The Psychology of Physical Activity

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Sedentary Lifestyle
• Interventions: Behavioral: Daily Surveys; Behavioral: Random Surveys (8)

• Registration Number: NCT02538068
• Lead Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver

Brief Summary

This study plans to learn more about psychosocial factors that contribute to adopting physical activity. The goal of this study is to improve upon existing theories of behavior change in order to help other people become more physically active.

Detailed Description

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between personal life meaning and purpose and physical activity maintenance in a group of previously sedentary adults starting new exercise programs. Participants complete questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after starting an exercise program. Participants are randomly assigned to complete questionnaires about daily meaning, mood, and activity for the first 4 weeks or to complete 8 random questionnaires about daily activities over the first 4 weeks. It is hypothesized that personal life meaning and purpose will be related to greater exercise participation at 12 weeks.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2014-01
• Study First Submitted: 2015-08-21
• Study First Submitted QC: 2015-08-28
• Study First Posted: 2015-09-02
• Primary Completion: 2016-02
• Study Completion: 2016-02
• Status Verified: 2016-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2016-03-09
• Last Update Posted: 2016-03-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 160

Inclusion Criteria

• 30-89 years old
• Joining or already a member of the Anschutz Health and Wellness Fitness Center
• Able to read and understand English
• Sedentary (< 60 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity a week) for the past 3 months
• Planning to start a new exercise program

Exclusion Criteria

• Physical contraindications to participate in physical activity (as defined as a positive PAR-Q score)
• Existing diagnosis of cardiovascular disease
• Currently pregnant

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Daily Surveys	Daily Surveys	Participants complete a daily survey regarding their daily life meaning, mood, physical activity, and other activities for 4 weeks.
Random Surveys (8)	Random Surveys (8)	Participants complete 8 random surveys over the first 4 weeks.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Changes in Physical Activity as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form	Baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks	Evaluation of Physical Activity as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Frequency of Fitness Center Attendance measured by number of check-ins at fitness center	Daily for 12 weeks	Number of check-ins at fitness center over 12 weeks
Changes in Physical Fitness, as measured by a combined scores on objective cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and strength.	Baseline and 12 weeks	Evaluate changes in cardiovascular, flexibility and strength. Participants complete a YMCA 3-minute step test for cardiovascular fitness (assessment of resting heart rate and recovery heart rate), a sit-and-reach test for flexibility, and a grip strength test for strength. Participants objective scores on these tests will be categorized on scales from 1 (poor fitness) to 5 (excellent fitness) based on age and gender and combined for a total fitness score (ranging from 4 to 20).