Intentional Physical Activity Research Articles

Association of physical activity with physical function and quality of life in people with hip and knee osteoarthritis: longitudinal analysis of a population-based cohort

Hip and knee osteoarthritis (HKOA) is a chronic disease characterized by joint pain that leads to reduced physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). At present, no cure is available. Clinical trials indicate that people with HKOA benefit from physical activity in several health-related outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated the long-term positive effect of regular physical activity. This study analyzed participants with HKOA from a nationwide population-based cohort (EpiDoC Cohort) to assess the impact of physical activity on patients’ physical function and HRQoL over a long-term follow-up. The regular weekly frequency of intentional physical activity was self-reported as non-frequent (0 times/week), frequent (1–2 times/week), or very frequent (≥ 3 times/week). This study followed 1086 participants over a mean period of 4.7 ± 3.4 years, during which 6.3% and 14.9% of participants reported frequent and very frequent physical activity, respectively. Using linear mixed models, we found that frequent (β = − 0.101 [− 0.187, − 0.016]; β = 0.039 [− 0.002, 0.080]) and very frequent physical activity (β = − 0.061 [− 0.118, − 0.004]; β = 0.057 [0.029, 0.084]) were associated with improved physical function and HRQoL over time, respectively, when compared with non-frequent exercise, adjusting for years to baseline, sex, age, years of education, body mass index, multimorbidity, hospitalizations, clinical severity, and unmanageable pain levels. These findings raise awareness of the importance of maintaining exercise/physical activity long term to optimize HRQoL and physical function. Further studies must address barriers and facilitators to improve the adoption of regular physical activity among citizens with HKOA.

SUBJECTIVE PERCEPTION OF THE IMPACT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OLDER WOMEN WITH SEVERE MENTAL DISTRESS

Depressive symptoms among older adults are the second leading cause of disability and functional decline. Physical activity has gained considerable attention for its benefits in preventing and treating depressive symptoms. The majority of existing studies are quantitative in nature, but qualitative research into how people with depressive symptoms view physical activity in relation to their mental health is insufficient. We recruited 23 female participants from a recreational center in Ljubljana to participate in semi-structured interviews. Our aim was to identify how physical activity influences everyday life and its perceived effect on mental health among our participants. We used mixed methods, with an accent on qualitative methods. Conventional content analysis was used to explore the data from the interviews. We identified that increased satisfaction, well-being, and improved physical health are key factors through which participants find physical activity useful in stress and depression management. We can conclude that intentional physical activity in the form of walking, running, cycling, or group or individual workouts has a positive impact on physical and psychological wellbeing and has a positive impact on a person’s life. Our findings can be used in future studies to assess any successful non-pharmacological treatments for depression symptoms, such as different exercise programs, support groups, or different social activities.

"They're Going to Zoom It": A Qualitative Investigation of Impacts and Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults.

Introduction: Older adults, who already have higher levels of social isolation, loneliness, and sedentary behavior, are particularly susceptible to negative impacts from social distancing mandates meant to control the spread of COVID-19. We sought to explore the physical, mental, and social health impacts of the pandemic on older adults and their coping techniques.Materials and Methods: We conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of participants in an ongoing sedentary behavior reduction intervention. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and iterative coding was used to extract key themes.Results: Most participants reported an increase in sedentary behavior due to limitations on leaving their home and increased free time to pursue seated hobbies (e.g., reading, knitting, tv). However, many participants also reported increased levels of intentional physical activity and exercise, particularly outdoors or online. Participants also reported high levels of stress and a large decrease in in-person social connection. Virtual connection with others through phone and video was commonly used to stay connected with friends and family, engage in community groups and activities, and cope with stress and social isolation. Maintenance of a positive attitude and perspective gained from past hardships was also an important coping strategy for many participants.Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures have impacted older adults' perceived levels of activity, stress, and social isolation, but many leveraged technology and prior life experiences to cope. These themes could inform future interventions for older adults dealing with chronic stress and isolation.

Now Has Always Been the Time

Beginning from the assumption that we must learn to wonder as we wander, our writing here aims to advance theory and practice as they relate to walking. We understand walking as both an intentional physical activity and a curricular understanding of traversing with and through landscapes of topical relations in attunement with the Earth. We assume that insights gained through such attunement are accessed through deep consciousness of and presence with and, as such, we take up attunement in a variety of ways: spiritual (belonging in nature); intellectual (learning about relationships); physical (affecting the body); emotional (exploring love of nature); and imaginative (learning through creative engagement). Through critical, qualitative, creative, and arts-integrated approaches, we engage the praxis of living and being in relation.

Impact Of Marriage On Physical Activity Behavior In Women With Multiple Sclerosis

PURPOSE: Support is critical for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) to adopt and continue physical activity (PA). The role that spouses play in the adoption and continuation of PA in women with MS has yet to be explored. METHODS: Four women with MS volunteered for in-depth interviews lasting approximately an hour. The interviews were semi-structured and covered topics such as: marriage context, PA choices and behaviors, PA activities alone and with spouse, etc. Interviews were transcribed (with identifiers removed) and analyzed in case studies, then cross-cases for overlapping themes. RESULTS: Four cases were developed. Theresa is an older woman with MS for which PA is encouraged by her spouse, and some PA is engaged in together, such as walking pets. She states, “It’s not walking like we used to walk, but we are out there together.” Margaret is an older woman with MS for which PA is engaged in completely alone. Intentional PA is performed alone because of her spouse’s lack of motivation. She states, “I always feel like he could use it as much as I could, but there’s no motivation and he has to motivate himself.” Claire is a young woman with MS who engages in PA outdoors with her spouse but feels her choices in PA done together can be dependent on her spouse’s desires over her own. She states, “Maybe sometimes if he’s not with me, I would um⋯ push myself harder I think.” Joanna is a mid-life woman with MS who engages in PA outdoors with her spouse and children, as well as indoors with a personal trainer focused on mobility. She feels that her spouse provides support in both types of PA. She states, “Oh, he so strongly encourages it! He, he is honestly my #1 fan if, if there is something new that I did at the gym that day, he wants to see it, he wants to do it... knowing he has my back and is in my corner lets me know that you know it will be a struggle but it is, it is worth it.” All four women discussed the importance of support in PA, despite differences in spousal engagement in PA. CONCLUSIONS: This study points to the importance of support and perception of support by marriage partners for women with MS. Future physical activity programs for women with MS should consider the role marriage partners play in decisions to be physically active. Effectiveness of PA interventions might be enhanced by increasing the involvement of marriage partners.

Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Inflammation and Immune Activation Profile of Antiretroviral Therapy-Experienced Children Living With HIV.

To compare the markers of inflammation and immune activation in virally suppressed HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy, who practiced regular structured exercise comprising running and yoga to those who did not over a 2-year period. This retrospective cohort study included 72 children aged 8 to 16 years divided into 2 groups, exercisers (n = 36) and the nonexercisers (n = 36) based on their intentional physical activity. The analyses were carried out at baseline and after 2 years (Y2) for the soluble biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interferon gamma, sCD14, and sCD163). In addition, cell-associated biomarker (CD38), lipopolysaccharides, and the gene expression of interleukin-2 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were also measured at Y2. Reduction in levels of sCD14 (effect size [ES], -0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.08 to -0.14), tumor necrosis factor alpha (ES, -0.7; 95% CI, -1.18 to -0.23), interferon gamma (ES, -0.7; 95% CI, -1.17 to -0.22), and interleukin-10 (ES, -0.6; 95% CI, -1.08 to -0.14) was observed among exercisers as compared with nonexercisers at Y2. In addition, CD38+ expressing CD4+ T cells were found to be lower among exercisers (P = .01) at Y2. However, the differences in levels of interleukin-6, sCD163, lipopolysaccharides, interleukin-2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor were not significantly different among the 2 groups. The study result suggests that regular structured physical activity improves the inflammatory profile of antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV-infected children.

