Physical Activity
Conditions
Keywords
exercise behavior, exercise prescription, affect-based exercise, affect-guided exercise, self-paced exercise, self-selected exercise
Brief summary
This study will evaluate adherence to four types of walking programs. Participants will be randomized to walking programs that included either (1) affect-based exercise intensity, (2) self-selected (or choice-based) exercise intensity, (3) heart-rate based exercise intensity, or (4) heart-rate guided exercise intensity with the emphasis on affective benefits.
Detailed description
The purpose of this study is to determine if an affect-based or choice-based exercise prescription is more effective for behavior change than a traditional, moderate-intensity exercise prescription. Prior research suggests that choice-based or self-selected exercise intensity is more pleasant and adhered to than moderate-intensity exercise (Williams et al., 2014). Similarly, affect-based exercise prescriptions (i.e., an exercise prescription where intensity is regulated based on the pleasure-displeasure one feels while exercising) appear to have merit (Baldwin, Kangas, Denman, Smits, Yamada, & Otto, 2016). However, choice-based and affect-based exercise prescriptions have not been compared to each other. Further, it is unknown if it is the intensity regulation that matters (e.g., choose an intensity that feels good or the focus on affect (e.g., focus on feeling good). Third, prior research has not objectively measured physical activity behavior.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALChoice-based Exercise Intensity
Participants are instructed to choose whichever intensity they want, rather than regulate their intensity based on heart rate.
BEHAVIORALPositive Affect Focus
Participants are instructed to focus on feeling good while exercising.
BEHAVIORALHeart rate-based Exercise Intensity
Participants are instructed to regulate their exercise intensity based on their heart rate.
Sponsors
Duke University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Must be fluent in English * Must be able to walk * Exercise less than 90 minutes per week at a moderate-intensity * Must be able to attend laboratory visits * Must have mobile internet accent and a personal smartphone (iPhone iOS 9+ or Android OS 4.3+) * Can safely exercise at an intensity that is at least moderate
Exclusion criteria
* People who are recommended to have medical clearance prior to exercising, according to the American College of Sports Medicine's preparticipation screening criteria, will be excluded
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in objectively measured exercise behavior | This will be measured throughout the baseline assessment period (2 weeks) and intervention period (4 weeks) | Minutes per week of objectively measured exercise behavior. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in affective attitudes | Measured during baseline assessment period and at the end of the intervention | Affective attitudes toward exercise |
| Self-reported intrinsic motivation (questionnaires) | Two weeks into study intervention | Intrinsic motivation for exercise program |
| Change in self-reported exercise behavior | This will be measured throughout the baseline assessment period (2 weeks) and intervention period (4 weeks) | Minutes per week of self-reported exercise behavior that is reported using exercise log. |
| Change in weight | Measured at the beginning and end of the study (6 weeks). | Body weight |
| Change in resting heart rate | Measured at the beginning and end of the study (6 weeks). | Resting heart rate |
| Enjoyment | Measured at the end of the intervention period (4 weeks) | Enjoyment of exercise program. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed