Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Exercise Snacks on Clinical and Health Outcomes

Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are major health concerns, especially for individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and prediabetes. Many patients have difficulty following traditional exercise recommendations due to time constraints, limited physical capacity, comorbidities, or lack of access to exercise facilities. Therefore, new and more practical exercise strategies are needed. "Exercise Snacks" is a novel physical activity approach that involves short bouts of exercise performed multiple times throughout the day. Each session is brief and easy to integrate into daily life, such as performing short periods of resistance exercises, brisk walking, stair climbing, or other simple activities. This approach may improve exercise adherence and provide health benefits without requiring long exercise sessions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an Exercise Snacks intervention in sedentary adults with diabetes or prediabetes and to explore its potential effects on cardiovascular and metabolic health, physical function, and body composition. In this study, sedentary adults aged 18-65 years with diabetes or prediabetes will participate in a 12-week study and will be randomly assigned to either an Exercise Snacks group or a control group. Participants in the Exercise Snacks group will perform short exercise sessions lasting approximately 3-5 minutes, including simple resistance exercises and short aerobic activities. These exercise sessions will be performed several times per day and integrated into daily routines. The control group will maintain their usual lifestyle without additional exercise intervention. Participants may use wearable devices or mobile applications to receive reminders and record exercise activity. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate physical activity adherence, physical function, body composition, blood pressure, blood glucose, and other cardiovascular and metabolic health indicators. This study aims to determine whether short, frequent exercise sessions are a practical and effective alternative to traditional exercise recommendations for sedentary individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. The results of this study may help develop more feasible lifestyle intervention strategies to improve long-term exercise adherence and overall health in individuals with chronic diseases.

CPAx: Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Difference

Intensive care unit (ICU) acquired weakness is a common complication associated with long-term physical impairments in survivors of a critical illness. The Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment tool (CPAx) is a valid and reliable instrument for physical function and activity in critically ill patients at risk for muscle weakness. However, its ability to measure change over time (responsiveness) and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) have not yet been rigorously investigated. This multi-centre, mixed-methods, longitudinal cohort study therefore aims to establish responsiveness and the MCID of the CPAx in the target population from ICU baseline to ICU and hospital discharge. The study uses routine data from standard physiotherapy sessions like mobility, function and activity with no additional burden for critically ill adults. The investigators expect the CPAx to be responsive allowing its use as a primary outcome in future effectiveness trials for the treatment of ICU-acquired weakness using the newly established MCID for sample size calculation. A high quality, rigorously tested measurement tool for physical function and activity in the ICU should benefit researchers, clinicians and patients.

Testing Responses of Young Adults to Intervention Messages for Promoting Physical Activity Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to test a precision (person-specific and context-sensitive) messaging algorithm for increasing physical activity and slowing weight gain in insufficiently-active young adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does physical activity increase more when text messages are sent based on a precision rule for selecting and timing messages compared to when the same message content is selected and sent at random or not at all? * Do biological or social characteristics of young adults make them more likely to respond positively to the precision messaging intervention than either of the other two interventions? Participants will be provided with education about health-enhancing physical activity and given an activity tracker to wear for 12 months. They will then be randomly assigned to one of three groups. Participants in one group (Precision AIM) will receive up to 4 messages/day selected and timed based on a person-specific algorithm that forecasts possible message effects periodically throughout the day. Messages will be drawn from one of three content libraries: move more, sit less, or inspirational quotes. Participants in a second group (Random AIM) will receive 4 messages/day selected at random from the same three content libraries and delivered at random times within their availability window. Participants in the third group (No AIM) will receive not motivational messages but will randomly assigned to the Random AIM group will receive up to 4 messages/day drawn at random from three content libraries at randomly-selected times. Step counts and weight will be assessed at baseline, and at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Researchers will compare Precision AIM, Random AIM and No AIM groups to see if physical activity increased more and weight gain was slower in Precision AIM than Random AIM or No AIM after 3, 6, and 12 months of intervention, and 6 months after the intervention is complete (18 months).

