Pilot Physical Activity Research Articles

Process Evaluation of a Pilot Physical Activity and Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum Implemented in a Summer Care Program for Child and Adolescent Girls

Process Evaluation of a Pilot Physical Activity and Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum Implemented in a Summer Care Program for Child and Adolescent Girls

Every Day Counts- a Randomized Nutrition and Physical Activity Pilot Intervention for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Every Day Counts- a Randomized Nutrition and Physical Activity Pilot Intervention for Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Black Girls as Transformative Leaders in Physical Activity Programs

Background: Black adolescent girls possess a unique ability to inspire and enact change in their communities, yet are overlooked in discussions of leadership and empowerment. Coupled with deficit approaches to school-based physical activity programming, positioning Black girls as physical activity leaders is missing from practice. BLinG-HealthTM (Black Leadership in Girls’ Health) trained peer leaders in group fitness instruction instrumental in delivering group fitness sessions in an 8-week after-school physical activity pilot program. Methods and Analysis: This paper presents the qualitative data illustrating the program's impact on Black girls leading peers in a group fitness setting using general inductive narrative analysis based on group interviews, observations, reflection notes, and faculty leadership testimonials. Results: Participants exuded community, collaboration, and confidence. Peer leadership was effective but differed. Girls recognized the program's benefits and challenges while enjoying it. Conclusion: Black girls can lead physical activity initiatives when allowed to do so while building a community. Researchers and school and community activists should empower Black girls to lead physical activity programs to foster better health outcomes.

Feasibility and preliminary effects of the Fit2ThriveMB pilot physical activity promotion intervention on physical activity and patient reported outcomes in individuals with metastatic breast cancer.

Physical activity research among patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is limited. This study examined the feasibility and potential benefits of Fit2ThriveMB, a tailored mHealth intervention. Insufficiently active individuals with MBC (n = 49) were randomized 1:1 to Fit2ThriveMB (Fit2ThriveMB app, Fitbit, and weekly coaching calls) or Healthy Lifestyle attention control (Cancer.Net app and weekly calls) for 12weeks. Fit2ThriveMB aimed to increase daily steps via an algorithm tailored to daily symptom rating and step goal attainment. The primary outcome was feasibility defined as ≥ 80% completion rate. Secondary feasibility metrics included meeting daily step goal and wearing the Fitbit ≥ 70% of study days, fidelity, adherence to intervention features and safety. Secondary outcomes included physical activity, sedentary time, patient reported outcomes (PROs), health-related quality of life (QOL) and social cognitive theory constructs. A subsample (n = 25) completed functional performance tests via video conferencing. The completion rate was 98% (n = 1 died). No related adverse events were reported. Fit2ThriveMB participants (n = 24) wore the Fitbit 92.7%, met their step goal 53.1%, set a step goal 84.6% and used the app 94.1% of 84 study days. Intent-to-treat analyses indicated trends toward improvements in activity, QOL, and some PROs, social cognitive theory constructs, and functional performance tests favoring the Fit2ThriveMB group. Significant effects favoring Fit2ThriveMB were observed for self-efficacy and goal-setting. However, some PROs and functional performance improvements favored the control group (p-values > 0.05). Fit2ThriveMB is feasible and safe for patients with MBC and warrants further evaluation in randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes. Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04129346, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04129346.

Intervention Satisfaction and Feasibility of the Active Children Through In-Home, Web-Based Physical Activity (ACTIWEB-PA)Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial in Children.

