Goal Setting for Exercise Adherence in Midlife Adults

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Arizona State University

Must not be taking: Alzheimer's drugs, Antidepressants

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Stroke, Major depression, others

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Engaging in regular physical activity during midlife is a key lifestyle behavior associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Yet nearly half of midlife adults (48%) do not meet national physical activity guidelines. The purpose of this mechanistic trial is to identify effective goal setting techniques to enhance psychosocial processes of self-regulation for the successful promotion of PA and adherence to national PA guidelines among midlife adults, with the long-term goal of reducing AD/ADRD risk

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude those taking two or more antidepressants or those previously prescribed Alzheimer's medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Goal Setting, Behavioral Intervention for Walking, MoST-Influenced Behavioral Intervention in the clinical trial Goal Setting for Exercise Adherence in Midlife Adults?

Research shows that setting specific goals for physical activity can increase motivation and participation, especially when the goals are internally driven. Additionally, frequent prompts have been found to significantly improve adherence to walking programs, suggesting that these strategies can effectively support exercise adherence. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is goal setting for exercise adherence safe for midlife adults?

Research on physical activity interventions, including goal setting, shows that they are generally safe for humans. While minor injuries like muscle strains can occur, no serious adverse events have been reported, especially when starting with moderate intensity and gradually increasing activity levels. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How is the Goal Setting treatment for exercise adherence in midlife adults different from other treatments?

The Goal Setting treatment is unique because it focuses on frequent and specific goal setting to enhance commitment to physical activity, which is linked to better use of behavioral strategies for exercise adherence. This approach is different from other treatments as it emphasizes the importance of setting clear, personalized goals to maintain motivation and improve exercise habits over time. ^{1 9 10 11 12}

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for midlife adults aged 45-65 with a BMI of 30-50, engaging in minimal physical activity and owning a smartphone. They must weigh at least 110 pounds and not be on Alzheimer's meds, have high blood pressure without clearance, or planning pregnancy/moving from Phoenix soon.

Inclusion Criteria

Self-reported ownership of a smartphone with an iOS or Android operating system (necessary for participants to track their activity using a Fitbit activity monitor)

Engaging in 60 minutes or less of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at screening (based on Exercise Vital Sign Questionnaire)

My BMI is between 30 and 50.

Exclusion Criteria

Incarcerated individuals (i.e., Prisoners)

I have been diagnosed with major depression.

I have had a stroke in the past.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Phase 1 Pilot Study

Establish feasibility and refine the intervention

Not specified

Phase 2 Treatment

9-month 4-arm proof-of-concept mechanistic trial with 6-month active intervention

6 months

Monthly assessments

Follow-up

3-month no contact follow-up to monitor adherence and outcomes

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Goal Setting (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests goal-setting techniques to increase physical activity among midlife adults. It aims to improve self-regulation behaviors to meet national guidelines and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease through regular exercise adherence.

Participant Groups

Group I: Static weekly physical activity goal of 150 minutes/week Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a physical activity action planning intervention and assigned a static weekly physical activity goal of 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity activity; action planning sessions will focus on the participant achieving this weekly goal.

Group II: Self-selected weekly physical activity goal Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a physical activity action planning intervention and will self-select their own moderate-intensity physical activity goal each week; action planning sessions will focus on helping participants achieve their self-selected goal.

Group III: No stated weekly physical activity goal (comparison group) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a physical activity action planning intervention that does not include explicitly stated physical activity goals to achieve.

Group IV: Incremental weekly physical activity goal increase Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a physical activity action planning intervention and assigned a weekly physical activity goal that is 20% greater than the level of moderate-intensity physical activity performed the previous week; action planning sessions will focus on the participant achieving their assigned goal.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Arizona State University Phoenix, AZ

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Arizona State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

311

Patients Recruited

109,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1841

Patients Recruited

28,150,000+

Findings from Research

A study involving 24 older adults (aged 60+) found that goal setting for physical activity (PA) is crucial for maintaining health and preventing age-related decline, with motivations primarily being health improvement and sustaining mental well-being.

The research suggests that interventions, like PA apps, that encourage older adults to set specific and meaningful goals can enhance their motivation and participation in physical activity, leading to better health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active older adults goal setting outcomes for engaging in a physical activity app and the motivation characteristics of these goals (MOVEAGE-ACT). Lynch, AM., Kilroy, S., McKee, H., et al.[2023]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Walking to meet health guidelines: the effect of prompting frequency and prompt structure. Lombard, DN., Lombard, TN., Winett, RA.[2019]

A 6-month supervised exercise program of either swimming or walking led to high retention (86%) and adherence (76.3% for swimming and 74.3% for walking) among previously sedentary older women, with these rates maintained over 12 months.

