Dynamic associations between anxiety, stress, physical activity, and eating regulation over the course of a behavioral weight loss intervention.

Negative emotional experiences are associated with dysregulated eating behaviors that impede weight management. While weight loss interventions promote physical activity and self-regulation of eating, no studies have examined how physical activity may directly influence eating by attenuating associations between negative emotions and eating. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined how momentary negative emotions (stress and anxiety), moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and their interactions predict eating dysregulation (i.e., intensity of eating temptations, inability to resist eating tempting foods, overeating), as well as how these associations change during a weight loss intervention. METHODS: Women with overweight/obesity (N = 55) completed 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocols with objective measurement of physical activity (i.e., bout-related MVPA time) before and after a three-month internet-based weight loss program. RESULTS: Three-way interactions emerged predicting overeating and eating tempting foods. When women experienced higher than usual levels of momentary anxiety or stress at end-of-treatment, they were less likely to subsequently overeat or eat tempting foods when they had recently engaged in more MVPA (relative to their usual level). No significant associations were found for ratings of temptation intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest MVPA may exert direct effects on eating regulation. Specifically, MVPA appears to increasingly buffer the effect of negative emotional states on dysregulated eating behavior over the course of a weight loss intervention. Future work is needed to develop ways of communicating to patients how activity can have both indirect and direct effects on body weight, and examine whether such knowledge improves outcomes.

Describing Transitions in Adherence to Physical Activity Self-monitoring and Goal Attainment in an Online Behavioral Weight Loss Program: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Standard behavioral weight loss interventions often set uniform physical activity (PA) goals and promote PA self-monitoring; however, adherence remains a challenge, and recommendations may not accommodate all individuals. Identifying patterns of PA goal attainment and self-monitoring behavior will offer a deeper understanding of how individuals adhere to different types of commonly prescribed PA recommendations (ie, minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] and daily steps) and guide future recommendations for improved intervention effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: This study examined weekly patterns of adherence to step-based and minute-based PA goals and self-monitoring behavior during a 6-month online behavioral weight loss intervention. METHODS: Participants were prescribed weekly PA goals for steps (7000-10,000 steps/day) and minutes of MVPA (50-200 minutes/week) as part of a lifestyle program. Goals gradually increased during the initial 2 months, followed by 4 months of fixed goals. PA was self-reported daily on the study website. For each week, participants were categorized as adherent if they self-monitored their PA and met the program PA goal, suboptimally adherent if they self-monitored but did not meet the program goal, or nonadherent if they did not self-monitor. The probability of transitioning into a less adherent status was examined using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Participants (N=212) were predominantly middle-aged females with obesity, and 67 (31.6%) self-identified as a racial/ethnic minority. Initially, 73 (34.4%) participants were categorized as adherent to step-based goals, with 110 [51.9%] suboptimally adherent and 29 [13.7%] nonadherent, and there was a high probability of either remaining suboptimally adherent from week to week or transitioning to a nonadherent status. However, 149 (70.3%) participants started out adherent to minute-based goals (34 [16%] suboptimally adherent and 29 [13.7%] nonadherent), with suboptimally adherent seen as the most variable status. During the graded goal phase, participants were more likely to transition to a less adherent status for minute-based goals (odds ratio [OR] 1.39, 95% CI 1.31-1.48) compared to step-based goals (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.17-1.30); however, no differences were seen during the fixed goal phase (minute-based goals: OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.05-1.08; step-based goals: OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.08). CONCLUSIONS: States of vulnerability to poor PA adherence can emerge rapidly and early in obesity treatment. There is a window of opportunity within the initial 2 months to bring more people toward adherent behavior, especially those who fail to meet the prescribed goals but engage in self-monitoring. Although this study describes the probability of adhering to step- and minute-based targets, it will be prudent to determine how individual characteristics and contextual states relate to these behavioral patterns, which can inform how best to adapt interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02688621; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02688621.

