This study plans to learn more about psychosocial factors that contribute to adopting physical activity. The goal of this study is to improve upon existing theories of behavior change in order to help other people become more physically active.
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between personal life meaning and purpose and physical activity maintenance in a group of previously sedentary adults starting new exercise programs. Participants complete questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after starting an exercise program. Participants are randomly assigned to complete questionnaires about daily meaning, mood, and activity for the first 4 weeks or to complete 8 random questionnaires about daily activities over the first 4 weeks. It is hypothesized that personal life meaning and purpose will be related to greater exercise participation at 12 weeks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
160
Participants complete 28 daily surveys of daily meaning, mood, and physical activities.
Participants complete 8 random surveys of activities over the past 24 hours during the first 4 weeks.
Changes in Physical Activity as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form
Evaluation of Physical Activity as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks
Frequency of Fitness Center Attendance measured by number of check-ins at fitness center
Number of check-ins at fitness center over 12 weeks
Time frame: Daily for 12 weeks
Changes in Physical Fitness, as measured by a combined scores on objective cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, and strength.
Evaluate changes in cardiovascular, flexibility and strength. Participants complete a YMCA 3-minute step test for cardiovascular fitness (assessment of resting heart rate and recovery heart rate), a sit-and-reach test for flexibility, and a grip strength test for strength. Participants objective scores on these tests will be categorized on scales from 1 (poor fitness) to 5 (excellent fitness) based on age and gender and combined for a total fitness score (ranging from 4 to 20).
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
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