New parents' sleep, movement, health, and well-being across the postpartum period.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine changes and the bi-directional relationship in sleep and movement, and health and well-being among new parents and differences by sex. METHODS: This secondary data analysis included both conditions from a randomized control trial to improve new parents'physical activity [PA] and recruited couples. Parents (n = 181, 117 couples represented 31.5 ± 4.4 years, 51.3% women, 83.3% White) completed questionnaires on regular overnight sleep duration, PA, mental health (perceived stress), physical health (physical quality of life [PQoL]), and well-being (life satisfaction) at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-month postpartum. Random-intercept cross-lagged panel models were stratified by sex to examine changes in sleep and PA with health and well-being across time. RESULTS: Sleep and stress were interrelated at different times for fathers (2 months), and mothers (8 months). Sleep and PQoL improved across time, with mothers reporting less sleep than fathers at 4 and 6 months. PQoL at 4 months was related to MVPA at 6-months. Life satisfaction and PA at 2 months was related to PA at 4 months. CONCLUSION: Mothers and fathers experienced different sleep and stress trajectories. Mental health improved postpartum with early connections to PA. Supporting the 24-hour movement behavior cycle and mental health across the parenthood transition may benefit couples.

Affective Response to Exercise and Affective Judgments as Predictors of Physical Activity Intention and Behavior among New Mothers in their first 6-Months Postpartum.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during early postpartum is important to improve promotion efforts. Affect-related constructs are key predictors of MVPA but have limited research in mothers during the postpartum period. PURPOSE: To examine two affect-related constructs (affective response to exercise and affective judgments) as predictors of MVPA intention and behavior across three months, among a sample of new mothers. METHODS: Participants were 105 mothers (M age = 30.64 years; SD = 3.93) who completed measures during postpartum at 2-months post-birth of their first child. The affective response to exercise (assessed at baseline [2-months postpartum] during a submaximal treadmill test), affective judgments and intention (baseline, 6-weeks after baseline), and MVPA (baseline, 6- and 12-weeks after baseline) were assessed via self-report. RESULTS: Path analysis, using ordinary least squares regression, showed that the affective response during exercise was a significant predictor of intention (baseline, 6-weeks), as well as change in intention from baseline to 6-weeks. By contrast, affective judgments predicted intention at 6-weeks, but not at baseline or in the change model. Past MVPA did not moderate these findings, although the affective response during exercise also had a significant indirect effect on MVPA through intention at 6-weeks and 12-weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting women's affective response during exercise may be important during postpartum, perhaps through self-paced physical activity guidance. Affective judgments may not be predictive of MVPA, in part due to unanticipated changes during early postpartum leading to inaccurate expectations of the physical activity experience.

Understanding the predictors of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during early postpartum is important to improve promotion efforts. Affect-related constructs are key predictors of MVPA but have limited research in mothers during the postpartum period. The purpose of this study was examine two affect-related constructs (affective response to exercise and affective judgments) as predictors of MVPA intention and behavior across three months, among a sample of new mothers. Participants were 105 mothers who completed measures of affective response to exercise (assessed at 2 months postpartum during a sub-maximal treadmill test), affective judgments and intention (2 months postpartum, and 6-weeks after), and MVPA (2 months postpartum, 6- and 12-weeks after). The affective response during exercise was a significant predictor of intention as well as change in intention over time. By contrast, affective judgments was a less reliable predictor across the study. Interventions targeting women's affective response during exercise may be important during postpartum, perhaps through self-paced physical activity guidance. Affective judgments may not be predictive of MVPA, in part due to unanticipated changes during early postpartum leading to inaccurate expectations of the physical activity experience.

Predicting the physical activity of new parents who participated in a physical activity intervention.

RATIONALE: The demands of early parenthood may limit the pursuit of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA); thus, understanding the predictors of MVPA among this population could help build targeted intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of MVPA, in the form of constructs subsumed within the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and multi-process action control (M-PAC) framework, among new parents participating in in a couple-based PA promotion randomized trial across a six-month period in the first year after birth. METHODS: In total, 264 participants (132 couples) at the two-month point of parenting their first child were enrolled in the trial through advertisements. MVPA, TPB, and M-PAC constructs were assessed via self-report at baseline, and six-week, three-month, and six-month after baseline time-periods. RESULTS: Dyadic path modeling of the TPB showed that intention only predicted MVPA for mothers and PBC did not predict MVPA. Most of the sample had intentions to be physically active, although the extent to which intentions predicted subsequent MVPA was dependent on mothers and fathers reported strength of planning, habits, and exercise identity (M-PAC variables). Intention was subsequently predicted by affective attitude and PBC for mothers and fathers. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions targeting affective attitude and perceived behavioral control may assist in improving MVPA intentions of new parents; yet, additional intervention strategies to increase planning, habit, and especially exercise identity seems warranted for many parents to close the gap between intention and PA. The findings highlight the complementary approach of intention formation and intention translation theories among new parents.