Health provider identified barriers and facilitators to weight management for individuals with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the barriers and facilitators of weight management in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) from the perspective of SCI health care providers. SETTING: Veterans Health Administration and Midwest Regional SCI Care Systems. METHODS: Health care providers (n = 25) who care for individuals with SCI completed semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis methodology was used to identify emergent themes around barriers and facilitators to weight management in SCI. RESULTS: Sixteen subthemes emerged for barriers and seven subthemes emerged for facilitators for weight management in SCI. Barriers included individual-level factors (e.g., physical ability/mobility limitations, lack of interest, psychological obstacles, lack of knowledge, poor dietary strategies), socio-environmental factors (e.g., challenges with family support, lack of access to weight management resources, dependency on others, difficulties obtaining weight measurement), and organizational factors (e.g., lack of integration/inconsistent weight management support from healthcare systems, pushing calorie intake early post-injury). Facilitators included individual-level factors (e.g., motivation, education/knowledge, participation in exercise and physical activity) and socio-environmental factors (e.g., positive support network, access to/use of healthy dietary strategies, access to exercise facilities/adaptive equipment, participating in weight management with others). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers identified individual-level, socio-environmental, and organizational barriers and facilitators that influence weight management efforts in individuals with SCI. Future weight management resources and programs should consider addressing common barriers identified by healthcare providers, individuals with SCI, and their caregivers, and develop strategies to promote facilitators to enhance weight management in this population.

Momentary affective response to bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity predicts changes in physical activity and sedentary behavior during behavioral weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Affective responses are posited to be key predictors of the uptake and maintenance of health behaviors. However, few studies have examined how individuals' affective response to physical activity, as well as the degree to which their affect response changes, may predict changes in physical activity and sedentary time during behavioral weight loss treatment. PURPOSE: The current study examined how baseline momentary affective response (i.e., stress and anxiety) to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and the degree of pre--post intervention change in this response predicted change in daily sedentary, light, and MVPA time during a three-month internet-based weight loss program. METHODS: Women with overweight/obesity (final N=37) completed 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) protocols with objective measurement of physical activity (i.e., bout-related MVPA time) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Women who had more reinforcing responses to MVPA (i.e., greater reductions in anxiety and stress response following MVPA bouts) at baseline had greater increases in overall MVPA at the end of the intervention. Those who had greater anxiety reductions after MVPA bouts at baseline also evidenced less sedentary time at the end of the intervention. Changes in affective responses across the intervention were not related to changes in physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest initial levels of affective reinforcement from MVPA bouts predict future change in MVPA and sedentary time during behavioral weight loss. Future work is needed to examine the utility of more precisely targeting affective responses to physical activity to optimize intervention approaches.

A qualitative exploration of social and environmental factors affecting diet and activity in knee replacement patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine perceived social and environmental barriers and facilitators for healthy eating and activity before and after knee replacement. BACKGROUND: Many patients undergoing knee replacement surgery are overweight or obese. While obesity treatment guidelines encourage diet and activity modifications, gaps exist in understanding social and environmental determinants of these behaviours for knee replacement patients. Identifying these determinants is critical for treatment, as they are likely amplified due to patients' mobility limitations, the nature of surgery and reliance on others during recovery. DESIGN: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews. METHODS: Twenty patients (M = 64.7 ± 9.8 years, 45% female, 90% Caucasian, body mass index 30.8 ± 5.5 kg/m2 ) who were scheduled for or had recently undergone knee replacement were interviewed. Participants were asked to identify social and environmental factors that made it easier or harder to engage in healthy eating or physical activity. Deidentified transcripts were analysed via constant comparative analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and activity. This paper was written in accordance with COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research standards. RESULTS: Identified social and environmental healthy eating barriers included availability of unhealthy food and attending social gatherings; facilitators included availability of healthy food, keeping unhealthy options "out of sight," and social support. Weather was the primary activity barrier, while facilitators included access to physical activity opportunities and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide salient factors for consideration by clinicians and behavioural programmes targeting diet, activity, and weight management, and patient variables to consider when tailoring interventions. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Practitioners treating knee replacement patients would be aided by an understanding of patients' perceived social and environmental factors that impede or facilitate surgical progress. Particularly for those directly interacting with patients, like nurses, physiotherapists, or other professionals, support from health professionals appears to be a strong facilitator of adherence to diet and increased activity.

Use of Physical Activity Monitors in Rheumatic Populations.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review paper is to provide an overview of the recent research using physical activity monitors in rheumatic populations including those with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and fibromyalgia. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research demonstrates increased use of physical activity monitors in these populations, especially in those with osteoarthritis. Results from cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies highlight that physical activity levels are below recommended guidelines, yet evidence suggests benefits such as improving pain, fatigue, function, and overall well-being. While the use of physical activity monitors in rheumatic populations is increasing, more research is needed to better understand physical activity levels in these populations, the effects of activity on relevant clinical outcomes, and how monitors can be used to help more individuals reach physical activity guidelines.

