Physical Activity Self-efficacy Research Articles

The biobehavioural pain and movement questionnaire (BioPMovQ): development and psychometric validation of a new questionnaire

ObjectiveThe purpose of this research was to design and psychometrically validate a new instrument (the Biobehavioural Pain and Movement Questionnaire/BioPMovQ), which assesses the relationship between pain and various factors related to motor behaviour from a biobehavioural perspective.MethodsA mixed-method design combining a qualitative study with an observational and cross-sectional study was employed to develop (content validity) and psychometrically validate (construct validity, reliability and concurrent/discriminant validity) a new instrument. A total of 200 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain were recruited.ResultsAccording to the exploratory factor analysis, the final version of the BioPMovQ consists of 16 items distributed across 4 subscales (1, disability, 2, self-efficacy for physical activity; 3, movement avoidance behaviours; and 4, self-perceived functional ability), all with an eigen value greater than 1, explaining 55.79% of the variance. The BioPMovQ showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.82; McDonald’s ω = 0.83). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.76 to 0.91), which was considered to demonstrate excellent test–retest reliability. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were 3.43 and 8.04 points, respectively. No floor or ceiling effects were identified. There was a positive, significant and moderate magnitude correlation with the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (r = 0.54), kinesiophobia (r = 0.60), pain catastrophising (r = 0.44) and chronic pain self-efficacy (r = −0.31).ConclusionThe BioPMovQ showed good psychometric properties. Based on the findings of this study, the BioPMovQ can be used in research and clinical practice to assess patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Enhancing physical activity participation among female employees: evaluating the effectiveness of an educational intervention.

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the transtheoretical model aimed at increasing physical activity (PA) participation among female employees in Bandar Abbas city (Iran) healthcare centers in December 2017 and August 2018. Using a semi-experimental interventional study design with a randomized and multi-stage method, 100 participants were included in both the intervention (n=50) and control groups (n=50). Data collection involved questionnaires assessing demographic information (age, gender, marital status and education), stages of change in PA behavior, Perceived Benefits, Barriers and Self-efficacy. The data were analyzed using SPSS-16, employing both descriptive (mean, SD, frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics (t-tests, chi-squared tests, etc.). Prior to the educational intervention, 19 participants (0.38%) in the intervention group engaged consistently in PA (stages 4-5). After 3 and 6 months of intervention, these numbers increased to 29 (0.58%) and 25 (0.50%), respectively. This improvement was statistically significant compared to the pre-intervention stage (P<0.001). The findings highlight the importance of theory-based behavior change models and health education programs in promoting PA and combating sedentary lifestyles. Although focused on a specific population in Bandar Abbas, the intervention can serve as a model for similar programs targeting diverse social classes and populations.

Indicators of Dietary Behavior and Physical Activity Change Associated with Metabolic Control of Obesity, Hypertension, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Mexican Adults: National Nutrition and Health Survey in Mexico, 2016.

Introduction: Obesity (OB), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), and hypertension (HTN) are health issues in Mexico linked to unhealthy behaviors. This study investigates the relationship between behavior change indicators and metabolic control in Mexican adults with OB, T2D, and HTN. Methods: We used data from the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey Midway (ENSANUT MC-2016), representing ∼59.5 million Mexican adults aged 20-59 with these conditions. We assessed behavior change indicators, including stages of change, self-efficacy, and perceptions of benefits and barriers. In addition, we conducted descriptive analyses and used statistical tests, such as Pearson's chi-squared test and logistic regression models, adjusted for multiple variables. Results: We found that adults in the action and maintenance stages of physical activity (PA) were four times more likely to have adequate HTN control than those in the precontemplation stage. Self-efficacy for PA was related to better control in T2D and HTN. Self-efficacy for reducing the consumption of sugary beverages was positively associated with control in OB and T2D. No significant association was observed with self-efficacy for consuming fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: Behavior-change indicators are significantly linked to metabolic control in adults with HTN. These results support the importance of these indicators in managing chronic diseases such as HTN and their potential use in public health strategies.

