Incorporating Behavior Change Strategies Into an Exercise Trial to Improve Physical Activity Maintenance Among Adults at High Risk for Type II Diabetes.

This study examined the feasibility and effects of a 1-hr physical activity (PA) behavior change (PABC) discussion session on PA, 12 weeks after completing an exercise trial. Adults at high risk of Type II diabetes were randomized to the PABC or a control group. PA was self-reported using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Chi-square tests compared the proportion of participants classified as moderately active or greater at the 12-week follow-up. Participants (N = 50) were M = 61.8 ± 5.5 years old and mostly female (80%). All participants completed the PABC discussion session, and compliance with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire at 12-week follow-up was 78%. Barrier self-efficacy increased immediately following the PABC (MΔ0.5 ± 0.9; t(22) = -2.45, p = .023). At 12-week follow-up, 88% in the PABC were moderately active or greater, compared with 50% in the control (p = .015). Incorporating a PABC discussion session as part of an exercise efficacy trial was feasible and may help improve PA maintenance.

Effect of Group Dynamics-Based Exercise Versus Personal Training in Breast Cancer Survivors.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a group dynamics-based exercise intervention versus a personal training intervention for increasing physical activity (PA), physical fitness, and quality of life (QOL) in post-treatment breast cancer survivors. SAMPLE & SETTING: 26 women with stage I or II breast cancer who attended intervention activities at a local academic institution. METHODS & VRIABLES: Participants were randomly assigned to receive an eight-week intervention in either a group dynamics-based exercise or a personal training setting. Both intervention arms received supervised exercise twice per week, as well as PA education and discussion sessions. RESULTS: Significant increases were noted in both intervention arms for vigorous PA, chest press, and leg press. Increases in overall QOL and total PA were significant only in the group dynamics-based exercise intervention arm. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The group dynamics-based exercise intervention produced similar improvements in PA and physical fitness compared to the personal training intervention, and it may have facilitated greater improvements in overall QOL.