Initial Weight Loss Response as an Indicator for Providing Early Rescue Efforts to Improve Long-term Treatment Outcomes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is a large variability in response to behavioral weight loss (WL) programs. Reducing rates of obesity and diabetes may require more individuals to achieve clinically significant WL post-treatment. Given that WL within the first 1-2 months of a WL program is associated with long-term WL, it may be possible to improve treatment outcomes by identifying and providing additional intervention to those with poor initial success (i.e., "early non-responders"). We review the current literature regarding early non-response to WL programs and discuss how adaptive interventions can be leveraged as a strategy to "rescue" early non-responders. RECENT FINDINGS: Preliminary findings suggest that adaptive interventions, specifically stepped care approaches, offer promise for improving outcomes among early non-responders. Future studies need to determine the optimal time point and threshold for intervening and the type of early intervention to employ. Clinicians and researchers should consider the discussed factors when making treatment decisions.

Breast cancer survivors' preferences for technology-supported exercise interventions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore breast cancer survivors' interest in and preferences for technology-supported exercise interventions. METHODS: Post-treatment survivors [n = 279; M age = 60.7 (SD = 9.7)] completed a battery of online questionnaires in August 2015. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all data. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between survivors' interest in a technology-supported exercise interventions and demographic, disease, and behavioral factors. These same factors were examined in relation to perceived effectiveness of such interventions using multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: About half (53.4%) of survivors self-reported meeting public health recommendations for physical activity. Fewer than half reported using an exercise or diet mobile app (41.2%) or owning an activity tracker (40.5%). The majority were interested in receiving remotely delivered exercise counseling (84.6%), participating in a remotely delivered exercise intervention (79.5%), and using an exercise app or website (68%). Survivors reported that the most helpful technology-supported intervention components would be an activity tracker (89.5%), personalized feedback (81.2%), and feedback on how exercise is influencing mood, fatigue, etc. (73.6%). Components rated as least helpful were social networking integration (31.2%), group competitions (33.9%), and ability to see others' progress (35.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Preferences for technology-supported exercise interventions varied among breast cancer survivors. Nonetheless, data indicate that technology-supported interventions may be feasible and acceptable. Engaging stakeholders may be important in developing and testing potential intervention components.

Association Between Sedentary Time and Quality of Life From the Osteoarthritis Initiative: Who Might Benefit Most From Treatment?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between sedentary behavior and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) among participants in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. DESIGN: Longitudinal, observational design. SETTING: Osteoarthritis Initiative cohort. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=1794) from a prospective, multicenter longitudinal cohort were classified into quantile groups based on average daily sedentary time (most sedentary, quartile 1 [Q1] ≥11.6h; 10.7h≤ Q2 <11.6h; 9.7h≤ Q3 <10.7h; least sedentary, Q4 <9.7h). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Individual QALYs were estimated over 2 years from the area under the curve of health-related utility scores derived from the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey versus time. The relationship between baseline sedentary behavior and median 2-year QALYs was estimated using quantile regression adjusted for socioeconomic factors and body mass index. RESULTS: Lower QALYs over 2 years were more frequently found among the most sedentary (Q1, median 1.59), and QALYs increased as time spent in baseline sedentary behavior decreased (median QALYs for Q2, 1.64; Q3, 1.65; Q4, 1.65). The relationship of sedentary time and median QALY change was only significant for the most sedentary Q1 group, where an additional hour of sedentary behavior significantly reduced QALYs by -.072 (95% confidence interval, -.121 to -.020). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that individuals with the most extreme sedentary profiles may be vulnerable to additional losses of quality of life if they become more sedentary. Targeting these individuals to decrease sedentary behavior has the potential to be cost-effective.

