Comparison of Supervised and Unsupervised Physical Activity Programs During a Weight Loss Intervention for Adults

Summary

Adults who are overweight or obese are typically prescribed a calorie-restricted diet and physical activity to promote weight loss and improve health. The manner in which physical activity is prescribed and monitored may influence physical activity engagement. Within the context of clinical research, physical activity has been prescribed in either a supervised or unsupervised manner. Supervised physical activity is typically done in a health-fitness facility under the direct supervision of trained staff. The alternative, unsupervised physical activity, promotes physical activity participation in a setting that is convenient to the individual. Unsupervised activity can be done in any environment or at any time that best suits the individual. Knowing the effects of unsupervised physical activity is important because of the translation of this type of physical activity to non-research settings. Therefore, knowing the magnitude of the physiological effects of unsupervised physical activity compared to supervised physical activity at the same prescribed intensity and dose is of clinical and public health importance. This study is designed to provide insight on these important research questions that can inform future research and the application to clinical, public health, and health-fitness settings.

Conditions

• Obesity

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Supervised (SUP-PA)

Weight loss intervention that involves an energy restricted diet plus the inclusion of 150 minutes per week of supervised moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.

BEHAVIORAL

Unsupervised (UNSUP-PA)

Weight loss intervention that involves an energy restricted diet plus the inclusion of 150 minutes per week of unsupervised moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity.

BEHAVIORAL

Step-based (STEP)

Weight loss intervention that involves an energy restricted diet plus the inclusion of physical activity in the form of 10,000 steps/day with 2,500 "brisk" steps/day.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Pittsburgh

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Seth A Creasy · University of Pittsburgh

• John M Jakicic · University of Pittsburgh

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

55 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2016-02-29

Primary Completion

2016-08-31

Completion

2016-08-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations