Motivation for Exercise and Physical Activity Adherence
Condition: Obesity
MeSH terms: Obesity
Study type: Observational

Summary: 
      The limited success of our current approaches to increase adoption and maintenance of
      physical activity in adults with overweight and obesity is a substantial barrier to
      effectively address the current obesity epidemic. This mentored F32 application addresses the
      significant public health issue of obesity and associated risk of major chronic diseases by
      using mixed methods research to optimize an innovative, theoretically based physical activity
      intervention designed to enhance motivation for exercise in adults with overweight and
      obesity.
    

Detailed description: 
      Physical activity (PA) is one of the best predictors of sustained weight loss and current
      guidelines recommend high levels of PA to prevent weight regain after weight loss. However,
      long-term adherence to PA is generally poor when adults with overweight/obesity are provided
      an exercise prescription consistent with current guidelines. Thus, it is essential to
      evaluate novel strategies to enhance adoption and maintenance of PA in adults with
      overweight/obesity. The overall goal of this mentored F32 application is to use mixed methods
      research to optimize an innovative, theoretically based PA intervention designed to enhance
      motivation for exercise in adults with overweight/obesity. Specifically, the objectives of
      this proposal are to evaluate and optimize a theory-based PA intervention (called MOVE)
      designed to enhance motivation for exercise as a sub-study of an ongoing weight loss "parent"
      trial (COMIRB, Protocol #17-0369). In Aim 1, adults from an ongoing behavioral weight loss
      trial (R01DK111622) will receive the MOVE intervention and participate in focus groups to
      explore how participants experience MOVE. In Aim 2, we will use a mixed methods convergent
      design to integrate quantitative results from a secondary data analysis and qualitative
      results (Aim 1) to optimize MOVE in preparation for a full evaluation of MOVE in a future
      randomized controlled study.
    

Intervention name(s): MOVE
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): The MOVE physical activity support program is based on the Self-Determination Theory and targets autonomous motivation for physical activity by encouraging 1) choice in physical activity type (e.g. walking, household chores, yoga), 2) a meaningful, value-based rationale for engaging in physical activity, and 3) physical activity that is intrinsically enjoyable. MOVE was delivered during two, 60-75 minute group-based classes and one, 45 minute individualized 1:1 support session to enhance adherence to physical activity recommendations within a lifestyle weight loss program. The group-based classes included a combination of PowerPoint slides, participant handouts, and group-based discussions. All MOVE content was delivered by trained study staff.
Observational model: Cohort
Time perspective: Prospective
Sampling method: Non-Probability Sample
Study population: 
        Volunteers from the parent trial who are eligible and willing to participate were included
        in the focus groups. To achieve aim 1 of this proposal, participants randomized to cohorts
        2-4 of the parent study who have completed at least 2 of the 3 MOVE components were invited
        to participate in a focus group.
      
Keywords: Physical activity; Motivation; Exercise