Baseline higher hair cortisol moderated some effects in a healthy lifestyle intervention

Children and families from socioeconomically marginalized background experience high levels of stress, especially persistent chronic stress, due to unstable housing, employment, and food insecurity. Although consistent evidence supports a stress-obesity connection, little research has examined the potential moderation role of stress in childhood obesity interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how chronic stress (hair cortisol) moderated the effects of a healthy lifestyle intervention on improving behavioral and anthropometric outcomes among 95 socioeconomically marginalized parent-child dyads. Data were collected in a cluster randomized controlled trial with 10 Head Start childcare centers being randomized into intervention and control. The child sample (3–5 years old) included 57.9 % female, 12.6 % Hispanic, and 40.0 % Black. For the parents, 91.6 % were female, 8.4 % were Hispanic, 36.8 % were Black, and 56.8 % were single. Parent baseline hair cortisol significantly moderated the intervention effects on child fruit intake (B = -1.56, p = .030) and parent nutrition self-efficacy (B = 1.49, p = .027). Specifically, higher parent hair cortisol lowered the increases in child fruit intake but improved the increases in parent nutrition self-efficacy in the intervention group compared to control group. Child higher baseline hair cortisol was significantly associated with the decreases in child fruit intake (B = -0.60, p = .025). Child baseline hair cortisol significantly moderated the intervention effects on parent physical activity (PA) self-efficacy (B = -1.04, p = .033) and PA parental support (B = -0.50, p = .016), with higher child hair cortisol decreasing the improvement on these two outcomes in the intervention group compared to control group. Results from this study shed lights on the moderation role of chronic stress on impacting healthy lifestyle intervention effects. Although needing further investigation, the adverse effects of chronic stress on intervention outcomes should be considered when developing healthy lifestyle interventions for preschoolers and their families.

Protocol for a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions (MCII) to enhance the effectiveness of VA's MOVE! weight management program: WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) VA

IntroductionIntensive weight management programs are effective but often have low enrollment and high attrition. Lack of motivation is a key psychological barrier to enrollment, engagement, and weight loss. Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions (MCII) is a unique imagery technique that increases motivation for behavior change. We describe our study protocol to assess the efficacy and implementation of MCII to enhance the effectiveness of VA's MOVE! or TeleMOVE! weight management programs using a procedure called “WOOP” (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) for Veterans. We hypothesize that WOOP+MOVE! or TeleMOVE! (intervention) will lead to greater MOVE!/TeleMOVE! program engagment and consequently weight loss than MOVE!/TeleMOVE! alone (control). MethodVeterans are randomized to either the intervention or control. Both arms receive the either MOVE! or TeleMOVE! weight management programs. The intervention group receives an hour long WOOP training while the control group receives patient education. Both groups receive telephone follow up calls at 3 days, 4 weeks, and 2 months post-baseline. Eligible participants are Veterans (ages 18–70 years) with either obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and an obesity-associated co-morbidity. At baseline, 6 and 12 months, we assess weight, diet, physical activity in both groups. The primary outcome is mean percent weight change at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include changes in waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and dieting self-efficacy and engagement in regular physical activity. We assess implementation using the RE-AIM framework. ConclusionIf WOOP VA is found to be efficacious, it will be an important tool to facilitate weight management and improve weight outcomes.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05014984

Psychological correlates of physical activity among adults living in rural and urban settings.

Middle-aged and older adults living in rural settings have been consistently less likely to report regular physical activity (PA) than those living in urban settings. While past literature has identified sociodemographic and environmental correlates of PA that may contribute to these differences, consideration of psychological correlates has been limited. A total of 95 rural and urban adults ≥50 years old provided self-reported sociodemographic information, PA level, and psychological correlates of PA including measures assessing motivation, self-efficacy, social support, and attitudes related to PA. The average participant age was 68.6 years, and most were female (62.1%) and married (70.5%). While PA level did not differ significantly between the rural and urban groups, different psychological correlates contributed significantly to separate rural and urban linear regression models considering PA status. Among rural adults, more positive attitudes toward PA, and greater PA self-efficacy and social support were associated with greater amounts of PA while for urban adults, no psychological correlates were significantly associated with PA. Psychosocial factors may be key considerations in developing more effective PA interventions in middle-aged and older adults living in rural areas.

