Social Affiliation Intervention for Physical Inactivity

(TEAM Trial)

Overseen By Allison Sweeney, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of South Carolina

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular, Orthopedic, Pregnancy, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 10 weeks

360 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new group-based program designed to help African American women become more active. It compares two groups: one participates in the special program called TEAM-PA (Together Everyone Achieves More Physical Activity), while the other follows a standard activity program. The main goal is to determine if the special program can increase daily physical activity and sustain it for six months. Women who identify as African American or Black and have been mostly inactive (less than 60 minutes of exercise per week) for the past three months may be a good fit for this study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could lead to more effective health programs for African American women.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on increasing physical activity, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this social affiliation intervention is safe for increasing physical activity?

Research has shown that the TEAM-PA group program is safe for participants. This program encourages increased activity through group sessions. While specific safety data for this program is unavailable, it focuses on behavior rather than medicine or treatments. Programs of this nature typically pose a low risk of problems. Participants engage in a supportive group environment, which is unlikely to cause harm. Similar programs have not reported negative side effects in the past. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the TEAM-PA group-based intervention because it focuses on social affiliation as a way to tackle physical inactivity. Unlike standard exercise programs that primarily emphasize individual effort and motivation, this intervention leverages the power of group dynamics to encourage participants to be more active. By creating a supportive community environment, TEAM-PA aims to make regular physical activity more engaging and sustainable for participants. This innovative approach could lead to more lasting behavior change compared to traditional methods.

What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for increasing physical activity among inactive African American women?

Research has shown that programs like TEAM-PA, one of the interventions in this trial, can help African American women become more active. Participants may receive the TEAM-PA group-based intervention, which uses social support and group participation to boost motivation and physical activity. Similar programs have successfully increased daily activity levels, indicating that this method can be effective. The supportive group setting is crucial, as it helps participants adhere to their activity goals. ^{3 4 5 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The TEAM trial is for African American women over 18 who are not very active, doing less than an hour of moderate exercise a week. It's not for those currently pregnant or planning to be soon, with uncontrolled high blood pressure, or with heart or bone problems limiting movement.

Inclusion Criteria

Engaging in less than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week for the last three months

I am an African American or Black female.

Exclusion Criteria

Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the next 2 months

I have a heart or bone condition that limits my ability to move.

Uncontrolled blood pressure (systolic >180 mmHg/diastolic > 110 mmHg)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 10-week group-based intervention or comparison program to increase physical activity

10 weeks

Weekly group sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for maintenance of physical activity levels and other health metrics

6 months

Periodic assessments

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Comparison program
• TEAM-PA group-based intervention

Trial Overview

This study compares a new group-based social program called TEAM-PA aimed at increasing physical activity against a standard exercise program. The goal is to see if the intervention helps inactive women become more active over a period of 10 weeks and maintain it after six months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will receive a 10-week group-based intervention program.

Group II: Comparison Active Control 1 Intervention

The group will receive a 10-week group-based comparison program.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials

233

Recruited

122,000+

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Collaborator

Trials

3,987

Recruited

47,860,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study involving 56 online users showed that friendly competition and cooperation significantly enhance group cohesion in virtual physical activity programs over a 4-week intervention.

Improving group cohesion through these interactive elements can lead to better engagement and adherence to health promotion programs, suggesting effective strategies for promoting physical activity in virtual communities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Longitudinal analysis of virtual community perceptions of cohesion: The role of cooperation, communication, and competition. Lyles, AA., Loomis, C., Mama, SK., et al.[2019]

The HOPE trial is testing two behavior change models—social support and patient-provider interaction—on increasing physical activity among overweight, sedentary adults in an economically disadvantaged urban setting, with outcomes measured over a year and a follow-up year.

This study aims to identify effective mechanisms for promoting physical activity in underserved communities by addressing social and environmental barriers, potentially leading to improved health outcomes and reduced health disparities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health Opportunities with Physical Exercise (HOPE): social contextual interventions to reduce sedentary behavior in urban settings. Coday, M., Klesges, LM., Garrison, RJ., et al.[2019]

The group-mediated cognitive-behavioral (GMCB) intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable for post-treatment gynecologic cancer survivors, with 85% of participants completing the program after 8 weekly sessions.

Despite challenges in recruitment, the intervention fostered positive group experiences and effective cognitive-behavioral strategies, indicating potential benefits for promoting self-managed physical activity among cancer survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and acceptability of a group-mediated exercise intervention for gynecological cancer survivors. Flora, PK., Lopez, P., Mina, DS., et al.[2022]

A study involving 310 community-dwelling African-American and Hispanic or Latina women showed that a group cohesion intervention significantly increased physical activity and reduced fat consumption in both the physical activity (PA) and vegetable and fruit (VF) groups, while only the VF group increased their vegetable and fruit intake.