Couple-Based Physical Activity Planning for New Parents: A Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The demands of parenthood may limit the pursuit of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), establish inactivity patterns into middle age, and lead to long-term poorer health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of a couple-based planning skills intervention to support MVPA from baseline (~2 months after birth) up to 6 months later in first-time parents. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized trial. PARTICIPANTS: 264 parents (132 couples) at the 2-month point of parenting their first child. INTERVENTION: Couples were randomized to either an education control (n=58 couples) or an education plus planning condition (n=74 couples). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: MVPA was assessed via accelerometry and self-report at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Health-related fitness (aerobic fitness, muscular strength, flexibility) and BMI tests were conducted at baseline and 6 months. Rolling recruitment was between 2014 and 2017. RESULTS: The accelerometry results had large amounts of missing data that were not missing at random, so only self-reported MVPA was analyzed. Dyadic multilevel modeling conducted in 2020 showed that mothers' MVPA had a significant quadratic pattern over time that was similar for both conditions, and BMI decreased while strength and flexibility increased. Fathers did not have significant outcomes. Participants who were not meeting MVPA guidelines at baseline responded to the education plus planning condition with increased MVPA (father B=1.31, mother B=1.14, p<0.05) compared with those who initially met those guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers may be more responsive than fathers to MVPA interventions in early parenthood. Already active parents likely have little to be gained from additional intervention. Future research is needed to effectively promote MVPA during fatherhood and identify novel ways to sustain PA past the early response to an intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02290808.

Predicting Family and Child Physical Activity across Six-Months of a Family-Based Intervention: An Application of Theory of Planned Behaviour, Planning and Habit.

Family-based physical activity (PA) interventions have proven effective in modifying PA; yet, the underlying mechanisms are currently unclear. In this study, we follow-up upon prior trial data that showed changes to child moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) as a result of a family education+planning intervention compared to an education-only condition. We examined parents' perceived family PA frequency, family PA social cognitions, and family PA habit over 26 weeks between the two conditions. One hundred and two parents (of children aged 6 to 12 yrs), were recruited through advertisements and randomized to either the planning + education condition (n = 52) or an education-only condition (n = 50). Self-reported family PA, and measures of theory of planned behaviour, planning intention, and habit were completed by the contact parent at baseline, six-week, 13-week, and 26-week time-periods. The education+planning intervention increased planning intention (p <.01) and family PA (p =.06) compared to the© education-only group. The effect of condition on the putative mediators did not explain these changes (all 95% CIs crossed 0), and family PA was associated with child MVPA only at 13 weeks (p <.01). Intervention 20 assignment had a small indirect effect on family PA (favouring©the education+planning group) via Habit. Perceived behavioural©control and habit were consistent predictors of family PA (p <.05), but not PA intention or planning intention (p >.05). The planning+education intervention showed improved family PA and planning intention, yet null mediation results suggest that other variables from the family system (e.g., child motivation, other parent's motivation and plans) are likely needed to fully understand the intervention effects. The promotion of perceived behavioural control and habit to assist in family PA is recommended for future research in this population.

Location-Based Sedentary Time and Physical Activity in People Living With Coronary Artery Disease.

PURPOSE: Sedentary time (ST) and lack of physical activity increase the risk of adverse outcomes for those living with coronary artery disease (CAD). Little is known about how much ST, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) that CAD participants not attending cardiac rehabilitation engage in, the locations where they engage in these behaviors, and how far from home the locations are. METHODS: Participants completed a survey and wore an accelerometer and global positioning system receiver for 7 d at baseline and 6 mo later. RESULTS: Accelerometer analyses (n = 318) showed that participants averaged 468.4 ± 102.7 of ST, 316.1 ± 86.5 of LPA, and 32.9 ± 28.9 of MVPA min/d at baseline. ST and LPA remained stable at 6 mo, whereas MVPA significantly declined. The global positioning system (GPS) analyses (n = 315) showed that most of participant ST, LPA, and MVPA time was spent at home followed by other residential, retail/hospitality, and work locations at baseline and 6 mo. When not at home, the average distance to a given location ranged from approximately 9 to 18 km. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with CAD spent the majority of their time being sedentary. Home was the location used the most to engage in ST, LPA, and MVPA. When not home, ST, LPA, and MVPA were distributed across a variety of locations. The average distance from home to a given location suggests that proximity to home may not be a barrier from an intervention perspective.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Exercise Maintenance Intervention in Men and Women After Cardiac Rehabilitation (ECO-PCR Trial).