Abstract 2154: Actívatexto:Feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos. Twenty Latino adults who smoked and did not meet recommended levels of physical activity were recruited using community-based recruitment strategies. Participants received Actívatexto, a theory-based, culturally accommodated, 12-week text messaging intervention (available in English and Spanish) that promotes both smoking cessation and physical activity. Actívatexto integrates four components: 1) a text messaging program that promotes both smoking cessation and physical activity, 2) a wearable device to monitor physical activity, 3) an online dashboard where the research team manages participants’ incoming and outgoing data from both the text messaging program and wearable devices, and 4) smoking cessation pharmacotherapy (i.e., nicotine replacement therapies). We assessed self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence (not smoking any cigarettes in the past seven days) at Month 3, weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), pharmacotherapy adherence, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. At baseline, participants’ mean age was 47.3 years old (SD 16.0), 55% of participants were female, 80% had completed high school or lower educational level, and 60% indicated that Spanish was their language of preference. Most participants (75%) smoked 1-10 cigarettes daily, 35% smoked their first cigarette within five minutes after waking up, and 60% used menthol cigarettes. At Month 3, 14 participants (70%) self-reported 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence (90% follow-up rate). Fitbit-assessed mean minutes of MVPA per week increased from 113 (SD 127; range 0-399) at Week 1 to 177 (SD 163; range 0-513) at Month 3, although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.15). Sixteen participants (88.9%, 16/18) reported NRT use in the past 90 days. Mean scores of self-efficacy for smoking cessation increased from 31.2 (SD 10.6) at baseline to 47.8 (SD 13.0) at Month 3 (p&amp;lt;0.01). Mean scores of self-efficacy for physical activity increased from 12.3 (SD 3.9) at baseline to 14.6 (SD 4.4) at Month 3 (p=0.2). Most participants reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with the intervention (88.9%, 16/18). In conclusion, Actívatexto resulted in a noteworthy cessation rate at Month 3 (70%), increased mean minutes of MVPA per week, produced high use of NRT, increased self-efficacy for smoking cessation and physical activity, and was well received by participants. Additional testing in a formal randomized clinical trial is warranted to assess the efficacy of the intervention. Citation Format: Daimarelys Lara, Edgar I. Alaniz-Cantu, Arlette Chávez-Iñiguez, Daniel Fuller, Scott McIntosh, Deborah J. Ossip, Ana Paula Cupertino, Francisco Cartujano-Barrera. Actívatexto:Feasibility and acceptability of a mobile intervention that promotes smoking cessation and physical activity among Latinos [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2154.

The Impact of Monetary Incentives on Delay Discounting Within a Year-Long Physical Activity Intervention.

Delay discounting is the depreciation in a reward's perceived value as a function of the time until receipt. Monetary incentive programs that provide rewards contingent on meeting daily physical activity (PA) goals may change participants' delay discounting preferences. Determine if monetary incentives provided in close temporal proximity to meeting PA goals changed delay discounting, and if such changes mediated intervention effects. Inactive adults (n = 512) wore accelerometers during a 12-month intervention where they received proximal monetary incentives for meeting daily moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) goals or delayed incentives for study participation. Delay discount rate and average MVPA were assessed at baseline, end of intervention, and a 24-month follow-up. Using structural equation modeling, we tested effects of proximal versus delayed rewards on delay discounting and whether any changes mediated intervention effects on MVPA. PA self-efficacy was also evaluated as a potential mediator, and both self-efficacy and delay discounting were assessed as potential moderators of intervention effects. Proximal rewards significantly increased participants' delay discounting (β = 0.238, confidence interval [CI]: -0.078, 0.380), indicating greater sensitivity to reinforcement timing. This change did not mediate incentive-associated increases in MVPA at the end of the 12-month intervention (β = -0.016, CI: -0.053, 0.019) or at a 24-month follow-up (β = -0.020, CI: -0.059, 0.018). Moderation effects were not found. Incentive-induced increases in delay discounting did not deleteriously impact MVPA. This finding may help assuage concerns about using monetary incentives for PA promotion, but further research regarding the consequences of changes in delay discounting is warranted.