Effects of Hypothetical Interventions on Ischemic Stroke Using Parametric G-Formula.

Background and Purpose- Standard analytic approaches (eg, logistic regression) fail to adequately control for time-dependent confounding and, therefore, may yield biased estimates of the total effect of the exposure on the outcome. In the present study, we estimate the effect of body mass index, intentional physical activity, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, hypertension, and cigarette smoking on the 11-year risk of ischemic stroke by sex using the parametric g-formula to control time-dependent confounders. Methods- Using data from the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), we followed 6809 men and women aged 45 to 84 years. We estimated the risk of stroke under 6 hypothetical interventions: maintaining body mass index <25 kg/m2, maintaining normotension (systolic blood pressure <140 and diastolic <90 mm Hg), quitting smoking, maintaining HDL >1.55 mmol/L, maintaining LDL <3.11 mmol/L, and exercising at least 210 minutes per week. The effects of joint hypothetical interventions were also simulated. Results- In men, the 11-year risk of ischemic stroke would be reduced by 85% (95% CI, 66-96) for all 6 hypothetical interventions. In women, this same effect was estimated as 55% (95% CI, 6-82). Conclusions- The hypothetical interventions explored in our study resulted in risk reduction in both men and women.

A Mixed-Methods Approach to the Development, Refinement, and Pilot Testing of Social Networks for Improving Healthy Behaviors.

BackgroundMobile health (mHealth) has shown promise as a way to deliver weight loss interventions, including connecting users for social support.ObjectiveTo develop, refine, and pilot test the Social Pounds Off Digitally (POD) Android app for personalized health monitoring and interaction.MethodsAdults who were overweight and obese with Android smartphones (BMI 25-49.9 kg/m2; N=9) were recruited for a 2-month weight loss pilot intervention and iterative usability testing of the Social POD app. The app prompted participants via notification to track daily weight, diet, and physical activity behaviors. Participants received the content of the behavioral weight loss intervention via podcast. In order to re-engage infrequent users (did not use the app within the previous 48 hours), the app prompted frequent users to select 1 of 3 messages to send to infrequent users targeting the behavioral theory constructs social support, self-efficacy, or negative outcome expectations. Body weight, dietary intake (2 24-hr recalls), and reported calories expended during physical activity were assessed at baseline and 2 months. All participants attended 1 of 2 focus groups to provide feedback on use of the app.ResultsParticipants lost a mean of 0.94 kg (SD 2.22, P=.24) and consumed significantly fewer kcals postintervention (1570 kcal/day, SD 508) as compared to baseline (2384 kcal/day, SD 993, P=.01). Participants reported expending a mean of 171 kcal/day (SD 153) during intentional physical activity following the intervention as compared to 138 kcal/day (SD 139) at baseline, yet this was not a statistically significant difference (P=.57). There was not a statistically significant correlation found between total app entries and percent weight loss over the course of the intervention (r=.49, P=.19). Mean number of app entries was 77.2 (SD 73.8) per person with a range of 0 to 219. Messages targeting social support were selected most often (32/68, 47%), followed by self-efficacy (28/68, 41%), and negative outcome expectations (8/68, 12%). Themes from the focus groups included functionality issues, revisions to the messaging system, and the addition of a point system with rewards for achieving goals.ConclusionsThe Social POD app provides an innovative way to re-engage infrequent users by encouraging frequent users to provide social support. Although more time is needed for development, this mHealth intervention can be disseminated broadly for many years and to many individuals without the need for additional intensive in-person hours.

Physical activity, measures of obesity, and cardiometabolic risk: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

The influence of higher physical activity on the relationship between adiposity and cardiometabolic risk is not completely understood. Between 2000-2002, data were collected on 6795 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants. Self-reported intentional physical activity in the lowest quartile (0-105 MET-minutes/week) was categorized as inactive and the upper three quartiles (123-37,260 MET-minutes/week) as active. Associations of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference categories, stratified by physical activity status (inactive or active) with cardiometabolic risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, upper quartile of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] for population, and impaired fasting glucose or diabetes) were assessed using logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and current smoking. Among obese participants, those who were physically active had reduced odds of insulin resistance (47% lower; P < .001) and impaired fasting glucose/diabetes (23% lower; P = .04). These associations were weaker for central obesity. However, among participants with a normal waist circumference, those who were inactive were 63% more likely to have insulin resistance (OR [95% CI] 1.63 [1.24-2.15]) compared with the active reference group. Physical activity was inversely related to the cardiometabolic risk associated with obesity and central obesity.