BACKGROUND: Exercise maintenance interventions are needed for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) graduates to maintain moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). We tested an exercise facilitator intervention (EFI) to promote exercise maintenance compared with usual care (UC) separately in men and women. METHODS: This was a 3-site, randomized (1:1), parallel-group, superiority trial (ECO-PCR). CR graduates were stratified by site and sex and randomly allocated (concealed). EFI participants received a face-to-face introductory session, 5 small-group counseling teleconferences, and 3 personal calls from a trained facilitator over 50 weeks. In-person assessments were undertaken at baseline and 26 and 52 weeks after randomization. The primary outcome was weekly minutes of MVPA, measured by accelerometer. Secondary outcomes were exercise capacity, risk factors, quality of life, and enrollment in community-based exercise programs. Effects were tested with the use of linear mixed models. RESULTS: A total of 449 CR graduates (135 women, 314 men) were randomised (n = 226 EFI, n = 223 UC). In the intention-to-treat analysis for men and for women, there were no significant effects for treatment or time on MVPA. In a planned secondary analysis that considered only those adherent to EFI (completed ≥ 66% of sessions; per-protocol), bouted MVPA (ie, in sustained bouts of ≥ 10 min) was higher in women in the EFI group (mean = 132.6 ± 135.2 min/wk at 52 weeks) compared with UC (111.8 ± 113.1; P = 0.013). Regarding secondary outcomes, in women, a treatment group main effect was observed for blood pressure (P = 0.011) and exercise capacity (P = 0.019; both per-protocol) favouring EFI; no other differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial of CR completers, an EFI showed promise for women, but was ineffective in men.

Parents and children active together: a randomized trial protocol examining motivational, regulatory, and habitual intervention approaches.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with many health benefits during childhood, and tracks into desirable PA patterns and health profiles in adulthood. Interventions designed to support these behaviours among young children are critical. Family-based interventions focusing on parent-child activities together (i.e., co-activity) among preschool-aged children are warranted. Targeting parental support practices can increase the frequency of co-activity, however interventions must move beyond merely building intention and planning skills for successful maintenance. Interventions designed to increase co-activity habit strength may facilitate the sustainability and thus impact child PA. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of three intervention conditions designed to increase child PA through co-activity: a standard education condition (information about benefits), a planning (action planning, coping planning) + education condition and a habit (context-dependent repetition from prompts and cues) + planning +education condition. METHODS/DESIGN: A longitudinal three-arm parallel design randomized trial will compare three conditions over six months. Families are eligible if they have at least one child between 3y and 5y that is not meeting 60mins/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The primary outcome (child MVPA) is assessed via accelerometry at baseline, six weeks, three months and six months (primary endpoint). Intervention materials targeting co-activity are delivered post baseline assessment, with booster sessions at six weeks and three months. Parental co-activity habit, parent-child co-activity and other behavioural constructs are also assessed via questionnaire at all measurement occasions. As tertiary outcomes, parental PA is measured via accelerometry and co-activity is measured via a Bluetooth-enabled proximity feature. A total of 106 families have been recruited thus far from the Greater Victoria region. The study is ongoing with a minimum target of 150 families and an anticipated recruitment completion date of August 2022. DISCUSSION: This protocol describes the implementation of a randomized trial evaluating the effectiveness of a habit formation group compared with a planning group and an education only group to increase child PA through targeting parent-child co-activity. This information could prove useful in informing public health initiatives to promote PA among families with preschool-aged children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov in February 2016, identifier NCT03055871 .

Family-based habit intervention to promote parent support for child physical activity in Canada: protocol for a randomised trial.

