Physical Activity Choices Everyday- A Pilot Study (PACE)

University of Connecticut

Status: Completed

Conditions: Obesity

Treatments: Behavioral: Behavioral Weight Loss + Future Thinking; Behavioral: Behavioral Weight Loss + Healthy Thinking

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT03843099

H19-008

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to test two strategies for weight loss. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two 4-week weight loss programs: (1) a behavioral weight loss program that involves recording weekly weight, physical activity, and caloric intake plus daily exercises in which information about a healthy lifestyle is reviewed or (2) a behavioral weight loss program that involves recording weekly weight, physical activity, and caloric intake plus daily exercises in which descriptions of positive future events are reviewed. Throughout the study, participants will complete assessments that examine the effects of the interventions on delay discounting, physical activity, weight, and other important health and psychosocial outcomes.

Enrollment: 5 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 70 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age between 18-70
• Body Mass Index between 30-50
• English Speaking
• Have a smartphone that can be used for study activities

Exclusion criteria

• Report being unable to walk 2 blocks without stopping
• Are currently participating in weight loss treatment, have a history of bariatric surgery, or lost ≥5% in the past 6-months
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant within 2 months
• Report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of rest or activity, or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
• Report a medical condition that could jeopardize their safety in a weight control program with diet and exercise guidelines
• History of or current traumatic brain injury, dementia or Alzheimer's disease; a history of Multiple Sclerosis, or other neurological disorders
• Report conditions that, in the judgment of the PI, would render them unlikely to follow the protocol (e.g., relocation, dementia, unable to read and write in English)
• Have no Internet access or unwilling to use personal smartphone for study.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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5 participants in 2 patient groups

Behavioral Weight Loss + Healthy Thinking

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive a 4-week behavioral weight loss intervention based on evidence-based weight loss strategies focused on diet, exercise, and behavioral skills. In this treatment, participants will be asked to read short passages related to nutrition and a healthy lifestyle through our study website twice a day for the duration of treatment.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Behavioral Weight Loss + Healthy Thinking

Behavioral Weight Loss + Future Thinking

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive a 4-week behavioral weight loss intervention based on evidence-based weight loss strategies focused on diet, exercise, and behavioral skills. In this treatment, participants will create descriptions of upcoming positive events and will be asked to read short passages through our study website at least twice a day for the duration of treatment.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Behavioral Weight Loss + Future Thinking