Physical activity promotion among pregnancy - the role of physician from the women's perspective.

The clear benefits of planned and supervised physical activity (PA) during pregnancy make it imperative that women are encouraged and educated about this activity. This study aimed to investigate how effectively physician promote physical activity and exercise among pregnant women. It also examines pro-health changes in selected health behaviours during pregnancy. This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 353 pregnant women in Wielkopolskie Voivodship in Poland. An anonymous survey (on-line or in-paper) was used to assess physical activity before and during pregnancy (with Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire), physical activity self-efficacy, well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), and guidance received from physicians on physical activity during pregnancy. Only 41% of women surveyed followed WHO recommendations for PA before pregnancy, and they were much more likely to discuss safety and the need to change the intensity or type of PA with their doctor or gynaecologist. Only 23% of women were asked about their PA before pregnancy and less than 40% were encouraged to be active during pregnancy. We observed a higher probability of poor well-being among pregnant women who were inactive before pregnancy (OR = 1.873, 95%CI 1.026 to 3.421, p = 0.041). Health professionals infrequently educate and motivate women to be physically active during pregnancy. Physician advice, as it is currently perceived by women, seems to be insufficient to help pregnant women meet the recommendations for PA during pregnancy.

Physical activity self-efficacy online intervention for adults with obesity: protocol for a feasibility study

BackgroundEven without weight loss, adults with obesity can greatly benefit from regular physical activity. The Physical Activity Self-efficacy (PAS) intervention is an online behavioral intervention newly developed to promote physical activity in adults with obesity by providing capability-enhancing learning opportunities. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the protocol for a feasibility study designed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the PAS online intervention for adults with obesity recruited from a local weight management center in the United States of America (USA).MethodsThe study design is a prospective, double-blind, parallel-group individual randomized pilot trial. Thirty participants will be randomly assigned to the PAS group or usual care group to achieve a 1:1 group assignment. Recruitment of participants is scheduled to begin on 1 March 2024 at a local weight management center within a private healthcare system in the USA. There are six eligibility criteria for participation in this study (e.g., a body mass index ≥ 25.00 kg/m2). Eligibility verification and data collection will be conducted online. Three waves of data collection will take up to 14 weeks depending on participants’ progress in the study. The primary feasibility outcomes in the study will be: (a) participation rate, (b) engagement behavior, and (c) a preliminary effect size estimate for the effect of the PAS intervention on physical activity. Instruments designed to measure demographic information, anthropometric characteristics, self-efficacy, and acceptability will be included in the survey battery. A research-grade accelerometer will be used to measure free-living physical activity objectively. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistical models under an intention-to-treat approach.DiscussionResults are intended to inform the preparation of a future definitive randomized controlled trial.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05935111, registered 7 July 2023.

Influence of the Fear of Movement and Fatigue on Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity in Women with Fibromyalgia

Introduction and purpose: Self-efficacy is considered an antecedent for physical activity levels in fibromyalgia patients. However, the influence of the fear of movement and fatigue on the self-efficacy to reduce physical inactivity is still not clear and could be critical in improving the biopsychosocial benefits of therapeutic exercise. In this way, the present study aims to assess the relationship between self-efficacy, fatigue, fibromyalgia impact, the fear of movement, and physical activity. Additionally, it aims to explore differences among patients based on self-reported physical activity levels. Material and methods: A sample of 115 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia were evaluated in this prospective study. The variables were the impact of fibromyalgia, the fear of movement, fatigue, self-efficacy, and physical activity levels. Results: Patients with high and moderate physical activity levels had higher self-efficacy for physical function (p &lt; 0.05), which is in line with the previously known model. Furthermore, a model was developed where the significant relationship between the fear of movement and self-efficacy for physical activity was significantly mediated by general fatigue and the impact of fibromyalgia on physical function. Conclusions: The fear of movement may influence self-efficacy, affecting physical activity levels; therapeutic exercises targeting the fear of movement can enhance self-efficacy and activity levels, while fatigue and fibromyalgia may mediate this relationship.