Predictors of Change in Physical Function in Older Adults in Response to Long-Term, Structured Physical Activity: The LIFE Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent of variability in functional responses in participants in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) study and to identify the relative contributions of intervention adherence, physical activity, and demographic and health characteristics to this variability. DESIGN: Secondary analysis. SETTING: Multicenter institutions. PARTICIPANTS: A volunteer sample (N=1635) of sedentary men and women aged 70 to 89 years who were able to walk 400m but had physical limitations, defined as a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score of ≤9. INTERVENTIONS: Moderate-intensity physical activity (n=818) consisting of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises performed both center-based (2times/wk) and home-based (3-4times/wk) sessions or health education program (n=817) consisting of weekly to monthly workshops covering relevant health information. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Physical function (gait speed over 400m) and lower extremity function (SPPB score) assessed at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: Greater baseline physical function (gait speed, SPPB score) was negatively associated with change in gait speed (regression coefficient ß=-.185; P<.001) and change in SPPB score (ß=-.365; P<.001), whereas higher number of steps per day measured by accelerometry was positively associated with change in gait speed (ß=.035; P<.001) and change in SPPB score (ß=.525; P<.001). Other baseline factors associated with positive change in gait speed and/or SPPB score include younger age (P<.001), lower body mass index (P<.001), and higher self-reported physical activity (P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Several demographic and physical activity-related factors were associated with the extent of change in functional outcomes in participants in the LIFE study. These factors should be considered when designing interventions for improving physical function in older adults with limited mobility.

Preferences and motivation for weight loss among knee replacement patients: implications for a patient-centered weight loss intervention.

BACKGROUND: Most knee replacement patients are overweight/obese, yet are commonly excluded from evidence-based weight loss programs due to mobility limitations and barriers faced around the time of surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify knee replacement patient preferences for weight loss programs and qualitatively understand previous motives for weight loss attempts as well as strategies used to facilitate behavior changes. METHODS: Patients who were either scheduled to have knee replacement or had one recently completed within the last 3 months were recruited to participate. Patients completed a brief weight loss program preference questionnaire assessing preferred components of a weight loss program (i.e. self-monitoring, educational topics, program duration). Qualitative interviews were completed to identify motives for and strategies used during past weight loss attempts. All interviews were transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: Twenty patients (11 pre-operative and 9 post-operative) between 47 and 79 years completed the study (55% male, 90% White, and 85% with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Patients reported a preference for a weight loss program that starts before surgery, is at least 6 months in duration, and focuses both on diet and exercise. The majority of patients preferred to have a telephone-based program and wanted to track diet and physical activity on a smartphone application. The most common motive for weight loss mentioned by patients related to physical appearance (including how clothing fit), followed by wanting to lose weight to improve knee symptoms or to prevent or delay knee replacement. Strategies that patients identified as helpful during weight loss attempts included joining a formal weight loss program, watching portion sizes, and self-monitoring their dietary intake, physical activity, or weight. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a preliminary examination into the motives for weight loss, strategies utilized during past weight loss attempts, and preferences for future weight loss programs as described by knee replacement patients. These results will help guide the development and adaptation of future patient-centered weight loss programs as well as help clinicians recommend targeted weight programs based on the specific preferences of the knee replacement population.

Effect of Structured Physical Activity on Overall Burden and Transitions Between States of Major Mobility Disability in Older Persons: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial.

Background: The total time a patient is disabled likely has a greater influence on his or her quality of life than the initial occurrence of disability alone. Objective: To compare the effect of a long-term, structured physical activity program with that of a health education intervention on the proportion of patient assessments indicating major mobility disability (MMD) (that is, MMD burden) and on the risk for transitions into and out of MMD. Design: Single-blinded, parallel-group, randomized trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01072500). Setting: 8 U.S. centers between February 2010 and December 2013. Participants: 1635 sedentary persons, aged 70 to 89 years, who had functional limitations but could walk 400 m. Intervention: Physical activity (n = 818) and health education (n = 817). Measurements: MMD, defined as the inability to walk 400 m, was assessed every 6 months for up to 3.5 years. Results: During a median follow-up of 2.7 years, the proportion of assessments showing MMD was substantially lower in the physical activity (0.13 [95% CI, 0.11 to 0.15]) than the health education (0.17 [CI, 0.15 to 0.19]) group, yielding a risk ratio of 0.75 (CI, 0.64 to 0.89). In a multistate model, the hazard ratios for comparisons of physical activity with health education were 0.87 (CI, 0.73 to 1.03) for the transition from no MMD to MMD; 0.52 (CI, 0.10 to 2.67) for no MMD to death; 1.33 (CI, 0.99 to 1.77) for MMD to no MMD; and 1.92 (CI, 1.15 to 3.20) for MMD to death. Limitation: The intention-to-treat principle was maintained for MMD burden and first transition out of no MMD, but not for subsequent transitions. Conclusion: A structured physical activity program reduced the MMD burden for an extended period, in part through enhanced recovery after the onset of disability and diminished risk for subsequent disability episodes. Primary Funding Source: National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health.

