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Improving the Experience of Exercise Among Individuals With Internalized Weight Bias Using Acceptance-based Strategies

Not Applicable
Conditions
Overweight and Obesity
Interventions
Behavioral: Multi-Health Behavior
Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment
Registration Number
NCT05119504
Lead Sponsor
The Miriam Hospital
Brief Summary

The goal of this study is to test whether an acceptance based intervention can modify the relationship between heart rate and perceived exertion/negative during physical activity among individuals who have a high degree of internalized weight bias.

Detailed Description

In this two-phase pilot, we will first test in a controlled setting whether an acceptance-based intervention can modify the relationship between Heart Rate and perceived exertion/negative affect during moderate intensity physical activity among individuals high in internalized weight bias (Phase 1) and then evaluate these mechanisms in real-time during uptake of a two-week physical activity prescription (Phase 2). Using a 2x2 factorial design, we will randomize individuals with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25, high and low internalized weight bias, and insufficient activity (\<60 min of moderate physical activity/week) to receive a 90-minute acceptance-based intervention workshop versus a multi-health behavior education condition prior to completing a 30-minute session of supervised, moderate intensity treadmill walking. Heart rate, self-reported perceived exertion and affect will be assessed throughout physical activity.

For Phase 2, all participants from Phase 1 will receive a two-week physical activity prescription consistent with National Guidelines (150 minutes moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, recommended in 30-minute bouts) to determine the effect of treatment condition on subsequent adherence to physical activity. Physical activity adherence will be monitored with Actigraphy and Ecological Momentary Assessment (repeated daily surveys via smartphone) will be used to evaluate participant self-efficacy, intention, motivation for physical activity in near real-time.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
56
Inclusion Criteria
  • 18-60 years old,
  • BMI 25-40 kg/m2
  • insufficiently active (<60 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week).
  • High/low internalized weight bias
  • Access to personal smartphone device and willing to download free smartphone app for data collection
Exclusion Criteria
  • Comorbid issues that might interfere with ability to engage in physical activity
  • Factors that would influence ability to complete study protocol (e.g., cognitive, psychological)
  • medication that would affect heart rate (e.g., beta blocker),
  • women who are nursing or pregnant

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
FACTORIAL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Multi Health BehaviorMulti-Health BehaviorThis 90-minute one-on-one intervention will provide psychoeducation on physical activity as one of several interconnected health behaviors.
Acceptance-basedAcceptance and CommitmentThis 90-minute one-on-one intervention will provide psychoeducation and experiential training on the use of acceptance-based strategies for physical activity.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in perceived exertionEvery five minutes during 30-minute treadmill session

Assessed using the Borg Ratings of Perceived Exertion-Participants are prompted verbally to rate their exertion on a scale ranging from 6 (no exertion at all) to 20 (maximum exertion) every 5 minutes.

Change in affectEvery five minutes during 30-minute treadmill session

Assessed using the Feeling Scale --This single-item measure assesses how participants feel 'at the present moment' on an 11-point scale ranging from -5 (very bad) to +5 (very good)), administered every 5 minutes during PA

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Physical Activity AdherenceDaily for 14 days

For two weeks following the intervention condition, physical activity will be objectively measured using the ActiGraph GT9X Link. This device, worn on the non-dominant wrist, has been previously validated to assess movement and associated energy expenditure. Minute-by-minute data will be analyzed to determine the amount of time spent in bout-related moderate intensity PA (≥ 3 METs, ≥10 min), metrics to increase the likelihood of capturing 'purposeful' PA

Exercise self-efficacy, intention, motivationFour times per day for 14 days

Using the Lifedata platform which includes the RealLife EXP application that can be downloaded onto participants' smartphones, participants will be prompted via vibration and audible tone to complete EMA surveys on self-efficacy, intention, and motivation for PA. Items are adapted from validated measures used in the physical activity literature. Participants will be prompted to complete a survey semi-randomly near four anchor times throughout the day, with 90 minutes to respond.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center

🇺🇸

Providence, Rhode Island, United States

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