Psychosocial interventions for childhood cancer survivors: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials

PurposeThis study was aimed to review and analyze the evidence of the psychosocial interventions for survivors of childhood cancer. MethodsElectronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Scopus) and manuel search were performed for psychosocial randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted with survivors who were diagnosed under the age of 18 and have completed treatment. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the effects of interventions on psychosocial health outcomes. The trials were published in English between 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2022 were included. Extracted data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4. ResultsTen trials conducted with 955 childhood cancer survivors were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis of six RCTs showed no difference in the general quality of life (SMD, 0.07; 95% CI: [-0.09 to 0.23], I2 0%, (p > 0.05)) and three RCTs showed no difference in the physical activity self-efficacy (SMD, 0.12; 95% CI: [-0.35 to 0.58], I2 75%, (p > 0.05)) between intervention and control group. Interventions longer than 24 weeks (including follow-up) were effective in the quality of life and physical activity self-efficacy of the survivors. The overall quality of the evidence was low due to overall low risk of bias for only half of the studies (50%). ConclusionsPsychosocial interventions were not effective on quality of life and physical activity self-efficacy of childhood cancer survivors, however, long-term interventions provided improvement in these outcomes. RegistrationThe protocol for the meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022375053/22 Nov 2022).

Evaluation of a school intervention to improve adherence to the Mediterranean Diet

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a nutrition education programme conducted during health education lessons on students’ adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and their body mass index (BMI). Design: Quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test research design: two study conditions (intervention and control groups). Setting: Two urban schools, the 11th and 21st primary schools in Limassol, Cyprus. Method: Two hundred and thirty-five fifth- and sixth-grade students participated in the programme. One hundred and fifteen were in the intervention group school (the 11th primary school), and 120 were in the control group school (the 21st primary school). Students in the intervention school participated in nine 80-minute lessons during the health education class. The curriculum focused on the MD and included cooking activities, food tasting and parental involvement. The primary outcomes were subsequent adherence to the MD, nutritional knowledge, self-efficacy physical activity and BMI. Results: Following the implementation of the intervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in nutritional knowledge, self-efficacy and adherence to the MD ( p &lt; .001). The intervention group also had significantly higher nutritional knowledge and MD Quality Index scores than the control group ( p &lt; .001). However, no effect was observed on children’s BMI ( p &gt; .05). Conclusion: The intervention successfully improved children’s dietary habits in the intervention group by increasing adherence to the MD, but it did not affect their BMI. The results show some promise for addressing poor nutrition through education.

Predictors of physical activity among Chinese pregnant women during the first trimester: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Physical activity during pregnancy has numerous health benefits for the woman and the foetus. The current study investigated physical activity engagement and its predictors among pregnant Chinese women during the first trimester. A total of 687 pregnant women completed the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The current physical activity guidelines were not met by 64.3% of respondents. Women with higher levels of physical activity self-efficacy (aOR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.92–0.99) and social support (aOR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94–0.97) had lower odds of not meeting the current physical activity guidelines. Women who were aged < 35 years (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.02–3.34), had lower education (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.04–2.55), were primiparous (aOR = 11.03; 95% CI: 6.98–17.44), were unsure of their delivery mode (aOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.95–5.64), and those who had higher levels of pregnancy-associated discomfort (aOR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.19) had higher odds of not meeting the current physical activity guidelines. The current study suggests that healthcare professionals should assess physical activity engagement during routine antenatal care and increase efforts to strengthen pregnant women’s self-efficacy and social support to promote physical activity engagement during the first trimester.