Motivating Activity Through Text Communications - Helping Adults Increase Movement

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effect of different types of text messages on physical activity levels of middle-aged and older adults and to determine whether these messages are effective in adults age 40 and older who are engaging in less than 90 minutes per week of moderate or higher intensity physical activity. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Which types of motivational messages show the greatest effects on changes in daily step counts in a 3-month precision text messaging intervention? * What are the effects of personalized text messages on automatic affective evaluations, habit strength (experienced automaticity), exercise identity, working memory capacity, and processing speed? Participants will: * Wear a Fitbit activity tracker continuously for 3 months and are encouraged to continue wearing it through 6 months. * Wear an activPAL activity monitor on their thigh for 7-day assessment periods at the beginning of the study, at 3 months, and at 6 months. * Complete 3 cognitive assessments ("brain games") per day on their smartphone during the 7-day assessment periods at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. * Be asked to set goals to increase their daily steps over the first 3 months of the study. * Receive up to 4 motivational text messages per day for 3 months to encourage physical activity. * Keep study-related apps (Fitbit app, AIM app, MetricWire app) open in the background on their smartphone. * Complete questionnaires at the beginning of the study, at 3 months, and at 6 months

The Efficacy of Aerobic Exercise Training on ANS and Endothelial Function in Compensated Cirrhosis

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate whether a 16-week structured aerobic exercise program combined with nutritional consultation can improve autonomic and endothelial function in patients with compensated cirrhosis. Study Design: This assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial will be conducted at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Fifty adults with compensated (Child-Pugh class A) cirrhosis will be recruited during routine hepatology clinic visits. Eligible participants are aged 45-75 years, have a sedentary lifestyle (\<150 minutes of moderate or \<75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week), and have abstained from alcohol for at least six months. Exclusion criteria include active or recently treated hepatocellular carcinoma (within three months), severe portal hypertension complications (untreated large varices, prior variceal bleeding, or severe gastropathy), transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), unstable cardiac disease, orthopedic limitations, morbid obesity (BMI \>35 kg/m²), or current use of alpha- or beta-blockers that affect autonomic function. Intervention: Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Both groups will receive nutritional consultation and individualized dietary guidance at baseline, week 8, and week 16. Nutritional goals are set at 35 kcal/kg/day and 1.2 g/kg/day of protein intake. If targets are unmet, the dietitian will provide individualized recommendations to support adequate intake. The intervention group will participate in a 16-week aerobic exercise program consisting of brisk walking at moderate intensity (50-70% of maximal heart rate), totaling 150 minutes per week. The program includes two phases: * Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Combined hospital-based (1 session per week) and home-based exercise under physical therapist supervision, with gradual intensity titration. * Phase 2 (Weeks 5-16): Fully home-based exercise following prescribed intensity and frequency, with weekly follow-up via telephone or messaging to monitor adherence, safety, and exercise log completion. The control group will maintain their usual physical activity levels while receiving the same schedule of nutritional consultations and weekly follow-up for monitoring compliance and adverse events. Outcomes: Primary outcomes include changes in autonomic and endothelial function after 16 weeks. * Autonomic function will be assessed using the Ewing autonomic battery test (HR response to standing, deep breathing, and Valsalva maneuver; BP response to posture and sustained handgrip) and heart rate variability (HRV) indices (SDNN, RMSSD, LF/HF ratio). * Endothelial function will be evaluated using flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, analyzed via Cardiovascular Suite™ software to assess nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation. Secondary outcomes include: 1. Splanchnic hemodynamics: Changes in celiac and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow measured via mesenteric Doppler ultrasound (Vivid IQ, GE Healthcare). Time-averaged mean velocity (TAMV), vessel diameter, and blood flow will be recorded at baseline and post-intervention. 2. Sarcopenia-related measures: Muscle mass (DEXA, BIA), muscle strength (handgrip dynamometry), and physical performance (6-minute walk test). 3. Laboratory outcomes: Serum ammonia, liver function tests, fasting glucose, albumin, renal function, and coagulation profile. 4. Correlative analyses: Associations between (a) muscle mass and serum ammonia, and (b) muscle mass and autonomic parameters (e.g., HRV indices).

Exergame-Based Physical Activity Promotion for Children and Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a Nintendo Switch-based exergame physical activity program can help children and adolescents with congenital heart disease increase their physical activity. It will also learn about the safety, acceptability, and feasibility of this program. The study will include children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years who have congenital heart disease, have received surgical or interventional treatment, and are clinically stable. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the exergame-based program increase the amount of time participants spend in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day? Is the exergame-based program safe, acceptable, and feasible for children and adolescents with congenital heart disease? All participants will receive the same exergame-based physical activity program. Researchers will use different baseline observation periods to help understand whether changes in physical activity happen after the program starts. Participants will: Wear an activity monitor to measure daily physical activity. Complete a baseline observation period lasting 7, 14, or 21 days. Take part in a 12-week Nintendo Switch-based exergame physical activity program with guidance, goal setting, self-monitoring, feedback, and caregiver support. Complete a 2-week observation period after the program to see whether physical activity changes are maintained. Complete study assessments at screening, the end of baseline, week 4, week 8, week 12, and the end of the observation period. Researchers will also collect information on step counts, energy expenditure, self-reported physical activity, exercise capacity, quality of life, adherence, acceptability, and adverse events.