We assessed feasibility and satisfaction of the Active Children Through In-Home Web-Based Physical Activity pilot trial, delivering a web-based movement integration intervention to children. Eighty-two children (8-11y), insufficiently active, were randomly assigned to either exercise intervention (n = 41) or wait-list control (n = 41). The intervention involved 20-minute exercise videos, 5 times weekly for 12weeks, using the UNICEF Kid Power website at home. Feasibility metrics included recruitment (target: 70%), retention (target: 80%), adherence rates, and satisfaction assessed through surveys and interviews. Retention rate-1 was percentage completing posttest surveys, and retention rate-2 was percentage completing posttest accelerometry. Parent logs assessed adherence. Recruitment, retention-1, and retention-2 rates were 73.6%, 93.9%, and 80.5%, respectively. The intervention group had 5 dropouts; wait-list control had none. Sixty-nine percent showed high intervention adherence. Parents consistently expressed satisfaction, finding the intervention enjoyable and beneficial. Although children initially provided positive reviews, their interest declined over time, with increasing expressions of monotony. Suggestions to increase novelty and incorporate a social component were made by participants. The intervention was also found to be particularly useful during inclement weather. Active Children Through In-Home Web-Based Physical Activity trial exceeded feasibility targets of recruitment and retention and achieved moderate overall adherence. Future trials should emphasize novelty and peer participation for improved adherence and satisfaction.

Evaluation of a pilot physical activity intervention for children with ADHD symptoms and reading difficulties

AbstractPhysical activity (PA) benefits children's cognition, in particular executive functions (EF). Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Reading Difficulties (RD) and co‐occurring ADHD/RD have low levels of PA and difficulties with EF. This study evaluated a PA programme to determine recruitment, attrition, feasibility (e.g. in‐school or after‐school hours), intensity of PA during the programme and effect sizes. Outcomes evaluated were EF, academic attainment and social and emotional behaviour. Sixty‐nine children (35 males) aged 7–13 years participated in a delayed control design. The sample comprised 15 children with RD, 15 with high levels of ADHD symptoms, 15 with co‐occurring RD and ADHD symptoms and 24 typically developing children. Thirty‐one of the participants took part in a 12 week PA intervention designed to enhance cognition and 38 acted as a control group. The control group subsequently received the intervention and data was combined for analysis. The study was successful in recruiting participants for the intervention; more success was observed for in‐school than after‐school hours. Participants spent 46% (SD = 14) of the intervention in Moderate‐to‐Vigorous intensity PA (MVPA). A significant effect of time‐point (pre‐ vs. post‐intervention) was found for inhibition and visuospatial working memory (η2 = 0.11 and 0.18 respectively). There was no interaction with symptomatology though; all groups had higher scores on EF tasks after the intervention. It is possible to recruit and retain participants with ADHD symptoms and reading difficulties to a school‐based PA programme and adherence to measurements was good. Taking part in the programme may improve inhibition and visuospatial working memory and reduce symptomatology suggesting this is a potential source of remediation which should be explored.

Use of the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model to Pilot an Occupational Physical Activity Intervention: Tailored Through a Community Partnership.

Healthcare and social assistance workers are at increased risk for obesity. This industry has limited access to workplace health promotion resources and reports low rates of physical activity programs for workers. This article describes the application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model (PPM) to plan, implement, and evaluate a pilot physical activity intervention, Project Move, tailored to promote occupational physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors among female workers. Actions taken by the community-based participatory research partnership assisted in the identification of the predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors that influenced the physical activity behaviors of female workers. The resources and capacities of the partnership were leveraged to implement and evaluate the pilot intervention. After the 12-week intervention, the participants' daily average steps while at work met the recommended minimum 7,000 steps/day, and the time spent sitting decreased along with positive changes in health-related psychosocial measures. The PPM represents a feasible approach for community-based participatory partnerships to create a tailored intervention to address the occupational physical activity and sedentary behaviors of at-risk female healthcare and social assistance workforce.

