Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a novel web-based physical activity intervention in adults with
Jacob K Kariuki1, Susan Sereika2, Kirk Erickson3
1Emory University, GA, USA.
Background:
Only 14% of adults with obesity attain federal guidelines for physical activity (PA), but few interventions address obesity-specific barriers to PA. We designed the web-based Physical Activity for The Heart (PATH) intervention to address this gap.
Purpose:
Test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of PATH for promoting PA and reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in adults with overweight/obesity.
Methods:
In a 12-week pilot RCT, participants were randomized to PATH (n = 41) or wait-list control (n = 41) groups. Treatment group received access to PATH and met twice/month with a remote coach. The control group received a self-help PA guide and newsletters on general health. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed via Actigraph-GT3X, steps via Fitbit Charge 2™, weight via smart scale, blood pressure (BP) via Omron BP device, and lipids/HbAIC via dry blood spot. Linear mixed modeling examined between- and within-group differences in PA and CVD risk.
Results:
The sample (N = 82) was on average 55.9 ± 8.2 years old; mean BMI 35.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2; 57.3% white and 80.5% female. Recruitment lasted 6-months, and 12-week retention was 96.3%. Treatment group accessed PATH ≥twice/week (92.1%), spent ≥10 min/visit (89.5%) and thought the site was culturally appropriate (79%). At 12 wks, the PATH group had greater mean changes in weekly MVPA (+58.9 vs. +0.9 min, p = .024) and daily steps (+1246.4 vs. -64.2 steps, p = .002) compared to the control group. Also, the PATH group improved in weight, BMI, body fat, waist circumference, and BP (p < .05).
Conclusion:
The PATH intervention is feasible/acceptable and demonstrated preliminary efficacy for promoting PA among adults with overweight/obesity.
