NCT05119504

Improving the Experience of Exercise Among Individuals With Internalized Weight Bias Using Acceptance-based Strategies

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 56 (estimated)
• Sponsor: The Miriam Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this study is to test whether an acceptance based intervention can modify the relationship between heart rate and perceived exertion/negative during physical activity among individuals who have a high degree of internalized weight bias.

Detailed description

In this two-phase pilot, we will first test in a controlled setting whether an acceptance-based intervention can modify the relationship between Heart Rate and perceived exertion/negative affect during moderate intensity physical activity among individuals high in internalized weight bias (Phase 1) and then evaluate these mechanisms in real-time during uptake of a two-week physical activity prescription (Phase 2). Using a 2x2 factorial design, we will randomize individuals with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25, high and low internalized weight bias, and insufficient activity (\<60 min of moderate physical activity/week) to receive a 90-minute acceptance-based intervention workshop versus a multi-health behavior education condition prior to completing a 30-minute session of supervised, moderate intensity treadmill walking. Heart rate, self-reported perceived exertion and affect will be assessed throughout physical activity. For Phase 2, all participants from Phase 1 will receive a two-week physical activity prescription consistent with National Guidelines (150 minutes moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, recommended in 30-minute bouts) to determine the effect of treatment condition on subsequent adherence to physical activity. Physical activity adherence will be monitored with Actigraphy and Ecological Momentary Assessment (repeated daily surveys via smartphone) will be used to evaluate participant self-efficacy, intention, motivation for physical activity in near real-time.

Conditions

• Overweight and Obesity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Acceptance and Commitment	During the 90-minute, one-on-one interventionist led session, participants will learn three inter-related acceptance-based techniques tailored for coping with physical discomfort and negative affect during physical activity. (1) cognitive defusion (i.e., disentangling physical sensations and thoughts from behavior), (2) acceptance (i.e., increasing willingness to experience unpleasant physical sensations/negative affect without trying to change or control them), and (3) valued action (i.e., evaluating the role of physical activity as a valued behavior). Participants will be taught these techniques via didactic instruction, metaphors, and experiential activities. All participants will receive a two-week physical activity prescription based on national guidelines recommending 150 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity per week.
BEHAVIORAL	Multi-Health Behavior	The multi health behavior condition will include didactic material focused broadly on healthy lifestyle recommendations including physical activity. It will also emphasize that physical activity is one of several interconnected health behaviors including balanced diet, sleep, stress management. All participants will receive a two-week physical activity prescription based on national guidelines recommending 150 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity per week.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-10-14
• Primary completion: 2022-07-01
• Completion: 2022-09-01
• First posted: 2021-11-15
• Last updated: 2021-11-15

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States