Results Of A Home-based, Promotora-led Pilot Physical Activity Intervention With Latino Preschoolers And Their Mothers

Purpose: Latino children have higher rates of childhood obesity compared to preschool-aged children of other race/ethnicity groups. Community health workers (promotores) have been effective in improving health knowledge and behaviors in Latino adults. Few studies, however, have reported on the effectiveness of promotor-led interventions on physical activity (PA) changes in young Latino children and their parents. This study investigated the preliminary effectiveness of a 7-week, home-based, promotora-led pilot intervention with Latino preschool children and their families. Methods: One Spanish-speaking adult Latina trained as a promotora, recruited Latino families in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania via word-of-mouth and flyers. Families participated in a 7-week, theory-based PA program led by the promotora in their homes. Baseline and follow-up measures included child and parent objectively-measured PA (ActiGraph GT3X) and a parent survey. T-tests and Fisher’s Exact tests were completed in StataSE 17 to assess change in time spent in total PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and parental support and self-efficacy. Results: The sample included 8 mothers (37.4 ± 1.42 years, 100% female) and 8 children (4 ± 0.27 years, 87.5% female). The mothers were 1st generation immigrants primarily from Mexico with low acculturation, 62.5% college education and 62.5% employed. Child total PA did not change significantly (baseline: 21.8 ± 2.2 min/hr, follow-up: 23.9 ± 1.4 min/hr, p = 0.90), nor did MVPA (baseline: 6.1 ± 1.06 min/hr, follow-up: 6.5 ± 0.77 min/hr, p = 0.65). Similarly, parent total PA and MVPA did not change significantly (total PA baseline: 25.4 ± 2.1 min/hr, follow-up: 26.6 ± 2.1 min/hr, p = 0.85; MVPA baseline: 1.6 ± 0.46 min/hr, follow-up: 1.4 ± 0.33 min/hr, p = 0.27). While not significant, a greater proportion of parents reported support for child PA and self-efficacy from baseline to follow-up. Conclusions: While there were no statistically significant PA changes following the 7-week pilot intervention, there was evidence of changes to the home social environment to promote healthy PA. Future research with larger, appropriately powered sample sizes are necessary to continue investigating the effectiveness of a promotora-led home-based intervention with Latino preschoolers and their families.

O4-3 An evaluation of the Time to Move workplace physical activity intervention

BackgroundWorkplace physical activity interventions have shown positive outcomes for employee health, productivity and absenteeism (1,2). However, the majority prescribe the duration and/or type of activity to be undertaken. In response to strong public opinion that employers should do more to improve the health of their workforce, Public Health Wales, the public health agency for Wales, developed a 12-month pilot physical activity initiative - Time to Move (TTM). TTM allowed participants to use one hour/week (pro rata) of paid work time for any physical activity. We evaluated TTM to understand its impact and identify learning.MethodsUsing pre-experimental time series design, data were collected from participating employees: baseline (June-August 2018), mid-initiative (December 2018) and at 12-months (June-August 2019). Using validated scales where possible, questionnaires recorded: physical activity (MET-minutes/week), general health (0, poor-100, good), mental well-being (SWEMWBS), job satisfaction (1, very dissatisfied-5, very satisfied) and demographics. Biometric measures (baseline, 12-months) included Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure. Analyses used descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and generalized linear modelling. Focus groups explored participants' perceptions of TTM, analysed thematically.Results542 participants completed all measures (63.1% of baseline). Compared to baseline, at 12-months 57.7% reported increased physical activity (30.6% decreased; 11.6% no change) with 75.3% meeting UK activity guidelines (58.8% baseline). Those with the lowest levels of physical activity at baseline (n = 223) increased their weekly moderate activity by > 2.5 hours, whilst those with moderate activity (n = 269) increased by 58 minutes/week. A small improvement was reported in mental well-being (mean scores; 22.4 baseline, 23.2 12-months), with participants with low mental well-being at baseline improving the most. Self-reported health and job satisfaction also improved. However, BMI and blood pressure changes were non-meaningful. Employee attitudes to TTM were positive. Organisational support was a motivating factor for participation, with competing demands a barrier.ConclusionsThe provision of paid time to engage in physical activity can improve employee health and well-being. TTM provides an example of how organisations can promote physical activity and change workplace culture. However, further research should explore the long-term impact of the intervention, including the potential impact of COVID-19-related restrictions.