The Effectiveness of an Exergame-based Intervention

This randomized control trial aims to compare the effects of a regular exergame-based intervention and a regular moderate-intensity endurance exercise in healthy individuals. The main questions it aims to answer are: • Is regular exergame-based training an effective intervention to improve different health and performance parameters in healthy adults? Can the exergaming intervention improve health and performance parameters similar to a moderate-intensity endurance exercise intervention? Throughout the intervention period (8 weeks), participants will participate in regular training sessions (3x/week) in an exergame called the ExerCube. Researchers will compare the effects to a control group who participates in regular (3x/week) moderate-intensity endurance exercise to see if the exergaming intervention induces similar effects on health and performance parameters.

The Clinical Referral to Activity Study

The main aim of this effort is to test a physical activity intervention, for adult clinical care patients at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The intervention includes social-cognitive theory-based sessions, remote coaching, a body worn physical activity tracker (PAT), and is delivered online over one year. The investigators hypothesis that this intervention will be more successful at increasing physical activity (defined as objectively measured step counts and % of individuals meeting the moderate-vigorous physical activity goal) as an active control group who receives a body worn PAT and information on the CDC activity recommendations. The proposed intervention will be aligned with efforts by the US Centers for Disease Control to increase population physical activity levels and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to increase physical activity prescription in primary care.

The Role of Intermediaries in Connecting Individuals to Local Physical Activity - Study Protocol

Intermediaries help people to connect to community-based services and supports, including physical activity and exercise groups (physical activities). They do this by acting as a link person. After receiving a referral or self-referral, they conduct an assessment, connect people to services in the community, and follow-up with people over time. This project will investigate if connecting to physical activities through an intermediary can improve health and wellbeing. It will also investigate people's experiences of working with an intermediary. This project is a pilot feasibility study, which means the investigators are evaluating the measures used and the way the trial is designed to see if they are suitable for a larger study in the future.

Testing LiverWatch, a Home-Based Remote-Monitoring Intervention for Advanced Liver Disease

Remote healthcare monitoring for cirrhosis has shown promise in overcoming barriers to accessing specialty care, improving healthcare quality, and reducing mortality. The LiverWatch study is investigating whether a remote nutrition, physical activity, and education intervention can improve health outcomes in those with cirrhosis. In this clinical trial, individuals will be randomized to either enhanced usual care or the LiverWatch intervention. Both groups are given fitbits and asked to increase their step counts. Those in the Liverwatch group will be incentivized for increase their physical activity while also undergoing a personalized nutrition intervention and weekly symptom monitoring and cirrhosis education.

Daily Goal Setting to Increase Everyday Physical Activity and Promote Cognitive Health in Midlife

The purpose of this study is to determine whether interaction with an adaptive Fitbit-based goal setting application can increase levels of everyday light intensity physical activity in middle-aged adults.

Scalable TELeheaLth Cancer CARe: The STELLAR Program to Treat Cancer Risk Behaviors

The goal of this clinical trial is to improve cancer patient's health, survival, and quality of life by dispelling risk behaviors for Northwestern Memorial Health Care (NMHC) patients who are cancer survivors. The main question\[s\] STELLAR aims to answer are: * How best to combine three behavior interventions (physical activity promotion, smoking cessation, obesity treatment) into one treatment. * Evaluate the reach of the program. We will look at the number, proportion, and representativeness of participants in terms of disease characteristics, socioeconomic status, telehealth readiness, and race/ethnicity. * Evaluate the effects of the STELLAR program relative to enhanced usual care (information provision) on cancer risk behaviors, patient care access, care quality, and communication. Participants will be provided goals related to their physical activity, smoking, and/or weight loss and asked to track their health behaviors via an app, excel file, or on paper. At baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months into the study, participants will provide survey responses and physical measurements like height and weight. Additionally, those in the Facilitated group will complete 12 telehealth sessions with study staff to discuss progress towards their study goals. Researchers will compare the Facilitated group to the Self Guided group to see if the Facilitated intervention group is able to reach more participants that enhances care only.