The addition of a behavioral intervention did not significantly improve retention or adherence rates, suggesting that the exercise modes themselves were effective in keeping participants engaged.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Short and long-term adherence to swimming and walking programs in older women--the Sedentary Women Exercise Adherence Trial (SWEAT 2). Cox, KL., Burke, V., Beilin, LJ., et al.[2022]

The 'Physical Activity at Home' trial is a 2-year study comparing the effectiveness and adherence of home-based versus group exercise programs for middle-aged adults, targeting those who prefer not to attend group sessions.

If successful, the physiotherapy-led home-based program could offer a viable alternative for promoting physical activity among sedentary adults, potentially improving long-term adherence and health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

'Physical activity at home (PAAH)', evaluation of a group versus home based physical activity program in community dwelling middle aged adults: rationale and study design. Freene, N., Waddington, G., Chesworth, W., et al.[2021]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term effects of a stage-based intervention for changing exercise intentions and behavior in older adults. Greaney, ML., Riebe, D., Ewing Garber, C., et al.[2019]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening, safety, and adverse events in physical activity interventions: collaborative experiences from the behavior change consortium. Ory, M., Resnick, B., Jordan, PJ., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrative review of physical activity intervention research with aging adults. Conn, VS., Minor, MA., Burks, KJ., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A scoping review of behavior change techniques used to promote physical activity among women in midlife. Arigo, D., Romano, KA., Pasko, K., et al.[2022]

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Goal setting frequency and the use of behavioral strategies related to diet and physical activity. Nothwehr, F., Yang, J.[2007]

Promoting physical activity among older adults in clinical research faces challenges such as time commitment and perceived benefits, highlighting the need for tailored interventions that meet participant expectations.

Effective strategies to enhance adherence include developing theory-based programs, fostering self-regulatory skills, and utilizing phone support for home-based activities, suggesting a comprehensive approach to encourage ongoing physical activity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise adherence among older adults: challenges and strategies. Chao, D., Foy, CG., Farmer, D.[2022]

In a study of 30 healthy older women participating in a 9-month exercise program, adherence to exercise sessions was nearly 100% for intensity, but varied by group for duration adherence, with rates of 95% for resistance training, 91% for higher intensity, and 85% for moderate intensity.

The strongest predictor of adherence to the exercise program was the prescribed duration of exercise, indicating that older women may prioritize the length of workouts over intensity when it comes to sticking to a structured exercise regimen.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors predicting adherence to 9 months of supervised exercise in healthy older women. Visek, AJ., Olson, EA., DiPietro, L.[2021]

A systematic review of 18 studies found that effective goal setting for diet and physical activity in overweight and obese adults includes specific, timely goals, participant involvement, and regular feedback.

While goal setting appears beneficial for promoting health behavior changes, the study could not determine which specific intervention components were most effective due to their concurrent implementation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Goal setting as a health behavior change strategy in overweight and obese adults: a systematic literature review examining intervention components. Pearson, ES.[2022]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Active older adults goal setting outcomes for engaging in a physical activity app and the motivation characteristics of these goals (MOVEAGE-ACT). [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Walking to meet health guidelines: the effect of prompting frequency and prompt structure. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Short and long-term adherence to swimming and walking programs in older women--the Sedentary Women Exercise Adherence Trial (SWEAT 2). [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

'Physical activity at home (PAAH)', evaluation of a group versus home based physical activity program in community dwelling middle aged adults: rationale and study design. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Long-term effects of a stage-based intervention for changing exercise intentions and behavior in older adults. [2019]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Screening, safety, and adverse events in physical activity interventions: collaborative experiences from the behavior change consortium. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Integrative review of physical activity intervention research with aging adults. [2022]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A scoping review of behavior change techniques used to promote physical activity among women in midlife. [2022]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Goal setting frequency and the use of behavioral strategies related to diet and physical activity. [2007]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise adherence among older adults: challenges and strategies. [2022]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors predicting adherence to 9 months of supervised exercise in healthy older women. [2021]

12. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Goal setting as a health behavior change strategy in overweight and obese adults: a systematic literature review examining intervention components. [2022]