Exploring how feelings about exercise affect physical activity habits
Official title: Using real-time data capture to examine implicit attitudes as mediators of physical activity adherence in interventions
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10953041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our hidden feelings about exercise affect how likely we are to stick with workout programs, and it’s designed for adults who want to find better ways to stay active by changing those feelings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $166,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA292977-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are currently inactive and may struggle with maintaining a regular exercise routine.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already highly active or have no interest in increasing their physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how implicit attitudes, or subconscious feelings, towards physical activity influence adherence to exercise programs. By using real-time data capture methods, the study aims to understand how these attitudes can change daily and in different situations. Participants may engage in various experimental strategies, such as guided imagery, to help shift their implicit attitudes positively. The goal is to create more effective interventions that encourage consistent physical activity among adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for increasing physical activity levels, potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers linked to inactivity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in modifying implicit attitudes towards physical activity, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunton, Genevieve Fridlund — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Dunton, Genevieve Fridlund
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.