Assisted reproductive technology and physical activity among Chinese pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus in early pregnancy: A cross-sectional study.

Currently, the number of pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and using assisted reproductive technology (ART) is increasing. The present study aims to explore the relationship between ART and physical activity in Chinese pregnant women at high risk for GDM in early pregnancy. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a regional teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China, between July 2022 and March 2023. Three hundred fifty-five pregnant women at high risk for GDM in early pregnancy completed the Chinese version of the Pregnant Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), the Pregnancy Physical Activity Knowledge Scale, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Scale, the Pregnancy Physical Activity Social Support Scale, and a sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics data sheet. Compared to women who conceived naturally, women who used ART were more likely to be 35 years or older, unemployed, primigravidae, and to have intentionally planned their pregnancies. Women who used ART had significantly lower levels of physical activity and self-efficacy compared to their counterparts who conceived naturally. Over half (55.6%) of women who used ART reported being physically inactive, and those with lower self-efficacy, as well as the unemployed, were significantly more likely to be inactive. Physical inactivity is a critical clinical issue among women who use ART, especially in the context of GDM risk. Future research should develop and test physical activity programs, including enhancing physical activity self-efficacy for women who use ART. Patient or public contribution: In this study, survey questionnaires were completed by participants among Chinese pregnant women at high risk for GDM in early pregnancy.

Predictors of physical inactivity among pregnant women.

It is recommended that pregnant women be physically active to promote maternal and child health. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of physical inactivity and its modifiable predictors in the three trimesters in Chinese pregnant women. Four hundred forty-four pregnant women completed the Pregnant Physical Activity Questionnaire in the first, second, and third trimesters. The prevalence of physical inactivity reached its highest (66.2%) in the first trimester and lowest (19.4%) in the second trimester. Pregnant women with inadequate physical activity knowledge and low self-efficacy were at higher risk for physical inactivity. Monitoring physical inactivity could be incorporated into antenatal care and start from the first trimester. Prenatal care professionals should take action to increase pregnant women's physical activity self-efficacy and knowledge to enhance their physical activity.

A Qualitative Examination of Online Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Observational Preferences Within Physical Education

Purpose: This qualitative case study examined students’ interpretations of their physical activity (PA) experiences within in-person and online physical education and how that influenced their PA self-efficacy. Method: The study participants were 40 (24 females) current high school students from three different schools who participated in focus group semistructured interviews. Results: Two themes were developed during analysis of the coded data: (a) online participation in PA within physical education was awkward and (b) students had a variety of observational preferences based on perceived and actual similarities/differences between students and their teachers, peers, and people within online videos. Discussion/Conclusion: The design of PA experiences should attempt to support or increase students’ PA self-efficacy by limiting students’ feelings of being uncomfortable or on display, increasing students’ opportunities to learn from each other in comfortable ways, and providing students with detailed demonstrations from teachers and peers with a variety of skill levels.

Commuting and Acceptance of Worksite Physical Activity Opportunities: Insights From a French University Hospital.

Recent research suggests a need for worksite programs that promote structured physical activity (PA) among hospital staff. The objectives of this study were to assess the hospital employees' acceptance of PA opportunities that could be implemented at the worksite, and the association between worksite PA and commuting and other sociocognitive factors. Acceptance of seven PA opportunities from the WHO guidelines was correlated with commuting and socio-cognitive factors through an online survey conducted among the workforce of the University Hospital of Angers, France (N = 6874) between April 25 and May 22, 2022. Only three PA opportunities in the seven proposed reached high approval rates among at least 50% of the 1,427 participants, namely, provide cycle facilities onsite, create a fitness room onsite, and establish partnerships with private associations or sports clubs, albeit rates decreased significantly with commuting distance for the first and the last proposals. The number of approved PA opportunities was positively related to the perceived negative influence of commuting on well-being and self-rated concerns with current PA level. It was negatively related to older age, long commuting, and flexible rest days. Based on these results, we recommend raising PA awareness and self-efficacy before implementing an easily accessible fitness center for employees. Providing cycle facilities and a more walkable environment in the hospital setting while encouraging active traveling between home and work for short commuters could additionally increase the level of physical activity on an equitable and sustainable basis.

