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PRESS PLAY TO INCREASE ACTIVITY

Abstract

Halle E. Prine, Madison Arsenault, Raven Flicek, Madison Kindred. Augusta University, Augusta, GA.

Background: Over the past decade, obesity levels have risen from 35.7% in 2010 to 42.4% in 2019 among adults over the age of 20. Individuals classified as obese based on body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk for morbidity from hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, etc. Furthermore, the psychosocial health of obese individuals plays a crucial role in their overall well-being. With the continued increase in overweight and obese young adults, it is critical to examine potential lifestyle changes to improve the health of these individuals. The Center for Disease Control highlights physical activity as a fundamental lifestyle change for those individuals who are overweight or obese (in addition, healthy eating habits have also been identified). This study aims to increase daily steps by encouraging participants to listen to podcasts while being active. To the best of our knowledge, no study has used podcasts to increase activity among young adults. Furthermore, developing physical activity interventions using smartphone technology has been recognized as a feasible next step for physical activity interventions specifically for overweight, obese young adults. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention that encourages physical activity (primarily an increase in daily steps) while listening to podcasts. Methods: We plan to recruit 30 male and female participants between the ages of 18-25. Eligible participants will also be classified as sedentary (< 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity/week), own a smartphone, and able to walk independently. To date, we have recruited 7 participants. Participants will attend a baseline session to sign an informed consent and receive an Inspire 2 Fitbit and Actigraph accelerometer to wear for 7 days. After baseline, participants will be randomized into either a Podcast group or a Walking group. Both groups will receive personalized steps goals (determined from their 7-day baseline Fitbit wear). Individuals in the Podcast group will be encouraged to increase their steps while listening to podcasts. Participants in both groups will attend bi-weekly (4 sessions total) check-ins with study staff to discuss the type of media (podcast vs. other) used during each session. After the 8-week intervention, participants will complete similar measurements at baseline and complete an evaluation of the study. Anticipated results: We hypothesize that the participants who are randomized into the podcast group will have a more significant increase in steps each week as compared to the control (no podcasts).

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