Dyslipidaemias and Physical Activity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy people present movement difficulty and are liable to develop disorders associated with sedentary lifestyles such as dyslipidaemias and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess physical activity and the prevalence of lipid abnormalities in 29 children with cerebral palsy who were being treated in two care centers in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Physical activity was calculated using a survey. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides were determined. Forty-eight percent had at least one dyslipidaemia. The most frequent lipid abnormalities were hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL-C. High prevalence of the atherogenic index was found. The physical activity of children was lower than recommended for their age. Sixty-two percent attended rehabilitation sessions, 10% attended sports classes, 14% rehabilitation plus sports and 14% did not engage in intentional physical activity. There is high frequency of lipid disorders in children with cerebral palsy. Greater participation in physical activity should be promoted in children to improve their metabolic status and quality of life, especially those suffering from cerebral palsy.

Long-term health benefits of physical activity--a systematic review of longitudinal studies.

BackgroundThe treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCD), like coronary heart disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus, causes rising costs for the health system. Physical activity is supposed to reduce the risk for these diseases. Results of cross-sectional studies showed that physical activity is associated with better health, and that physical activity could prevent the development of these diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize existing evidence for the long-term (>5 years) relationship between physical activity and weight gain, obesity, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.MethodsFifteen longitudinal studies with at least 5-year follow up times and a total of 288,724 subjects (>500 participants in each study), aged between 18 and 85 years, were identified using digital databases. Only studies published in English, about healthy adults at baseline, intentional physical activity and the listed NCDs were included.ResultsThe results of these studies show that physical activity appears to have a positive long-term influence on all selected diseases.ConclusionsThis review revealed a paucity of long-term studies on the relationship between physical activity and the incidence of NCD.

Physical activity, measures of obesity, and cardiometabolic risk: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

The influence of higher physical activity on the relationship between adiposity and cardiometabolic risk is not completely understood. Between 2000-2002, data were collected on 6795 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants. Self-reported intentional physical activity in the lowest quartile (0-105 MET-minutes/week) was categorized as inactive and the upper three quartiles (123-37,260 MET-minutes/week) as active. Associations of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference categories, stratified by physical activity status (inactive or active) with cardiometabolic risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, upper quartile of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] for population, and impaired fasting glucose or diabetes) were assessed using logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and current smoking. Among obese participants, those who were physically active had reduced odds of insulin resistance (47% lower; P < .001) and impaired fasting glucose/diabetes (23% lower; P = .04). These associations were weaker for central obesity. However, among participants with a normal waist circumference, those who were inactive were 63% more likely to have insulin resistance (OR [95% CI] 1.63 [1.24-2.15]) compared with the active reference group. Physical activity was inversely related to the cardiometabolic risk associated with obesity and central obesity.

Life-style and metformin for the prevention of endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women

In western women, the endometrium is frequently exposed, even after menopause, to the endogenous hormonal stimulation. Such a stimulation increases the risk of pathologic conditions such as endometrial hyperplasia and type I (endometrioid) endometrial adenocarcinoma. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance and type II diabetes promote the endometrial stimulation, and are recognized risk factors for endometrial cancer. Furthermore, chronic hyperinsulinemia linked both to obesity and metabolic syndrome influences endometrial proliferation through direct and indirect actions. Intentional weight loss, calorie restriction and physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of the endometrial pathology. Biological mechanisms include reduction in insulin and sex steroid hormone levels. In addition to life-style modifications, the antidiabetic metformin may be proposed as preventive agent. Metformin reduces the metabolic syndrome, lowers insulin and testosterone levels in postmenopausal women, and it is a potent inhibitor of endometrial cancer cell proliferation.