The intervention highlighted the importance of group cohesion in promoting psychological benefits, particularly in the PA group, although it did not lead to significant behavioral changes, suggesting that further refinement of the intervention is needed to enhance its effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Mediating effects of group cohesion on physical activity and diet in women of color: health is power. Lee, RE., O'Connor, DP., Smith-Ray, R., et al.[2022]

The MoVo-LISA intervention significantly increased physical activity among 202 patients with coronary heart disease, showing a large effect immediately after treatment and a moderate effect at the 12-month follow-up.

Key cognitive factors like intention strength and self-concordance were important predictors of behavior change, indicating that these motivational variables play a crucial role in both adopting and maintaining physical activity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adoption and maintenance of physical activity: Mediation analysis of a psychological intervention. Paganini, S., Ramsenthaler, C., Wurst, R., et al.[2022]

In a study involving 310 African American and Hispanic or Latina women, group cohesion strategies significantly improved attendance in a community physical activity program, highlighting their importance in promoting adherence to health interventions.

Both social and task cohesion were found to mediate the relationship between the type of intervention (physical activity or dietary) and attendance, suggesting that fostering a supportive group environment is crucial for enhancing participation in health programs for women of color.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving participation rates for women of color in health research: the role of group cohesion. Smith-Ray, RL., Mama, S., Reese-Smith, JY., et al.[2022]

The 'Move for Life' intervention was specifically designed to help inactive adults aged 50 and older in Ireland increase their physical activity, addressing the low activity rate of only 38% in this demographic.

The intervention incorporates theories of social cognition and self-determination, utilizing physical activity instructors and peer mentors to enhance group cohesion and support, which may improve its effectiveness and scalability in real-world settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Juggling with theory, evidence, practice, and real-world circumstances: Development of a complex community intervention to increase physical activity in inactive adults aged 50 years and older - The Move for Life Study. García Bengoechea, E., Clifford, AM., Gallagher, S., et al.[2021]

A study involving 149 older adults (average age 65) found that a mixed intervention combining web-based and center-based approaches significantly increased physical activity levels, awareness, and motivation for sustainable behavior change over 3 months.

The center-based intervention was particularly effective in improving physical activity levels and motivation stages, while the web-based approach was better at enhancing awareness about physical activity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of a web-based, center-based or combined physical activity intervention among older adults. Mouton, A., Cloes, M.[2016]

The 'Move More' study aims to create and evaluate a social-prescribing intervention designed to increase physical activity among inactive Danes, addressing a significant public health issue.

The study employs a co-creation approach involving stakeholders to develop a complex intervention, with plans for a feasibility study to refine the program and produce a manual for implementation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Study design of 'Move More': Development and feasibility of a social-prescribing intervention to increase physical activity among inactive Danes. Rasmussen, LG., Nielsen, RO., Kallestrup, P., et al.[2023]

The TEAM-PA trial is a randomized controlled study involving 360 African American women aimed at increasing physical activity through a 10-week group-based intervention, which incorporates social support and cultural elements.

The trial will measure various outcomes, including total physical activity and health metrics, to determine if the intervention is more effective than a standard program, with a focus on how social connections influence physical activity levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An overview of the Together Everyone Achieves More Physical Activity (TEAM-PA) trial to increase physical activity among African American women. Sweeney, AM., Wilson, DK., Zarrett, N., et al.[2023]

A review of 21 studies involving older adults (aged 55 and over) found that social factors, instructor characteristics, and perceived outcomes significantly influence attendance and adherence to group-based physical activity programs.

The study highlights the importance of program design elements such as class duration, frequency, and social support, suggesting that these factors should be considered to improve participation in physical activity among older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Facilitators of Attendance and Adherence to Group-Based Physical Activity for Older Adults: A Literature Synthesis. de Lacy-Vawdon, CJ., Klein, R., Schwarzman, J., et al.[2019]

A study of 3219 participants found that the majority (80.8%) did not participate in group-based physical activity programs (GPAPs), highlighting a significant gap in engagement.

Factors such as being female, having a high level of education, and receiving physician counseling on physical activity were associated with increased participation, suggesting that targeted outreach and support could enhance GPAP involvement, especially among underrepresented groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Participation in group-based physical activity programmes for adults in Germany and associated factors: data from a nationwide cohort study. Jordan, S., Krug, S., von der Lippe, E.[2023]

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