INTRODUCTION: Regular physical activity (PA) participation has many important physical and psychological health benefits, managing and preventing over 25 chronic conditions. Being more physically active as a child is associated with being more active as an adult, but less than 10% of Canadian children are achieving the recommended PA guidelines of 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous PA. Parental support is a predictor of child PA, but parent intention to support child PA does not always predict enacted support. Targeting factors that assist in the sustainability of parent support behaviour of child PA may have an impact on child PA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate an intervention designed to promote habit formation of parental support (HABIT, independent variable) on child PA (dependant variable) compared with a planning and education group (PLANNING) and an education only group (EDUCATION). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The three conditions will be compared using a 6-month longitudinal randomised trial. Eligible families have at least one child aged 6-12 years who is not meeting the 2011 Canadian PA Guidelines. Intervention materials are delivered at baseline, with check-in sessions at 6 weeks and 3 months. Child's moderate-to-vigorous PA, measured by accelerometry, is assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months as the primary outcome. At baseline and 6 months, children perform fitness testing. Parents and children complete questionnaires at all timepoints. So far, 123 families have been recruited from the Greater Victoria and surrounding area. Recruitment will be continuing through 2020 with a target of 240 families. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has been approved by the University of Victoria Human Research Ethics Board (Victoria, Canada). Results will be shared at conferences as presentations and as published manuscripts. Study findings will be made available to interested participants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03145688; Pre-results.

Promoting sport participation during early parenthood: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Adult participation in sport is associated with important positive psychosocial outcomes. Despite the multitude of benefits that have been linked to sport participation, adult participation rates in Canada remain low. Parents with young children represent a demographic that may benefit considerably from sport participation, given the prevalence of inactivity coupled with increased levels of psychosocial distress among this group. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of two types of sport participation (individual sport and team sport) on key psychosocial outcomes compared with a "personal time" control condition among parents with young children. METHODS/DESIGN: The three-arm, parallel design, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will compare a team sport condition, an individual sport condition, and a "personal time" control condition over 3 months. Parents are eligible if they have a child under 13 years of age, are not participating in a sport at baseline, and are not meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. Psychosocial variables (quality of life, relationship satisfaction, social functioning, parental stress, and enjoyment) will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3 months. A total of 161 parents have been recruited thus far from the Greater Victoria region in British Columbia, Canada. The study is ongoing with a target goal of 240 participants and an anticipated completion date of December 2021. DISCUSSION: This protocol describes the implementation of a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of sport participation for increasing positive psychosocial outcomes. This information could prove useful for future adult sport participation and potentially inform public health initiatives involving parents and families. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02898285. Registered 13 September 2016.

Predicting personal physical activity of parents during participation in a family intervention targeting their children.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of two family interventions targeting inactive children on their parents' MVPA. Correlates of MVPA across the trial in the form of theory of planned behavior (TPB) and multi-process action control (M-PAC) were examined as exploratory outcomes. Parents (of children aged 6-12 years) were randomized to either a planning + education (n = 52) or an education only condition (n = 50) designed to improve child MVPA. Parental MVPA (accelerometry, self-report) was assessed at baseline, 6-week, 13-week, and 26-week time-periods. Parental MVPA increased from baseline to 26 weeks (p < .05), but there were no group differences. The TPB was unable to predict MVPA and application of M-PAC showed this was because nearly all participants possessed the intention to be active. Successful-compared to unsuccessful-intenders had stronger habit in four of the six tests employed (p < .05). Parent MVPA may benefit during a family-based intervention but the putative mediators of this increase are unclear.Registered trial clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01882192.

Family Physical Activity Planning and Child Physical Activity Outcomes: A Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and high physical fitness are extremely important to the health of children and track to positive health profiles in adulthood. Family-based interventions to improve moderate-to-vigorous physical activity are essential given that children live within a structure of parental influence. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a parent planning skills intervention to support child physical activity on the subsequent moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (primary outcome) and fitness of their children across 26 weeks (primary endpoint). STUDY DESIGN: Two-arm randomized trial with physical activity assessment at baseline 6 weeks, 13 weeks, and 26 weeks and fitness and BMI tests at baseline and 26 weeks from 2012 and 2017. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and two children (aged 6-12 years) who were below international physical activity recommendations at baseline were recruited through advertisements. INTERVENTION: Participants received a planning plus education intervention (n=52) or an education-only intervention (n=50). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was assessed via accelerometry and fitness tests included aerobic fitness, muscular strength, flexibility. BMI was calculated by objectively assessed height and weight. RESULTS: Generalized linear mixed modeling conducted in 2019 showed that the patterns varied by condition over time (ß=-0.05, p<0.05), where children in the planning intervention significantly increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared with the education condition at 6 weeks and 13 weeks but not at 26 weeks. Aerobic fitness (p=0.04, d=0.26) was the only significant health-related physical fitness change between the two groups and favored the planning group over the education group. CONCLUSIONS: There was initial efficacy of the planning intervention, but effectiveness waned by 26 weeks. These changes appeared to be sufficient for modest changes in aerobic fitness. Future research should aim to improve the maintenance of these early positive changes and assist parents in planning for activities that also include opportunities to improve child musculoskeletal fitness. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01882192.