Canadian men's perceptions of leisure time physical activity and the ageing body

Research suggests that age and gender play important roles in motivation for and constraints to leisure time physical activity. Little research, however, has looked specifically at the perceptions and experiences of older men. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore leisure time physical activity and the ageing body from the perspectives of older men. Social cognitive theory was used to interpret the findings that emerged from constant comparison of in-depth interviews and follow-up focus groups with 15 men aged 60–70. The findings suggested that many participants modified their physical activity due to changing health status as well as external constraints such as time. For many men, however, awareness of their ageing body and value placed on health combined to motivate them to participate in intentional physical activity. Furthermore, those who viewed physical activity as enjoyable and beneficial, and/or viewed their identity as related to being active, were more likely to participate in regular leisure time physical activity. Findings provided insight into the experiences, perspectives and needs of older men related to physical activity and the ageing body.

Abstract P258: Physical Activity Attenuates the Impact of Obesity on Cardiometabolic Risk: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

Background: The impact of higher physical activity on the relationship between adiposity and cardiometabolic risk is not completely understood. Methods: The cross-sectional association between body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic risk stratified by intentional physical activity was examined in 6814 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants, during 2000-2002. Self-reported physical activity in the lowest quartile (0-105 MET-minutes/wk) was categorized as inactive with the upper three quartiles (123-37,260 MET-minutes/wk) categorized as active. The association of BMI categories of normal-weight, overweight and obese stratified by physical activity status (inactive or active) with cardiometabolic risk factors (low HDL-cholesterol [&lt;50 mg/dL], high triglycerides [TG] [≥200 mg/dl], hypertension [HTN] [BP ≥140/90 or current treatment], insulin resistance [highest quartile of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR)], and impaired fasting glucose [IFG] [≥100 mg/dl]/diabetes mellitus [DM]) were assessed using logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and current smoking. Results: As expected, overweight and obese participants had a more abnormal risk profile. Among obese participants, those with increased physical activity had reduced odds of insulin resistance (47% lower; p&lt;0.001) and IFG/DM (23% lower; p=0.04). Increased physical activity had a beneficial, but more modest effect on other traditional CVD risk factors ( Table ). Conclusion: A beneficial impact of physical activity on cardiometabolic risk was observed that partially attenuated the abnormal impact of obesity. Odds ratio (95% CI) for cardiometabolic abnormality by BMI-PA category Low-HDL High-TG HTN HOMA-IR IFG/DM Normal Active 1.0 (reference) 1.0 (reference) 1.0 (reference) 1.0 (reference) 1.0 (reference) Normal Inactive 1.3 (1.0-1.7) 1.4 (0.9-2.1) 1.1 (0.8-1.4) 1.1 (0.7-1.7) 1.0 (0.7-1.4) Overweight Active 1.9 (1.6-2.2) 2.1 (1.6-2.6) 1.5 (1.3-1.8) 3.2 (2.5-4.2) 2.1 (1.7-2.5) Overweight Inactive 2.5 (2.0-3.1) 2.0 (1.5-2.8) 1.5 (1.2-1.9) 3.8 (2.8-5.2) 2.1 (1.6-2.7) Obese Active 2.9 (2.4-3.7) 2.5 (1.9-3.4) 2.2 (1.8-2.7) 7.6 (5.6-10.2) 3.4 (2.7-4.4) Obese Inactive 3.1 (2.4-4.1) 2.7 (1.9-3.8) 2.5 (2.0-3.3) 14.3 (10.3-19.7) 4.4 (3.4-5.9)

Tailored E-Mails in the Workplace

Employee wellness programs can potentially contribute to a stronger and healthier work force, with increased dexterity and positive mental health. Programs that keep the work force physically active can reduce heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular accident, and workplace injury. The occupational health nurse provides information to motivate employees to take the first step toward an active lifestyle. The purpose of this article is to present the qualitative evaluation results of an intervention study that tested the effectiveness of tailored e-mail communications designed to increase intentional physical activity in a group of manufacturing workers. The increase in overall physical activity demonstrates the effectiveness of the workplace interventions. Research will now strengthen theoretical concepts, refine messages, and increase both the dose and the power of the interventions.

