Behavior Change, Digital Intervention, glp1 Agonist, Obesity & Overweight, Perimenopausal Women, Resistance Exercise, Women's Health
Conditions
Keywords
resistance training, women's health, obesity, perimenopausal women, digital intervention
Brief summary
The goal of PLAN-RT 1.0 to learn if a 12-week app-based strength training program can help midlife women build and stick with a regular strength training routine while they are taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss. PLAN-RT 1.0 targets women ages 40 to 59 who were not regularly exercising before starting GLP-1 medication. The main questions this study aims to answer are: (1) Is the PLAN-RT 1.0 program feasible and acceptable to participants (based on how many people join, stay in the study, and use the program)? (2) Does the program lead to early changes in muscle strength, body composition, physical function, and exercise habits?
Detailed description
GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) therapies have emerged as highly effective pharmacological treatments for obesity, yet weight loss achieved through these agents is accompanied by significant lean mass loss. This is particularly relevant for midlife women who are concurrently vulnerable to age- and menopause-related declines in skeletal muscle mass and physical function. Resistance training (RT) is recommended as an evidence-based strategy for preserving lean mass during weight loss treatments, yet no theory-grounded, scalable intervention exists to support RT initiation and maintenance in midlife women. PLAN-RT 1.0 is a 12-week, app-delivered resistance training intervention developed for midlife women (aged 40-59) receiving GLP-1RA therapy for obesity. The intervention integrates three complementary theoretical frameworks - Self-Regulation Theory (initiation), Habit Formation Theory (cue-behavior-reward), and the Affective Response Theory (intrinsic reinforcement) - operationalized through a structured set of behavior change techniques delivered via digital health technologies. This proposed single-arm feasibility pilot (n=15) pursues two specific aims. Aim 1 evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of PLAN-RT 1.0 using pre-specified benchmarks across enrollment, adherence, retention, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) response rate, alongside exploratory pre-post analyses of body composition, muscle strength and physical function, and behavioral outcomes. Aim 2 examines the mechanistic role of affective response to RT as a driver of habit formation, using EMA-based per-session affective valence data and mixed methods to characterize how GLP-1RA-mediated dopaminergic changes may alter the intrinsic reward signal from exercise. Feasibility benchmarks, variance estimates, and mechanistic insights from PLAN-RT 1.0 will directly inform the development of PLAN-RT 2.0 through an R21 factorial optimization trial (MOST framework) and ultimately an R01 efficacy trial, establishing a scalable clinical tool for lean mass preservation in midlife women receiving GLP-1RA therapy.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPLAN-RT 1.0
A 12-week theory-based, app-delivered resistance training behavioral intervention incorporating behavior change techniques based on Self-Regulation Theory and Habit Formation Theory to promote initiation and maintenance of resistance training among midlife women receiving GLP-1RA therapy. The intervention includes exercise instruction, goal setting, action planning, contextual cues, self-monitoring, and feedback delivered through integrated digital health technologies.
Sponsors
Louisiana State University and A&M College
Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science Center
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This is a single-arm feasibility pilot study. All enrolled participants will receive the same 12-week app-delivered resistance training intervention (PLAN-RT 1.0); there is no control or comparison group. This design was selected to first establish feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcome signals of the intervention before proceeding to a larger controlled trial. The intervention integrates a smartwatch, resistance band, and smartphone applications to deliver personalized goal setting, action planning, contextual prompts, self-monitoring, and feedback, grounded in Self-Regulation Theory and Habit Formation Theory.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
40 Years to 59 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Participants must meet all of the following criteria: * Female, age 40 to 54 years. * Recently initiated GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) therapy within the past 6 months. * Body mass index (BMI) ≥27 kg/m². * Not currently participating in regular resistance training (self-reported absence of regular resistance training during the previous month). * Able to stand, sit, and perform bodyweight movements without assistive devices. * Owns a compatible smartphone (iOS or Android) with cellular or Wi-Fi access and is willing to use study applications. * Able to read, understand, and provide informed consent in English. * Willing and able to attend required in-person study visits.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they meet any of the following criteria: * Plans to discontinue GLP-1RA therapy or substantially modify treatment during the 12-week study period. * Self-reported musculoskeletal injury, orthopedic limitation, or surgery within the previous 6 months that would contraindicate resistance training participation. * Self-reported unstable cardiovascular disease or cardiac event within the previous 6 months. * Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study period. * Active eating disorder or psychiatric condition that may interfere with study participation. * Unable to use smartphone applications required for the intervention. * Current participation in another pharmacological, behavioral, weight management, or chronic disease management program that could confound study outcomes.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of adults screened (Participants) | Weekly throughout recruitment | Number of adults screened for eligibility for the study |
| Intervention Acceptability (CSQ-8) | Week 12 | Acceptability will be assessed using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). Higher scores indicate greater participant satisfaction with the intervention. Score on a scale, typically 0-32 for CSQ-8 |
| Number of Adults Enrolled (Participants) | Weekly throughout recruitment | Number of adults who met eligibility criteria and enrolled in the study |
| Retention Rate (Percentage of enrolled participants) | Week 4, 8, 12 | Proportion of enrolled participants who completed the 12-week study |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Body Weight in Kilograms | Baseline and Week 12 | Body weight will be measured using a calibrated digital scale in kilograms. Change from baseline to Week 12 will be evaluated. |
| Intervention Usability (SUS) | Week 12 | Usability will be assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater usability. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTShiyu Li
CONTACTKimberly Allen
Outcome results
None listed