HomeStyles-Adults of Chinese Heritage

Individuals of Chinese heritage are the largest and fastest growing segment of the US Asian population. US Chinese have sociodemographic characteristics and culture that differ substantially from other US Asians, and therefore, differ in social determinants of health, health status, and disease risk. US Chinese adults are at increased risk for cardiometabolic disease, related conditions (obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension), and systemic inflammation that promotes disease onset and progression. Immigration to a new country can substantially impact the gut microbiome which may promote systemic inflammation. Pilot interventions indicate a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains reduced inflammation and improved obesity. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supported, evidence-based HomeStyles intervention has demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving lifestyle behaviors and home environments associated with obesity risk in families. A lack of linguistically, culturally tailored interventions to their specific health needs makes it difficult for US Chinese to implement healthy lifestyle behaviors and reduce health risks. Interventions tailored for US Chinese that could attenuate modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors, understand physiological sequelae, and bridge health equity are not currently available. Thus, the overall goal of this project is to test the efficacy of HomeStyles in improving health outcomes in US Chinese. Project aims are to: A) Culturally adapt the HomeStyles intervention through community-engaged approaches. B) Conduct a 10-week, 2-armed Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to test HomeStyles intervention efficacy on health outcomes (dietary intake, physical activity, self-efficacy, HbA1C, waist circumference, and BMI), hypothesizing that participants randomized to the treatment condition will have greater improvements in health outcomes than control comparators. C) Examine associations between intervention participation and gut microbiota/systemic inflammation and test hypotheses that a whole-grain rich diet adopted by those in the intervention group will increase anti-inflammatory gut bacteria, reduce inflammatory gut bacteria, and lower systemic inflammation.

Community Walks: Clinical Trial

This research study will investigate the independent effects of an environmental intervention (E only), an individual-level eHealth phone program intervention (I only), or both (E+I) on changes in moderate intensity physical activity. A cluster randomized design will be implemented whereby all residents of one of 12 of Boston's public housing developments (PHDs) will be randomized to one of the four study groups (E only, I only, E+I, or control). The activities with this multilevel design include: * Screening/enrollment/baseline assessment activities * Environmental components to promote moderate intensity walking and other physical activity at the PHDs * Changing the environment surrounding the development making it more amenable to walking through the creation of walking trails and walking maps; and advocating for changes to the built environment * Healthy Living Advocates (HLA)-led walking groups within the community * Individual level components to increase motivation and self-efficacy for physical activity * eHealth program, an automated telephone-based physical activity program * 12-month and 24-month follow up assessment activities The investigators hypothesize that the participants living in the PHDs in any of the three intervention groups (E only, I only, and E+I combined) will increase minutes of moderate intensity physical activity more than participants in control group developments at 24-month follow up. It is further expected that delivery of an intervention package targeting environmental and social cues to become active, combined with an individual level intervention, will improve overall physical activity levels to recommended guidelines at the development level. The findings will inform future health promotion efforts among residents in public housing developments.

Effects of Virtual Reality and Traditional Exercise on Cognitive and Physical Performance in Sedentary Adults

This study aimed to compare the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based exercise and traditional exercise methods on selected physiological and cognitive parameters in sedentary individuals. Sedentary lifestyles are increasingly associated with reduced physical fitness and impaired cognitive performance, including decreased concentration, slower reaction time, and reduced flexibility. While traditional exercise programs are effective, their long-term adherence may be limited due to low motivation. Virtual reality-based exercise has emerged as an innovative approach that combines physical activity with interactive and engaging environments, potentially enhancing both motivation and cognitive engagement. Therefore, this study investigated whether VR-based exercise provides additional benefits compared to traditional exercise. A total of 33 sedentary adults were randomly assigned to three groups: a VR exercise group, a traditional exercise group, and a control group. The intervention groups participated in structured exercise programs three times per week for eight weeks, while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle without exercise intervention. Outcome measures included concentration, reaction time (hand and foot), balance, and flexibility, assessed before and after the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to understanding whether VR-based exercise can be used as an effective alternative to traditional exercise methods for improving both cognitive and physical performance in sedentary populations.

Effects of Personalized Exercise Prescriptions Through Mobile Health on Physical Activity and Health Outcomes in the Cancer Survivors

Participation in regular physical activity is vital to a healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that regular participation in physical activity among cancer survivors is not only able to improve health outcomes, but is also related to their quality of life. As we live in an age of technology, health wearables and smartphone apps might be one novel manner by which to help cancer survivors increase physical activity as well as improve health outcomes. Yet, the effectiveness of wearable and app as a tool for health promotion among cancer survivors is largely unstudied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized m-health intervention via fitness wearable (Fitbit Inspire 3) exercise app (sFitRx) on physical activity, weight, quality of life, individual beliefs, and emotions among cancer survivors.

Understanding Motivation Towards Exercise to Enhance Physical Activity on Prescription Adherence

The goal of this clinical trial is to explore effectiveness on physical activity, function and psychometrics in relation to an exercise intervention in physically inactive middle-aged men and women. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Is the exercise intervention effective in increasing physical activity, function and motivation towards exercise? Is there an intervention effect in physical activity, function and psychometrics at 6-, 12- and 24 months post baseline? * Can barriers and facilitators towards increased physical activity be identified in the two groups of the study? All participants will first receive standard care for physically inactive patients, i.e. Physical activity on Prescription (PaP), followed by allocation to an exercise intervention (EI) group or a control group. The EI group will be offered an additional exercise intervention for 16 weeks consisting of 1-2 training sessions per week of a combination of aerobic and resistance training at a private fitness centre. The control group will be asked to adhere to their PaP. Researchers will assess physical activity, function and psychometrics in the two groups at 6-, 12- and 24 months to evaluate the intervention effect. Additionally, interviews with the participants in the control and EI groups will be performed in order to explore barriers and facilitators towards increased physical activity in formerly inactive patients.

Exercise Effects on Health Status in Patients With Severe Mental Illness

People with severe mental disorders have a mortality rate 2 to 3 times higher than that of the general population, largely due to the presence of comorbidities, with a predominance of cardiovascular disease. This population has a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome compared to the healthy population. Several factors are involved. The usual pharmacological treatment in people with severe mental disorder is a risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome and deterioration of physical condition. This is generally compounded by poor health care, high-calorie diets, a sedentary lifestyle, difficulties in coping with life situations that generate emotional states (anxiety and/or depression) that result in unhealthy lifestyle habits related to food, activity, interpersonal relationships, sleep, consumption habits (tobacco, alcohol and drugs) and other environmental factors. Physical exercise has been proposed as one of the most effective treatments to reverse the negative consequences of low levels of physical activity in this population. However, the mechanism of action of exercise on health status and the optimal "dose" and intensity of exercise to achieve the greatest number of benefits with respect to cardiometabolic health in patients with severe mental disorder are unknown.The study will be carried out at the Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit of Navarra, a center under the Mental Health Management of Osasunbidea, where people between 18 and 65 years of age with a diagnosis of severe mental illness in a situation of clinical stability receive treatment.The sample will be composed of 100 participants from consecutive admissions to the Rehabilitation Unit. The subjects will be randomized into 2 groups; a control group that will receive the usual specialized care and an intervention group, which in addition to receiving the usual rehabilitation treatment, will undergo a 6-week multicomponent physical exercise program performed 2 days per week. The effects of exercise on the inflammatory profile, metabolic parameters, physical condition, cognitive function, vascular function, muscle strength, health-related quality of life, lifestyle habits (diet, activation, sleep, substance use) and mood will be evaluated.

Physical Activity for Adults in the Ontario Breast Screening Program

There is "strong" evidence that physical activity (PA) can reduce the risk of breast cancer (Bernstein, 2009; Kehm et al., 2020), which is important for individuals at higher-than-average risk due to their family history or genetic susceptibility. PA can also enhance quality of life (QoL), fitness, and surrogate markers (e.g., weight) linked to cancer prognosis (Ligibel et al., 2019; Patel et al., 2019). Despite this evidence, most adults are insufficiently active, meaning they do not meet Canadian recommendations of at least 150 minutes of PA each week (Statistics Canada, 2020). This study aims to develop materials that can help increase the number of adults at higher-than-average risk who meet PA recommendations, alongside improving QoL and body mass index (BMI; a measure of one's body weight-height ratio). Participants will include individuals assigned female at birth, aged 30-69 years, at high-risk of breast cancer registered in the Ontario Breast Screening Program who will be randomly assigned to receive (1) the intervention, which includes a copy of PA recommendations (Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology \[CSEP\] recommendations for adults plus content spotlighting PA benefits) plus a PA motivation package featuring three online webinars (explaining PA benefits and how to get started), digitized PA materials (providing evidence-based tools to modify behaviour), and a digitized logbook (to track PA) or (2) only a copy of PA recommendations.