Development of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention Using an Integrated Approach: Project SMART.

Physical activity (PA) is a health-protective factor with multiple benefits for school-age children, yet only 22% of children and adolescents living in the United States (United States) accrue the recommended amount of moderate to vigorous PA. Given the prevalence of insufficient PA among children, promoting and providing PA opportunities during the school day, especially when integrated into the curriculum and linked to the learning standards, is essential for children. The purpose of this paper is to describe the procedure for the development of a school-based PA program using an integrated approach through the modified intervention mapping protocol (IMP). A total of 22 physical education teachers and 167 children from five different elementary schools were involved in the process. The procedure includes the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) that provides a theoretical framework that plays a vital role in motivating students to have a physically active lifestyle. This study applied SDT and IMP to develop and pilot a PA intervention called Project SMART using an integrative community participatory approach. As a pilot PA intervention, Project SMART is an online educational game where the students navigate a virtual journey across the United States A class’s aggregate PA propels the students on their journey, where standards-based modules are unlocked to achieve STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and social-emotional learning outcomes while gaining an understanding of the importance of health behaviors and opportunities to habitually engage in healthy decision-making with the support of their peers. Although initially labor intensive for the researchers, the process of tailoring the intervention to the children’s contextual and cultural needs has implications for all theoretically grounded and evidence-based PA interventions.

Abstract P173: Physical Activity In Relation To Fasting And Post-meal Blood Glucose In Pregnant Women With Diabetes

Introduction: Pregnant women with diabetes often show low levels of physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SED). Longitudinal studies with objective measures are needed to understand the relationships of daily PA with daily and next-day blood glucose (BG). Hypothesis: Increased steps or moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and decreased SED are linked with lower post-meal BG and next day fasting BG in pregnant women. Methods: Participants were 10 pregnant women with diabetes [mean age= 29.3 (SD= 3.6); mean gestational age= 21.9 (SD= 3.9); 90% (9 of 10) Latina] enrolled in a 12-week pilot PA intervention. Participants self-reported demographic and BG data (morning fasting BG, up to 3 daily post-meal BGs). Steps, MVPA (mins/day), and SED (mins/day) were measured using a Fitbit Alta HR. Participants had on average 49 (range: 21 to 77) days with valid PA and BG data, for a total of 469 observations. Multi-level models (MLMs) were fit to examine mean and day-level effects of steps, MVPA, and SED on post-meal and next-day fasting BG after adjusting for age, gestational age, education, and participant mean PA or SED. Due to the small sample size, effect sizes are emphasized in results instead of statistical significance. Results: The mean post-meal BG was 122.5 mg/dL and mean fasting BG was 92.81 mg/dL. After adjustment, an increase of mean steps by 1000 was linked to a lower mean post-meal BG by 11.79 mg/dL (p=0.22) and fasting BG by 7.26 mg/dL (p=0.54), though neither between effect was statistically significant. The within-individual effects of daily steps on post-meal and fasting BG were very small and non-significant (b=-1.78; p=0.59; b=0.72; p=0.30, respectively). A 1-minute increase in mean MVPA was associated with a slight increase in mean post-meal BG by 1.53 mg/dL (p=0.07). The within-individual effect of daily MVPA on daily post-meal BG was negligible and non-significant (b=-0.39, p=0.51). Between-individual effects showed SED had small, positive, non-significant associations with post-meal BG. Specifically, per 60-minute mean SED increase, mean post-meal BG increased by 1.02 mg/dL (p=0.44). Within-individual daily SED increases of 60 minutes were associated with increases of 1.87 mg/dL (p=0.63) in daily post-meal BG. MVPA and SED were not associated with fasting BG. Conclusions: Greater mean steps were linked to lower post-meal and fasting BG while greater SED and MVPA were linked to greater post-meal BG. However, within individual daily increases in MVPA and decreases in SED, were protective for post-meal BG, while controlling for individual mean MVPA and SED. Most effect sizes were small and results were not statistically significant in part due to the small sample size. Participants generally had well-controlled post-meal and fasting BGs, so results may not be generalizable to larger populations.