Tailored E-Mails in the Workplace

Employee wellness programs can potentially contribute to a stronger and healthier work force, with increased dexterity and positive mental health. Programs that keep the work force physically active can reduce heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cerebrovascular accident, and workplace injury. The occupational health nurse provides information to motivate employees to take the first step toward an active lifestyle. The purpose of this article is to present the qualitative evaluation results of an intervention study that tested the effectiveness of tailored e-mail communications designed to increase intentional physical activity in a group of manufacturing workers. The increase in overall physical activity demonstrates the effectiveness of the workplace interventions. Research will now strengthen theoretical concepts, refine messages, and increase both the dose and the power of the interventions.

Should resistance exercise be recommended during breast cancer treatment?

Epidemiological evidence has pointed to the benefits of physical activity in reducing breast cancer risk, which in turn has prompted the American Cancer Society (ACS) to make specific recommendations for adopting a life style of physical activity as a guideline for cancer protection. There is also evidence for benefits of physical activity during and after cancer treatments of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The ACS recommendations for exercise as prevention and for exercise during/after cancer treatment are the same: "that adults engage in at least 30 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity, above usual activities, on 5 or more days of the week; 45-60 min of intentional physical activity are preferable." These recommendations suggest participation in aerobic types of physical activity (e.g. brisk walking, biking). Effects of resistance exercise were not addressed specifically by the ACS but have been found to increase lean body mass in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Also, many women preferred resistance exercise over aerobic exercise during breast cancer treatment. In response to strenuous resistance exercise, however, muscle satellite (progenitor) cells are activated to reenter the cell cycle and proliferate. Satellite cells can then contribute their nuclear material into the fiber to facilitate muscle repair, regeneration, and hypertrophy. Cancer therapy damages rapidly dividing cells and thus has the potential to target satellite cells that enter into the cell cycle. Although satellite cells are self-renewing, they are not completely replenished over the lifespan so losses in this progenitor population via resistance exercise and cancer therapy may impair the maintenance of muscle mass with aging. Before recommending resistance training during breast cancer treatment, we must have more information about cancer treatment effects on activated satellite cells in human studies.

Implicit Attitudes and Explicit Motivation Prospectively Predict Physical Activity

Contemporary approaches to physical activity motivation and promotion focus on explicit motivational processes which regulate intentional physical activity. Less is known about the role of implicit processes, which may be instrumental in regulating habitual aspects of unintentional (i.e., incidental) physical activity (PA). To test the proposition that the routine nature of unintentional PA makes it amenable to control by implicit processes. Participants (N = 201) completed measures of explicit motivation (i.e., efficacy beliefs, outcome expectations, behavioral intentions, perceived behavioral control) and implicit attitudes toward physical activity, and then wore a pedometer for 1 week. Implicit attitudes positively predicted PA after controlling for well-established predictors of intentional physical activity. PA motivation involves both explicit and implicit processes, and PA promotion efforts may be enhanced by attending to relevant implicit motivation processes.

The Effect of Tailored E-mails in the Workplace

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact tailored e-mail messages, based on participants' identified needs, have on intentional physical activity. A quasi-experimental design (two groups, repeated measures) in a population of manufacturing workers (73 employees from two distribution plants of a multi-national manufacturer) was used. Significant differences were found between contemplation-staged participants in the intervention and the comparison groups. In the intervention group, 53.3% of the workers moved forward, as opposed to 19.2% in the comparison group (medium effect size = 0.353). Although both the intervention group and the comparison group increased their number of steps, the comparison group's improvement was most likely attributed to a Hawthorne effect. These results are highly promising given the small sample size and limited “dose.” The intervention is one most industries could feasibly implement. Such efforts have the potential to significantly impact public health.