Effects of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention on 24-Hour Movement Behaviours and Motor Development in Preschool Children - Study Protocol

This protocol describes a quasi-experimental controlled study evaluating the effects of the Super Quinas in Preschool programme on 24-hour movement behaviours and motor development in preschool children aged 3-6 years. The intervention consists of one additional structured 60-minute physical activity session per week for 12 weeks, delivered by a qualified exercise professional in a public preschool in Maia, Portugal. Four classes (\~80 children) are allocated at the class level: two to the intervention condition and two to the control condition (usual curricular Physical Education). Baseline data collection (T0) was conducted between 23 February and 16 March 2026; the intervention commenced on 25 March 2026. Subsequent assessments are planned for early May (T1, mid-intervention), end of June (T2, post-intervention), and mid-September 2026 (T3, follow-up). Primary outcomes are 24-hour movement behaviours (ActiGraph GT3X accelerometry) and motor competence and physical fitness (Motor Competence Assessment + PREFIT subtests). Secondary outcomes include executive function (HTKS; Day-Night Stroop) and socioemotional regulation (SDQ). Statistical analyses will use longitudinal linear mixed-effects models under an intention-to-treat framework.

Multi-modal Training Program to Promote Physical Activity After Stroke

The goal of this study is to learn if a behavioral change intervention can improve physical activity in stroke survivors living in the community. The main question it aims to answer is, if a behaviour change intervention and personalised physical activity prescription, are effective in improving the time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity amongst chronic stroke survivors. Researchers will compare the intervention group to a control group, to see if physical activity counselling and a personalized physical activity prescription is more effective in improving moderate to vigorous physical activity, than usual care alone. The study period for each participant is 6 months. Assessments are conducted at month 1 (baseline), 3 and 6. The control group will receive only usual care, which consists of an information sheet on physical activity with the following content: (1) Why be active and (2) How to be active (with URL links to resources and videos). The usual care is delivered at 3-time points during month 1, 3 and 6. The intervention group will receive usual care and a behavioral change intervention. The behavioral change intervention consists of up to 6 individual physical activity counselling sessions and a personalized physical activity prescription. The 6 sessions will take place only during months 1 to 3 and there will be no intervention during months 4 to 6. Of the 6 sessions, 3 are conducted face-to-face and another 3 sessions will take place using telehealth methods such as phone, text messaging and videoconference. Participants can meet the study physiotherapist at their preferred exercise space during the 3 face-to-face sessions. The physical activity counselling sessions consist of goal setting and action planning, and problem-solving barriers around participation in physical activity. The overall aim is to increase time spent in moderate-vigorous physical activity.

Moderate-vigorous Intermittent Physical Activity (M-VILPA) in Stroke

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in Spain. Additionally, it is the second leading cause of death in women and the third in both sexes. Regular physical activity (PA) helps prevent and manage stroke. It also helps with hypertension, maintains a healthy body weight, and improves mental health, quality of life, and well-being. PA plays a prominent role in inpatient care after stroke. However, stroke survivors become more sedentary when discharged from the hospital. They have muscle weakness, reduced balance, and fatigue. Consequently, PA levels of community-dwelling post-stroke individuals remain lower than their age-matched counterparts. Continued PA can help this population maintain and improve physical function, and reduce long-term functional limitations, and mortality risk.

Free Time For Wellness Pilot Effectiveness Trial

Physical inactivity is pervasive and prevalent in the United States, particularly among women of low socioeconomic position, and women with children. Structural and social barriers make active leisure time a rare commodity creating a pressing health issue because physical inactivity increases the risk of chronic diseases and poor health. The broad objective of this study is to pilot test the Free Time for Wellness (FT4W), an innovative multilevel physical activity intervention to increase physical activity among low-resourced mothers.

Real-time Engagement for Learning to Effectively Control Type 2 Diabetes

This is a clinical trial that includes a run-in period, a 90 day micro-randomized trial, and a 90-day observational period. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether providing paired real time glycemic and health behavior data in a smartphone app leads to better glycemic control among adolescents and young adults with T2D. Glycemic control will be monitored using Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), and health behavior data will be collected via a Fitbit activity tracker and a research app (Healthmine). Participants will be prompted to view and reflect on glycemic trends and health behavior data (Fitbit data, logging of diet and medication adherence) during the 90-day micro-randomized trial period, then observed for ongoing use of the Healthmine app and engagement with CGM in the following 90-day observation period.