MHealth to Improve Emergent Frailty after Lung Transplantation

Purpose Post-transplant frailty is a risk factor for poorer health-related quality of life, rehospitalization, and death. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a remote mHealth-supported physical activity pilot intervention to treat frailty in lung transplant recipients following discharge from their index hospitalization. Methods We screened lung transplant recipients for frailty at the time of discharge at the University of Pennsylvania and UC San Francisco. Frailty was defined as a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score ≤7 and pre-frail as 8-9 (range 0-12, higher scores reflect less frailty). The primary intervention modality was Aidcube, a customizable app-based platform for home-based pulmonary rehabilitation providing personalized exercise prescriptions, for 8 weeks post-discharge. The primary aims included tolerability, feasibility, and acceptability of use of the mHealth platform. Additional outcome measures were changes in SPPB score and in scores of physical activity and disability measured using the DASI and LT-VLA. Results No adverse events were reported across the 18 study subjects throughout the 152 subject-week study time. Several themes emerged from weekly subject feedback. Subjects reported that the app was easy to use and that usability improved over time. Subjects also found that app use enhanced motivation to engage in post-transplant rehabilitation. Comments also highlighted the complexities of rehabilitation after lung transplant surgery, including level of functional decline, pain, tremor, and fatigue. At the end of the intervention, SPPB scores improved a median of 5 points (IQR 4, 7; p Conclusion Utilization of a personalized, app-based rehabilitation platform with participant-specific exercise prescriptions was safe and well received by post-lung transplant recipients. Remote rehabilitation was associated with improvements in frailty, physical activity and disability. Future studies should further evaluate mHealth treatment modalities in larger-scale randomized trials of lung transplant recipients.

A Process Evaluation Examining the Performance, Adherence, and Acceptability of a Physical Activity and Diet Artificial Intelligence Virtual Health Assistant

Artificial intelligence virtual health assistants are a promising emerging technology. This study is a process evaluation of a 12-week pilot physical activity and diet program delivered by virtual assistant “Paola”. This single-arm repeated measures study (n = 28, aged 45–75 years) was evaluated on technical performance (accuracy of conversational exchanges), engagement (number of weekly check-ins completed), adherence (percentage of step goal and recommended food servings), and user feedback. Paola correctly asked scripted questions and responded to participants during the check-ins 97% and 96% of the time, respectively, but correctly responded to spontaneous exchanges only 21% of the time. Participants completed 63% of weekly check-ins and conducted a total of 3648 exchanges. Mean dietary adherence was 91% and was lowest for discretionary foods, grains, red meat, and vegetables. Participants met their step goal 59% of the time. Participants enjoyed the program and found Paola useful during check-ins but not for spontaneous exchanges. More in-depth knowledge, personalized advice and spontaneity were identified as important improvements. Virtual health assistants should ensure an adequate knowledge base and ability to recognize intents and entities, include personality and spontaneity, and provide ongoing technical troubleshooting of the virtual assistant to ensure the assistant remains effective.

Gentle Physical Activity Intervention Led by Caregivers in a Medicaid Home Care Program: Do Outcomes Differ Between Family and Nonfamily Caregiving Dyads?

