+T cells and subpopulations expressing the markers of exhaustion PD-1, TIGIT, TIM3 and/or LAG3. Ratios of exhausted to non-exhausted cell populations, and percentages of exhausted to total populations of the same lineage, were calculated for the baseline and final timepoints. ResultsEighteen of 20 exhaustion measures were lower at the end of the intervention than at baseline, and several were significantly or borderline significantly reduced in the entire sample or in one of the arms. The entire sample saw improvements in the ratios of CD4+ TIGIT+ to non-exhausted CD4+ (0.7 [0.6] to 0.6 [0.4], P = .04) and CD8+ PD1+ to non-exhausted CD8+ (1.8 [2.6] to 1.5 [2.0], P = .06), and in total exhausted CD8+ as a percent of total CD8+ (72.9 [21.9] to 68.3 [19.6], P < .01). ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that physical activity induces changes in MM patients’ immune systems, potentially rendering a less exhausted T cell state.

Association of perinatal depression and postpartum contraception intent, choice, and actual use

ObjectivesDepression is common during pregnancy and the year following childbirth (the perinatal period). This study assessed the association of depressive symptoms and contraception decisions in perinatal individuals. Study designWe conducted a secondary analysis using data from the PRogram in Support of Moms (PRISM) study, a cluster randomized controlled trial of active interventions which aimed to address perinatal depression. This analysis included 191 individuals aged 18–45 who screened positive for depression on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS, score ≥10) during pregnancy or up to 3 months postpartum. We assessed contraception intent and method choice at 1–3 months postpartum. At 5–7 months postpartum, we assessed contraceptive method used and EPDS depression scores. We used logistic regressions to examine the relationship between depression and contraceptive use/method. ResultsAt 1–3 months postpartum, the majority of participants (76.4%) expressed an intention to use contraception. Of those, over half (53.4%) indicated a preference for higher effectiveness contraception methods. Participants with persistent depression symptoms (positive EPDS) at 5–7 months were significantly less likely to report using higher effectiveness contraceptive methods (aOR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11–0.70) compared to those without. Among participants with persistent depressive symptoms, 21.1% reported using a contraception method of lower effectiveness than had originally intended. ConclusionPerinatal individuals with persistent depressive symptoms at 5–7 months postpartum reported greater use of less-effective contraception methods than originally planned. ImplicationsWe found associations between perinatal depression and use of less effective contraception use. Provider discussions regarding contraception planning is important, particularly in those with perinatal depression symptoms.

A Mobile Health Resistance Training Intervention Using Outdoor Gym Equipment: Process Evaluation of the Ecofit Effectiveness Randomized Controlled Trial.

Few mobile health resistance-based physical activity interventions have targeted community-dwelling adults. "Ecofit" is a multicomponent intervention that promotes resistance and aerobic activities using smartphone technology, outdoor gyms, and social support. This study evaluated process evaluation outcomes of the ecofit randomized controlled trial: (1)the acceptability and usability of the ecofit smartphone app and app user workouts; (2)perceptions of factors influencing outdoor gym use; and (3)the fidelity, reach, recruitment, and dose received of the ecofit program. Process data were collected through program evaluation surveys at 3months, and app usage data were collected via the intervention platform for up to 3months. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The survey was completed by 57% (n = 69) of eligible participants. The majority (93%) believed the app provided them with sufficient information to perform muscle-strengthening activities. Approximately half (51%) agreed that the goal-setting function encouraged them to complete their workouts, and 42% agreed that the self-assessment helped them monitor progress. "Proximity" to outdoor gyms emerged as the most important factor for choosing locations to workout (mean = 5.5, SD = 1.1). Participants logged a median of 5.5 (interquartile range = 19) workouts and 1 (interquartile range = 1) upper- and lower-body muscular fitness self-assessment. The ecofit app provided participants with sufficient skills to perform unsupervised resistance training exercises using mobile health. Only half of the participants regarded self-assessments and goal setting as useful, suggesting a need for modifications to how these are implemented. Mobile health remains a promising delivery platform to promote unsupervised resistance training, although more research is needed to improve uptake.

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.