Patients Less Likely to Lose Weight Following a Knee Replacement: Results From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Knee replacement typically results in reduced pain and improved function, but it is unclear if these improvements lead to weight loss. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine weight change patterns preoperatively and postoperatively among overweight/obese knee replacement patients. METHODS: The study evaluated 210 overweight/obese patients from the Osteoarthritis Initiative who underwent a knee replacement during an 8-year longitudinal study. Average annual weight changes during 1- to 2-year intervals prior to, including, and subsequent to knee replacement were categorized as loss (≥-2.5%), maintain (>-2.5% to <2.5%), and gain (≥2.5%). Weight changes across time intervals were compared using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations, adjusting for demographic, health, and knee factors. RESULTS: On average, patients lost -0.6 kg/y during the interval when the surgery was performed, but weight gain (0.9 kg/y) in the initial postoperative interval represented an overall net weight gain (0.3 kg/y) compared with presurgery. Continued weight gain (0.3 kg/y) was also seen among patients with additional follow-ups. Patients were significantly less likely to have a meaningful weight loss in the time interval immediately following the surgery compared with the interval in which the surgery took place (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obese patients initially lost weight during the interval including knee replacement; however, they were less likely to lose more than 2.5% of their weight in the 1 to 2 years immediately after the surgery. Knee replacement patients may benefit from weight management interventions both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Do Inactive Older Adults Who Increase Physical Activity Experience Less Disability: Evidence From the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for developing disability. Although randomized clinical trials have demonstrated improving physical activity can reduce this risk in older adults with arthritis, these studies did not specifically evaluate inactive adults. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of changes in physical activity with disability changes among initially inactive adults with or at high risk of knee osteoarthritis from Osteoarthritis Initiative. METHODS: Inactive persons were identified at baseline based on the US Department of Health and Human Services classification (no [zero] 10-minute session of moderate-to-vigorous [MV] activity over 1 week) from objective accelerometer monitoring. Two years later, physical activity change status was classified as follows: (1) met Federal physical activity guidelines (≥150 MV minutes/week acquired in bouts ≥10 minutes), (2) insufficiently increased activity (some but <150 MV bout minutes/week), or (3) remained inactive. Disability at baseline and 2 years was assessed by Late Life Disability Instrument limitation and frequency scores. Multiple regression evaluated the relationship of physical activity change status with baseline-to-2-year changes in disability scores adjusting for socioeconomics, health factors, and baseline disability score. RESULTS: Increased physical activity showed a graded relationship with improved disability scores in Late Life Disability Instrument limitation (P < 0.001) and frequency scores (P = 0.027). While increasing MV activity to guideline levels showed the greatest reduction, even insufficiently increased physical activity was related to reduced disability. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support advice to increase MV physical activity to reduce disability among inactive adults with or at high risk of knee osteoarthritis, even when guidelines are not met.

Objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior and quality of life indicators in survivors of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of the current study was to determine prospective associations of accelerometer-assessed physical activity intensity and sedentary time with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) indicators among survivors of breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 358 survivors of breast cancer wore an accelerometer for 7 days at baseline to assess different activity intensities (light, lifestyle, and moderate to vigorous) and sedentary behavior. Six months later, survivors completed online questionnaires that assessed HRQOL indicators (disease-specific HRQOL, fatigue, depression, and anxiety) and relevant covariates. Relationships between activity and sedentary behavior quartiles and HRQOL indicator scores were examined using generalized liner models with Bonferroni multiple comparison adjustment. RESULTS: After adjustment for covariates and sedentary time, each increasing lifestyle activity quartile was associated with reduced fatigue duration (P for trend, .03). Each increasing baseline moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) quartile was found to be significantly associated with higher Physical Well-Being, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) total, and trial outcome index scores; fewer breast cancer-specific concerns; and lower fatigue interference, and these differences were statistically and clinically significant between survivors in quartile 1 and quartile 4. After controlling for covariates and MVPA, relationships between sedentary time and HRQOL were mostly null with the exception of lower fatigue duration. CONCLUSIONS: Objectively measured MVPA was found to be positively associated with many HRQOL indicators. Lifestyle activity was found to be only inversely associated with fatigue duration whereas sedentary time was found to be positively associated with fatigue duration. Future research is warranted to explore these relationships further.

