An Online Behavior Change Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Adults With Asthma

Summary

The aims of this study are to investigate the effectiveness of an online behavior change (BC) intervention in increasing physical activity (PA) and reducing sedentary behavior in adults with asthma, as well as, in improving other clinical outcomes, in short and medium term. In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, patients with clinically stable moderate to severe asthma, who are physically inactive and do not have cardiovascular and/or osteoneuromuscular impairments will be randomized into control (CG) or intervention (IG) groups (23 in each group). Both groups will carry out a minimum educational program. Additionally, the IG will receive weekly individual and/or group online sessions for 12 weeks of motivation-based BC intervention to promote PA and reduce sedentary behavior, based on both self-determination theory (SDT) and transtheoretical model (TTM). The IG will also receive a pedometer with specific strategies related to it. Both groups will be reassessed immediately after the intervention as well as 6 months after the end of the intervention. The primary outcomes are PA and sedentary behavior, which will be objectively assessed by a triaxial accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT). Secondary outcomes are: asthma control, functional capacity, quality of life, sleep quality and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Conditions

• Asthma
• Sedentary Behavior
• Physical Inactivity

Interventions

OTHER

Behavior change intervention

This is an online intervention based on the transtheoretical model, along with self-determination theory strategies. This intervention will take place weekly summing up 12 online individual and/or group sessions of approximately 20 minutes. The sessions will be made through a platform and/or application that makes video calls privately. Each session will address a topic. In addition, in all sessions, the patients gain during the previous week will be recognized, as well as new goals will be set for the next week. The goals will always be individualized, realistic and achievable, based on the identification of each person's capacity and motivation. A Fitbit Zip will be used to propose objective goals aimed at increasing physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior. Additionally, a complex practice environment will be created around this device, such as the visualization of the number of steps evolution and competitions/games with other participants, among others.

OTHER

Educational program

The educational program will be delivered similarly to both groups through videos and booklets, which will be sent in all weekdays during de first week after the initial assessment. Later, one educational material will be sent every two weeks until de 11th week. In the first day, patients will receive a quick welcome video call, in which information will be provided on how this program will work. In the subsequent days, the material will be sent daily and the participants will be able to ask questions, if they want to. The program will cover information regarding the respiratory system, pathophysiology of asthma, asthma treatment, prevention strategies and medication instructions. It will also be briefly addressed the subjects: understanding physical activity and sedentarism, as well as the importance and benefits of being physically active and less sedentary.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universidade Norte do Paraná

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Joice Oliveira, Msc · Universidade Norte do Paraná

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-02-03

Primary Completion

2023-08-30

Completion

2023-08-30

Countries

• Brazil

Study Locations