Motivation for Exercise: A Mood-Based Focus

Boston University Charles River Campus

Status: Completed

Conditions: Exercise Motivation

Treatments: Other: Exercise for Fitness video; Other: Exercise for Mood video

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06706180

7628E

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this study is to assess the effects of an exercise-related video on exercise motivation and adherence. Specifically, the researchers are studying whether an exercise-for-mood video increase levels of exercise motivation as compared to an exercise-for-fitness video.

Full description

This study is designed to evaluate two interventions for exercise motivation: an exercise-for-mood video and an exercise-for-fitness video. After screening to determine eligibility, participants will complete two virtual study appointments, scheduled 10-20 days apart. In Phase 1, participants will first consent to the study and complete the DASS-21, ASI-3, and EMI-2. Participants will then complete an interview-format 7-day Physical Activity Recall (7-day PAR) about their exercise over the past week. Participants are then randomized to either the Fitness or Mood video by the researcher and are assigned to watch the video while on the Zoom meeting, approximately 11 minutes long. After the video, participants complete two short questionnaires about the credibility and usefulness of the video they watched. Finally, participants are briefed on safe exercise habits and given a goal of moderate exercise 4 times per week.

In the Phase 2 appointment, participants complete the EMI-2 and the 7-day PAR about their exercise over the past week. Participants are then debriefed on the intent of the study.

Enrollment: 48 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• At least 18 years of age
• Current PS101 student at Boston University
• A score of 14 or higher on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)
• Able to read English to provide informed consent
• Familiarity with a computer keyboard and mouse or a touch screen device
• Access to Zoom video conferencing software

Exclusion criteria

• Under age 18
• Known conditions prohibiting exercise adoption as identified by risk scores on the PAR-Q (a score of "yes" on one or more items)
• Presence of anorexia nervosa or atypical anorexia nervosa, or recent (6 month) suicidal ideation
• Score of 13 or lower on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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48 participants in 2 patient groups

Exercise for Mood video

Experimental group

Description:

The Exercise for Mood intervention is an approximately 11-minute video shown to participants which presents a mood-based motivational frame for exercise and physical activity. Video content focuses on discussions related to the immediate mood benefits from exercise, longer-term cognitive and mental health benefits of exercise, effects of positive affect during exercise, and mood-centered strategies for engaging in regular physical activity, including exercising in diverse locations, exercising with friends, and exercising with music or audiobooks.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise for Mood video

Exercise for Fitness video

Active Comparator group

Description:

The Exercise for Fitness intervention is an approximately 11-minute video shown to participants which presents a fitness-based motivational frame for exercise and physical activity. Video content focuses on discussions related to the physical health effects of exercise, including cardiovascular health, increased calorie burning, and overall physical wellbeing. The video also includes recommendations for diversity of exercise, balancing cardiovascular and strength-training activities.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise for Fitness video