Amount and Socio-Ecological Correlates of Exercise in Men and Women at Cardiac Rehabilitation Completion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe (1) the amount of physical activity (PA) in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) graduates by sex, and (2) the correlates of their PA. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomized trial was undertaken. Graduates were recruited from three CR programs. Participants completed a questionnaire, which assessed constructs from the socio-ecological model (i.e., individual-level, social- and physical-environmental levels). Physical activity was measured objectively using an ActiGraph GT3X accelerometer. Multilevel modeling was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-five patients consented, of which 200 (78.4%) completed the survey and provided valid accelerometer data. Participants self-reported engaging in a mean ± standard deviation of 184.51 ± 129.10 min of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) per week (with men engaging in more than women, P < 0.05). Accelerometer data revealed participants engaged in 169.65 ± 136.49 mins of MVPA per week, with 43 (25.1%) meeting recommendations. In the mixed models, the socio-ecological correlate significantly related to greater self-reported MVPA was self-regulation (P = 0.01); the correlate of accelerometer-derived MVPA was neighborhood aesthetics (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-quarter of CR program completers are achieving MVPA recommendations, although two-thirds perceive they are. The CR programs should exploit accelerometry and promote self-regulation skills, namely, self-monitoring, goal-setting, positive reinforcement, time management, and relapse prevention. Patients should be encouraged to exercise in pleasing locations.

Use of in-home stationary cycling equipment among parents in a family-based randomized trial intervention.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the use of home exercise equipment in the form of exergame cycling compared to a stationary recumbent bicycle ergometer in front of TV in the home over 3 months among parents of an intervention with their inactive children. The primary outcome was bike use (total weekly duration). Predictors of bike use in the form of theory of planned behavior and self-determination theory were also examined. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHOD: Sixty eight parents of children aged 10-14 were randomized to either the exergame condition (n=36) or the standard bike condition (n=32). Weekly bike use was recorded in a log-book. RESULTS: The exergame bike and a standard bike in front of a TV had similar use across three months (p=.13, ηp2=.02), which declined over time (p<.01, ηp2=.14). Parents who were active at baseline and had the intention to use the bikes were more likely to use the bikes (p<.05). Furthermore, those who reported higher perceived control, intrinsic motivation, and affective attitude were more likely to use the bikes (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that irrespective of modality, use of exercise equipment declined considerably for parents over three-months. Parents may also benefit from family physical activity interventions, but it depends on their physical activity status, how much they would enjoy using the equipment, and their overall perceived control over being physically active. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01373762. Registered 1 June 2011.

Evaluation of a physical activity intervention for new parents: protocol paper for a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Identifying critical life transitions in people's physical activity behaviors may illuminate the most opportune intervention apertures for chronic disease prevention. A substantive evidence base now indicates that parenthood is one of these critical transition points for physical activity decline. This study will examine whether a brief theory-based intervention can prevent a decline in physical activity among new parents over 6 months following intervention. This study protocol represents the first dyad-based physical activity initiative in the parenthood literature involving both mothers and fathers; prior research has focused on only mothers or only fathers (albeit limited), and has shown only short-term changes in physical activity. This study will be investigating whether a theory-based physical activity intervention can maintain or improve moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity measured via accelerometry of new parents over a 6 month period following intervention compared to a control group. METHODS: This study is a 6-month longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Parents are measured at baseline (2 months postpartum) with two assessment points at 6 weeks (3.5 months postpartum) and 3 months (5 months postpartum) and a final follow-up assessment at 6 months (8 months postpartum). The content of the theory-based intervention was derived from the results of our prior longitudinal trial of new parents using an adapted theory of planned behavior framework to predict changes in physical activity. RESULTS: A total of 152 couples have been recruited to date. Sixteen couples dropped out after baseline and a total of 88 couples have completed their 6-month measures. DISCUSSION: If the intervention proves successful, couple-based physical activity promotion efforts among parents could be a promising avenue to pursue to help mitigate the declines of physical activity levels during parenthood. These findings could inform public health materials and practitioners. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health on April 19, 2014. The registration ID is NCT02290808 .