Background and ObjectivesCaregiving dyads are fertile contexts for health promotion such as physical activity. However, previous physical activity interventions in caregiving dyads paid limited attention to care recipients’ outcomes and rarely involved paid caregivers. Home care aides (HCAs) provide nonmedical care for older family members or nonfamily clients in publicly funded home care programs in the United States. This study examined whether family and nonfamily HCA–client dyads differed in the outcomes of a 4-month gentle physical activity pilot program led by HCAs in a Medicaid home care program.Design and MethodsA single-group prepost design was used to assess changes in clients’ function (self-reported and performance-based) and process outcomes (exercise-related social support provided by HCAs) in 18 family and 32 nonfamily HCA–client dyads. Repeated measures analysis controlled for clients’ demographic and health characteristics. Clients’ and HCAs’ motivation to continue the program beyond the intervention period was examined using quantitative and qualitative data.ResultsClient outcomes and exercise-related social support provided by HCAs improved, especially in nonfamily dyads. Both family and nonfamily dyads had high levels of motivation to continue the program, supporting the program’s sustainability for both clients and HCAs.Discussion and ImplicationsEmpowering HCAs to engage in health promoting activities with their clients is a promising strategy to improve the lives of caregiving dyads.

The feasibility of a physical activity intervention for adults within routine diabetes care: a process evaluation

AbstractPhysical activity is an important factor in diabetes management but is rarely implemented within routine diabetes care. The purpose of this process evaluation was to explore the feasibility of a 12‐month pilot physical activity consultation intervention delivered for adults within routine diabetes care.A 12‐month pilot physical activity consultation intervention was delivered, including face‐to‐face consultations at baseline, and at six and 12 months. Additional brief consultations were conducted monthly between baseline and six months via telephone, email or face‐to‐face. Consultations were led by a physical activity consultant trained and experienced in health psychology and lifestyle behaviour change. Multiple process evaluation measures were conducted including: interviews; email communication; online survey; and intervention session summaries. Additional outcomes explored participant characteristics (n = 89), attendance, adherence and the feasibility of collecting measurable outcomes for physical activity, BMI, HbA1c and psychological wellbeing. Appropriate methods and outcomes were used to facilitate implementation in a ‘real‐life’ setting, as opposed to typical research settings.The intervention was feasible with high protocol fidelity, adoption by staff, and positive participant feedback. The role of ‘champions’ (consultant diabetologist and two health psychologists) was identified as a key factor in the positive evaluation of the intervention. Three changes were made to the intervention to address the complex support needs of the sample. Challenges were identified with collecting questionnaire data within the time allocation of consultations. Although not reaching statistical significance, findings suggest improvements in physical activity levels, BMI and several aspects of psychological wellbeing.It was concluded that physical activity consultation is a feasible method of promoting physical activity to adults with diabetes in routine diabetes care. The challenge lies in the translation of physical activity interventions for everyday practice while balancing the need for measurable outcomes with effective delivery. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.

Changes in Physical Activity Barriers among American Indian Elders: A Pilot Study​

The objective of the present study was to assess whether selfreported physical activity barriers could be reduced among American Indian elders who participated in a 6-week randomized physical activity trial that compared the use of a pedometer only to that of pedometers with step-count goal setting. Elders (N = 32) were compared on the Barriers to Being Physically Active Quiz after participating in a pilot physical activity trial. Elders were classified into high- and low-barrier groups at baseline and compared on self-reported physical activity, health-related quality of life, pedometer step counts, and 6-minute walk performance. At the conclusion of the 6-week trial, only the lack of willpower subscale significantly decreased. The low-barrier group reported significantly higher physical activity engagement and improved mental health quality of life than the high-barrier group. The groups did not differ on daily step counts or 6-minute walk performance. Additional research is needed with a larger sample to understand relevant activity barriers in this population and assess whether they can be modified through participation in structured physical activity and exercise programs.

Changes in Physical Activity Barriers among American Indian Elders: A Pilot Study​.

The objective of the present study was to assess whether selfreported physical activity barriers could be reduced among American Indian elders who participated in a 6-week randomized physical activity trial that compared the use of a pedometer only to that of pedometers with step-count goal setting. Elders (N = 32) were compared on the Barriers to Being Physically Active Quiz after participating in a pilot physical activity trial. Elders were classified into high- and low-barrier groups at baseline and compared on self-reported physical activity, health-related quality of life, pedometer step counts, and 6-minute walk performance. At the conclusion of the 6-week trial, only the lack of willpower subscale significantly decreased. The low-barrier group reported significantly higher physical activity engagement and improved mental health quality of life than the high-barrier group. The groups did not differ on daily step counts or 6-minute walk performance. Additional research is needed with a larger sample to understand relevant activity barriers in this population and assess whether they can be modified through participation in structured physical activity and exercise programs.