Characterization of early non-responders within behavioral weight loss treatment.

Objective: Given that low early (4 weeks) weight loss (WL) predicts longer-term WL, the purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with poor early WL. Methods: 438 adults with overweight/obesity participating in an Internet-delivered behavioral WL program provided weights at baseline and 4 weeks. Participants were stratified by percent WL at 4 weeks: LOW: <2% WL, MEDIUM: 2 to <4% WL, HIGH: ≥4% WL and groups were compared on baseline variables (demographics, physical activity, and psychosocial measures) and 4-week intervention adherence. Results: 37.4%, 40.9%, and 21.7% of participants had LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH early WL respectively. LOW was more likely to be female compared to HIGH and less likely to be non-Hispanic White compared to MEDIUM and HIGH (p's<0.05). After controlling for demographic differences, LOW had lower baseline physical activity compared to HIGH and watched fewer video lessons, self-monitored calorie intake and weight on fewer days, and were less likely to achieve the exercise goal compared to MEDIUM and HIGH (p's<0.05). Conclusion: Findings can inform future adaptive interventions which tailor treatment based upon early WL to improve WL outcomes for more individuals.

An Adaptive Telephone Coaching Intervention for Patients in an Online Weight Loss Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Weight loss (WL) during the first month of a behavioral program is associated with longer-term WL. Testing of translatable and adaptive obesity programs is needed. Objective: To compare brief, extended, and no telephone coaching for individuals with suboptimal response (ie, 1-month WL <4%) within an online WL program. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial with enrollment between March 2019 and April 2022 (data collection completed May 2023) was conducted at an academic research center in the US. Eligible participants included adults aged 18 to 70 years with daily access to internet and a body mass index between 25 and 45. Interventions: All participants received an automated online WL program (4 months) and WL maintenance program (8 months), consisting of video lessons, self-monitoring, and personalized feedback. Participants were randomized, such that individuals with suboptimal response received either brief telephone coaching (3 calls during weeks 5-8), extended telephone coaching (12 calls during weeks 5-16), or no coaching (control). Coaching included education, problem solving, and goal setting, and promoted engagement with the online program. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were percent weight change and proportion of participants achieving 5% or greater WL at 4 and 12 months. A priori hypotheses for WL were that WL for extended coaching would be greater than for brief coaching, and both extended and brief coaching would be greater than no coaching (control). A longitudinal mixed-effects model with participant-specific intercept was used to examine intervention effects on percent WL at 4 and 12 months. Secondary analyses focused on program engagement and cost/kilogram of WL. Results: The study included a total of 437 participants who reported WL at 1 month (mean [SD] age, 50.8 [11.4] years; mean [SD] BMI, 34.6 [5.0]; 305 female [69.8%] and 132 male [30.2%]) with 148 randomized to extended coaching, 143 assigned to brief coaching, and 146 assigned to the control group. Of all participants, 346 (79.2%) were considered to have a suboptimal response. WL at 4 months was significantly greater in the extended coaching group (mean [SD] WL, -7.0% [5.1%]) and brief coaching group (mean [SD] WL, -6.2% [4.7%]) vs the control group (mean [SD] WL, -4.5% [4.7%]) (P < .001). Similarly, the proportion of participants achieving 5% or greater WL at 4 months was greater in the extended coaching group (89 participants [65.9%]) and brief coaching group (77 participants [58.5%]) vs control group (46 participants [36.5%]) (P < .001). At 12 months, a similar pattern was observed for achievement of 5% WL or greater (extended coaching, 63 participants [48.1%]; brief coaching, 58 participants [45.9%]; control, 38 participants [32.8%]; P = .03). Percent WL at 12 months was significantly higher in extended coaching vs control (mean [SD] WL for extended coaching, -5.5% [6.7%]; mean [SD] WL for control, -3.9% [7.4%]; P = .03) but not for brief coaching (mean [SD] WL, -4.9% [6.1%]).Both the brief and extended coaching groups watched more lessons and self-monitored on more days compared with the control group. The cost per additional kilogram of WL, beyond that of the control group, was $50.09 for brief coaching and $92.65 for extended coaching. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial testing an adaptive intervention, the provision of coaching for individuals with suboptimal response improved WL and was cost-effective; further testing in clinical settings (eg, health care systems) is warranted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03867981.

Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Underrepresented Populations and Adults With Arthritis in Behavioral Interventions: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify strategies used to recruit and retain underrepresented populations and populations with arthritis or fibromyalgia (FM) into behavioral programs targeting exercise, physical activity, or chronic disease self management. METHODS: Five bibliographic databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 and May 2022. The search focused on strategies and best practices for recruiting and retaining underrepresented populations or populations with arthritis or FM into disease self-management or physical activity/exercise programs. Abstracts and full-text articles were screened for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers, and 2 reviewers extracted data from included articles. RESULTS: Of the 2,800 articles, a total of 43 publications (31 interventions, 8 reviews, 4 qualitative/descriptive studies) met criteria and were included. The majority of studies focused on physical activity/exercise (n = 36) and targeted African American (n = 17), Hispanic (n = 9), or arthritis populations (n = 7). Recruitment strategies that were frequently used included having race- or community-matched team members, flyers and information sessions in areas frequented by the population, targeted emails/mailings, and word of mouth referrals. Retention strategies used included having race- or community-matched team members, incentives, being flexible, and facilitating attendance. Most studies used multiple recruitment and retention strategies. CONCLUSION: This scoping review highlights the importance of a multifaceted recruitment and retention plan for underrepresented populations and populations with arthritis or FM in behavioral intervention programs targeting exercise, physical activity, or chronic disease self management. Additional research is needed to better understand the individual effects of different strategies and the costs associated with the various recruitment/retention methods in underrepresented populations and populations with arthritis.

Promoting physical activity via physical therapist following knee replacement: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient physical therapy may be an opportune time to promote aerobic physical activity after knee replacement; however, it is unknown if it is feasible to integrate a physical activity intervention within standard physical therapy. OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention delivered within outpatient physical therapy for adults after knee replacement. METHODS: As part of a cluster randomized trial, adults with knee replacement starting outpatient physical therapy were recruited across four physical therapy sites. Sites were randomized and physical therapists delivered either an enhanced physical activity intervention or a control condition. The enhanced physical activity intervention consisted of standard postoperative physical therapy plus goal setting, problem-solving, and use of motivational interviewing techniques to promote 150 minutes/week of aerobic moderate intensity physical activity. The control group received standard postoperative physical therapy only. Feasibility and acceptability were determined based on recruitment and retention rates at 12 weeks after surgery. Outcomes including objectively measured physical activity, pain, and self-reported function were examined at the baseline postoperative visit and 12 weeks later. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of candidates screened were randomized (n = 45) and retention at 12 weeks after surgery was 91% (no difference by condition). Moderate-intensity activity increased, pain decreased, and self-reported function improved, but there were no statistically significant group differences between baseline and 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Implementing a physical activity intervention within outpatient physical therapy for adults after knee replacement is feasible; however, in this pilot study, changes were not observed in moderate intensity physical activity as compared to standard postoperative physical therapy. Future studies are needed to explore additional low-cost strategies and the optimal time to promote physical activity after knee replacement.

Bad situation, treat yourself: a qualitative exploration of the factors influencing healthy eating habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: To explore barriers and facilitators to healthy eating during the COVID-19 pandemic among adults enrolled in an internet-based weight loss program. Methods: Adults in an internet-delivered weight loss program were recruited to participate. Participants completed online study surveys and a semi-structured interview via telephone between June 1, 2020 and June 22, 2020. The interview included questions to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced dietary behaviors. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify key themes. Results: Participants (n = 30) were primarily female (83%) and white (87%), 54.6 ± 10.0 years old, and had a mean body mass index of 31.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2. Barriers included snacking/ease of access to food, eating as a coping mechanism, and lack of routine/planning. Facilitators included calorie control, regular routine/scheduling, and self-monitoring. General themes with eating were a change in eating out frequency or modality, cooking more, and changes in alcohol consumption. Conclusion: Eating habits among adults enrolled in a weight loss program changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future weight loss programs and public health recommendations should consider modifying recommendations to place increased emphasis on strategies to overcome barriers to healthy eating and promote facilitators that may help with healthy eating, particularly during unexpected circumstances or events.