Effects of an Individualized mHealth-Based Intervention on Health Behavior Change and Cardiovascular Risk Among People With Metabolic Syndrome Based on the Behavior Change Wheel: Quasi-Experimental Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a common public health challenge. Health-promoting behaviors such as diet and physical activity are central to preventing and controlling MetS. However, the adoption of diet and physical activity behaviors has always been challenging. An individualized mobile health (mHealth)-based intervention using the Behavior Change Wheel is promising in promoting health behavior change and reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. However, the effects of this intervention are not well understood among people with MetS in mainland China. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the individualized mHealth-based intervention using the Behavior Change Wheel on behavior change and ASCVD risk in people with MetS. We conducted a quasi-experimental, nonrandomized study. Individuals with MetS were recruited from the health promotion center of a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang province, China. The study involved 138 adults with MetS, comprising a control group of 69 participants and an intervention group of 69 participants. All participants received health education regarding diet and physical activity. The intervention group additionally received a 12-week individualized intervention through a WeChat mini program and a telephone follow-up in the sixth week of the intervention. Primary outcomes included diet, physical activity behaviors, and ASCVD risk. Secondary outcomes included diet self-efficacy, physical activity self-efficacy, knowledge of MetS, quality of life, and the quality and efficiency of health management services. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were primarily used for data analysis. Data analysis was conducted based on the intention-to-treat principle using SPSS (version 25.0; IBM Corp). Baseline characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. Compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in diet behavior, physical activity behavior, diet self-efficacy, physical activity self-efficacy, knowledge of MetS, physical health, and mental health after a 12-week intervention (P=.04, P=.001, P=.04, P=.04, P=.001, P=.04, P=.04, and P<.05). The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in outcomes from pre- to postintervention evaluations (P<.001, P=.03, P<.001, P=.04, P<.001, P<.001, and P<.001). The intervention also led to enhanced health management services and quality. The individualized mHealth-based intervention using the Behavior Change Wheel was effective in promoting diet and physical activity behaviors in patients with MetS. Nurses and other health care professionals may incorporate the intervention into their health promotion programs.

Active Moms: a feasibility study of a community-based and home-based physical activity intervention for low-income, ethnic-minority mothers

BackgroundDespite the health benefits of physical activity, increasing regular physical activity levels among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers has remained a significant challenge. Yet, few studies have examined the feasibility of implementing interventions to address physical activity barriers often experienced by this population.MethodsThe current mixed-methods pilot study assessed the feasibility, impact, and acceptability of a 3-month community-based (CBI) and a home-based intervention (HBI) designed to improve physical activity and fitness levels, as well as psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy and social support), among low-income, ethnic minority mothers. Mothers were randomized to either a 3-month CBI or HBI and completed pre- and post-intervention assessments of physical activity, fitness, self-efficacy, and social support. Intervention feasibility was assessed by tracking recruitment, retention, and adverse event rates, whereas intervention acceptability was assessed through post-intervention focus groups.ResultsAlthough participant recruitment was lower than expected (30 vs. target of 52 mothers), retention and adverse event feasibility goals were met (> 60% retention rate, 0% adverse events). Mothers in both groups (CBI and HBI) showed significant improvements in their physical activity and fitness levels and short-term improvements in receiving social support for physical activity. However, only mothers in the CBI group showed improvements in their self-efficacy for physical activity. Mothers also reported both types of interventions (CBI and HBI) to be acceptable with minor modifications highlighted, including the potential for graduates of these programs to serve as group facilitators.ConclusionsOverall, the study protocol was feasible, impactful, and acceptable to low-income, ethnic minority mothers with modifications required before large-scale evaluation. (TRN: NCT05540509; 9/12/22; retrospectively registered; ClinicalTrials.org).