Recruiting Adolescent Research Participants: In-Person Compared to Social Media Approaches.

Recruiting adolescent participants for research is challenging. The purpose of this study was to compare traditional in-person recruitment methods to social media recruitment. We recruited adolescents aged 14-18 years for a pilot physical activity intervention study, including a wearable physical activity tracking device and a Facebook group. Participants were recruited (a) in person from a local high school and an adolescent medicine clinic and (b) through social media, including Facebook targeted ads, sponsored tweets on Twitter, and a blog post. Data collected included total exposure (i.e., reach), engagement (i.e., interaction), and effectiveness. Effectiveness included screening and enrollment for each recruitment method, as well as time and resources spent on each recruitment method. In-person recruitment reached a total of 297 potential participants of which 37 enrolled in the study. Social media recruitment reached a total of 34,272 potential participants of which 8 enrolled in the study. Social media recruitment methods utilized an average of 1.6 hours of staff time and cost an average of $40.99 per participant enrolled, while in-person recruitment methods utilized an average of 0.75 hours of staff time and cost an average of $19.09 per participant enrolled. Social media recruitment reached more potential participants, but the cost per participant enrolled was higher compared to traditional methods. Studies need to consider benefits and downsides of traditional and social media recruitment methods based on study goals and population.

Lessons Learned About Motivation From a Pilot Physical Activity Intervention for African American Men.

African American men are less likely than White men to meet physical activity recommendations, and few physical activity interventions have focused on the unique needs of African American men. Because health is not more important to men than fulfilling the role of a provider or other socially important roles, one of the biggest challenges in creating interventions for African American men is helping them identify reasons that they should prioritize both health and life goals. In a recent pilot physical activity intervention for 30- to 70-year-old African American men, we used self-determination theory and motivational interviewing principles to create worksheets that helped men identify their core values and life goals and asked them to describe how their values and goals were related to health and physical activity. We used basic statistics and thematic analysis to identify and examine key sources of motivation for men to be healthier and more physically active. We found that being healthy, a good Christian, a good spouse/partner, disciplined, and successful were among men's most important life goals. This article highlights a strategy for identifying key sources of motivation in African American men's lives and key themes that can be used in to enhance future interventions.

Men on the Move-Nashville: Feasibility and Acceptability of a Technology-Enhanced Physical Activity Pilot Intervention for Overweight and Obese Middle and Older Age African American Men.

Men on the Move-Nashville was a quasi-experimental, 10-week pilot physical activity intervention. A total of 40 overweight or obese African American men ages 30 to 70 (mean age = 47) enrolled in the intervention. Participants attended 8 weekly, 90-minute small group sessions with a certified personal trainer. Each session consisted of discussions aimed to educate and motivate men to be more physically active, and an exercise component aimed to increase endurance, strength, and flexibility. Throughout each week, men used wearable activity trackers to promote self-monitoring and received informational and motivational SMS text messages. Of the 40 enrolled men, 85% completed the intervention, and 80% attended four or more small group sessions. Additionally, 70% of participants successfully used the activity tracker, but only 30% of men utilized their gym memberships. Participants benefited from both the small group discussions and activities through increasing social connection and guidance from their trainer and group members. These African American men reported being motivated to engage in physical activity through each of these technologies. Men reported that the activity trackers provided an important extension to their social network of physically active people. The intervention resulted in significant increases in men's self-reported levels of light, moderate, vigorous, and sports-related physical activities, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and significant decreases in weight and body fat percentage with small, moderate and large effects shown. Including technology and didactic components in small group-based interventions holds promise in motivating African American men to increase their physical activity.