Stationary cycling exergame use among inactive children in the family home: a randomized trial.

Exergames may be one way to increase child physical activity, but long term adherence has seen little research attention. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the usage of an exergame bike in comparison to a stationary bike in front of a TV across 3-months within a family home environment among children aged 10-14 years old. Seventy-three inactive children were recruited through advertisements and randomized to either the exergame condition (n = 39) or the standard bike condition (n = 34). Weekly bike use was recorded in a log-book. Both groups declined in bike use over time (t = 3.921, p < .01). Although the exergame group reported higher use (t = 2.0045, p < .05), this was most prominent during the first week. Overall, these results do not support exergames as a standalone physical activity intervention, and suggest that short duration examinations of exergames may be misleading.

Challenging body weight: evidence from a community-based intervention on weight, behaviour and motivation.

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 12 week weight loss intervention within a commercial fitness centre on body weight, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), dietary intake, and behavioural regulations for exercise and healthy eating. Using a quasi-experimental design, the intervention group received weekly coaching sessions and bi-weekly seminars designed to increase MVPA and improve dietary intake. Outcome variables were assessed at three time points over a six month period. Results showed a significant interaction for body weight (p = .04) and dietary changes (p < .05) following the weight loss challenge but were not maintained across the six month period. Changes in behavioural regulations favoured the intervention condition. Results imply that a 12 week weight loss challenge within a commercial fitness centre may be effective at prompting short-term weight loss and support the internalization of behavioural regulations specific to healthy eating and exercise.

A pilot study on the motivational effects of an internet-delivered physical activity behaviour change programme in Nova Scotian cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of an internet-delivered, distance-based physical activity (PA) behaviour change programme on motivation to perform PA in cancer survivors. DESIGN: Breast, prostate and colorectal cancer survivors (N = 95) were randomized to either an online Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB)-based PA behaviour change programme (UCAN) or usual care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Motivational variables from the TPB including intention, planning, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and underlying beliefs. RESULTS: UCAN had significant negative effects on self-efficacy (-.7; 95% CI = -1.2 to -.1; d = -.53, p = .019), affective attitude (-.4; 95% CI = -.8 to -.0; d = -.45, p = .044), instrumental attitude (-.5; 95% CI = -.9 to -.1; d = -.43, p = .026) and confidence to perform PA in bad weather (-.8; 95% CI = -1.6 to -.1; d = -.49, p = .030), despite health issues (-.7; 95% CI = -1.3 to -.1; d = -.48, p = .031), despite pain/soreness (-.7; 95% CI = -1.4 to -.1; d = -.52, p = .020), despite family responsibilities (-1.0; 95% CI = -1.7 to -.3; d = -.62, p = .005) and when PA is boring (-.8; 95% CI = -1.4 to -.1; d = -.54, p = .016). CONCLUSION: UCAN had negative effects on motivational variables in cancer survivors. These findings may be explained by methodological issues related to measuring motivation and/or the absence of post-intentional constructs.

Dog ownership and physical activity among breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Dog ownership has been associated with higher rates of physical activity (PA) in several populations but no study to date has focused on cancer survivors. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between dog ownership and PA among cancer survivors and to examine correlates of dog ownership. METHODS: A stratified random sample of 2062 breast cancer survivors, prostate cancer survivors, and colorectal cancer survivors was mailed a questionnaire assessing PA, social cognitive, dog ownership, demographic, and medical variables. RESULTS: Overall, 25% of the sample was dog owners (DOs). There were no significant differences in moderate, vigorous, or total PA minutes between DOs and non-dog owners. There was a significant difference in light PA minutes in favor of DOs (153 vs 112 minutes; 95% CI = 4 to 77; P = .030), however, this was largely restricted to breast cancer survivors (143 vs 79 minutes; 95% CI = 25 to 102; P = .001) who also reported fewer vigorous PA minutes (18 vs 39 minutes; 95% CI = -42 to -1; P = .042). Survivors were more likely to be DOs if they had breast cancer (P = .054), a higher income (P = .021), radiation therapy (P = .029), chemotherapy (P = .010), were younger (P < .001), employed (P < .001), and a current smoker (P = .015). Few social cognitive variables were associated with DO. CONCLUSIONS: Dog ownership among cancer survivors was not associated with moderate-to-vigorous PA but was associated with light PA. Further research is necessary to determine if promoting dog ownership and dog walking among cancer survivors may increase PA and possibly improve health outcomes.