Examining how emotions affect physical activity engagement
Using Real-Time Data Capture to Examine Affective Mechanisms as Mediators of Physical Activity Adherence in Interventions
This study is trying out new ways to see if changing how people feel about exercise can help overweight or obese adults get more active.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 280 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06570642 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial tests strategies to influence emotional responses related to physical activity in inactive adults who are overweight or obese. It aims to determine if manipulating these emotional mechanisms can lead to increased physical activity behavior. The study employs a novel intervention that optimizes core and enhancement components to assess their effects on participants' affective responses. By using real-world settings, the trial seeks to establish a connection between emotional changes and physical activity engagement.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older, residing in the U.S., with a BMI of 25 or higher and currently engaging in less than 60 minutes of structured physical activity per week.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent due to cognitive disabilities or those with medical conditions that prevent engagement in the treatment components may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help develop effective interventions that motivate overweight or obese individuals to increase their physical activity levels.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using emotional mechanisms to enhance physical activity engagement, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Aged ≥ 18 years 2. Reside in the United States 3. Self-reported BMI ≥ 25 4. Current structured physical activity engagement \< 60 minutes per week 5. Own a personal smartphone device 6. Reside in an area with Internet or Wi-Fi connectivity during the study period 7. Able to speak and read in English 8. Interested and willing to start a physical activity program 9. Willing to wear a Fitbit Versa smartwatch provided by the study team everyday continuously (including at work and during physical activity), in place of any Fitbits or smartwatches previously worn, for the duration of the study period 10. Able to read the small font on a smartwatch screen without glasses, or willing to carry reading glasses during physical activity for the purpose of reading the smartwatch screen Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to provide informed consent due to cognitive disability 2. Inability to engage in one or more key treatment components, including those with medical conditions that preclude physical activity engagement or who cannot wear an accelerometer on the wrist or answer brief surveys on the smartwatch for any reason 3. Current pregnancy 4. Referred to the study by another participant or from Reddit.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Genevieve F Dunton, PhD MPH — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Micaela Hewus, MPH
- Email: micaelag@usc.edu
- Phone: 323-442-7304
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.