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Comparing a recommendation for self-paced versus moderate intensity physical activity for midlife adults: Rationale
Lauren Connell Bohlen1, Lisa R LaRowe2, Shira I Dunsiger1
1Brown University School of Public Health, Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Providence, RI, USA.
Contemporary Clinical Trials
|March 27, 2023
Summary
Self-paced physical activity (PA) may improve adherence for midlife adults with overweight or obesity compared to moderate-intensity PA. This approach could enhance PA behavior and well-being in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Exercise science
- Public health
- Behavioral medicine
Background:
- Current US physical activity (PA) guidelines recommend 150 min/week of moderate or 75 min/week of vigorous intensity activity.
- Less than half of US adults meet these guidelines, with lower adherence among those overweight or obese.
- PA levels decline after age 45-50, particularly in overweight/obese midlife adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if self-paced physical activity (PA) improves adherence more than prescribed moderate-intensity PA in midlife adults (50-64 years) with overweight or obesity.
- To investigate the impact of PA intensity recommendations on PA behavior and adherence.
- To explore mediators such as affective response, autonomy, and perceived exertion.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month, field-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 240 midlife adults (50-64 years) with overweight or obesity.
- Participants were randomized to either a self-paced or a prescribed moderate-intensity PA intervention.
- Primary outcome: total PA volume (minutes by intensity) via accelerometry; Secondary outcomes: self-reported PA, body weight changes.
Main Results:
- The study protocol is presented; results are pending.
- Hypothesized mediators include positive affective response, increased autonomy, and lower perceived exertion with self-paced PA.
- Anticipated outcome: greater increases in PA behavior with self-paced recommendations.
Conclusions:
- Self-paced PA may be a more effective strategy for increasing physical activity adherence in midlife adults with overweight or obesity.
- Findings could inform updated national physical activity guidelines for this population.
- Understanding mediators can optimize PA interventions for better health outcomes.
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