Search

Background Methods Results Conclusions Mindfulness‐based interventions can improve psychological health; yet the mechanisms of change are underexplored. This pre‐registered remote RCT evaluated a freely accessible digital mindfulness programme aiming to improve well‐being, mental health and sleep quality. Health behaviour cognitions were explored as possible mediators.Participants from 91 countries (N = 1247, Mage = 27.03 [9.04]) were randomized to 30 days of mindfulness practice or attention‐matched control condition. Measures of well‐being, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, barriers self‐efficacy, self‐regulation and behavioural predictors (e.g., attitudes and behavioural intentions) were taken at baseline, 1‐month (post‐intervention) and 2‐months (follow‐up). Linear regression examined intervention effects between and within groups. Longitudinal mediation analyses explored indirect effects through health behaviour cognitions.Three hundred participants completed post‐intervention measures. Those receiving mindfulness training reported significantly better well‐being (Mdifference = 2.34, 95%CIs .45–4.24, p = .016), lower depression (Mdifference = −1.47, 95%CIs −2.38 to −.56, p = .002) and anxiety symptoms (Mdifference = −.77, 95%CIs −1.51 to −.02, p = .045) than controls. Improvements in well‐being and depression were maintained at follow‐up. Intervention effects on primary outcomes were mediated by attitudes towards health maintenance and behavioural intentions. Mediating effects of attitudes remained when controlling for prior scores in models of depression and well‐being.Digital, self‐administered mindfulness practice for 30 days meaningfully improved psychological health, at least partially due to improved attitudes towards health behaviours and stronger behavioural intentions. This trial found that digital mindfulness is a promising and scalable well‐being tool for the general population, and highlighted its role in supporting health behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of remotely delivered, home-based exercise programs on physical function and well-being in self-isolating older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a four-arm randomized controlled trial, 63 participants (aged 65 years and older) were allocated to one of three home-based daily (2 × 10-min) exercise interventions (exercise snacking, tai chi snacking, and combination) or control (UK National Health Service Web pages). Functional assessments were conducted via video call at baseline and 4-week follow-up. A web-based survey assessed the acceptability of each exercise program and secondary psychological/well-being outcomes. Ecological momentary assessment data, collected in Weeks 1 and 4, explored feeling states as antecedents and consequences of exercise. All intervention groups saw increased physical function at follow-up and displayed good adherence with exercise snacking considered the most acceptable program. Multilevel models revealed reciprocal associations between feelings of energy and exercise engagement. Further studies are needed with larger, more diverse demographic samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults are at increased risk of falls, injury, and hospitalization. Maintaining or increasing participation in physical activity during older age can prevent some of the age-related declines in physical functioning that contribute to loss of independence and low reported quality of life. Exercise snacking may overcome some commonly cited barriers to exercise and encourage older adults to engage in muscle strength and balance activity, but the best way to deliver and support this novel format remains unknown., Objective: Our aim was to explore how the novel exercise snacking approach, that is, incorporating short bouts of strength and balance activities into everyday routines, could be supported by technology within a home setting and what types of technologies would be acceptable for older adults who are prefrail., Methods: Following a user-centered design process, 2 design workshops (study 1) were conducted first to understand older adults' (n=11; aged 69-89 years) attitudes toward technology aimed at supporting exercise snacking at home and to inform the design of 2 prototypes. Next, based on the findings of study 1, an exploratory pilot study (study 2) was conducted over 1 day with 2 prototypes (n=5; aged 69-80 years) at the participants' homes. Participants were interviewed over the telephone afterward about their experience. Transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis., Results: The results showed that the participants were positive toward using technology at home to support exercise snacking, but both exercises and technology would need to be simple and match the participants' everyday routines. Workshop discussions (study 1) led to the design of 2 prototypes using a pressure mat to support resistance and balance exercises. The exploratory pilot study (study 2) participants reported the potential in using smart devices to support exercise snacking, but the design of the initial prototypes influenced the participants' attitudes toward them. It also hampered the acceptability of these initial versions and highlighted the challenges in fitting exercise snacking into everyday life., Conclusions: Older adults were positive about using technology in their homes to support strength and balance exercise snacking. However, although promising, the initial prototypes require further refinement and optimization before feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy testing. Technologies to support exercise snacking need to be adaptable and personalized to individuals, to ensure that users are snacking on balance and strengthening exercises that are appropriate for them., (©Katarzyna Stawarz, Ian Ju Liang, Lyndsay Alexander, Angela Carlin, Anjana Wijekoon, Max J Western. Originally published in JMIR Aging (https://aging.jmir.org), 24.05.2023.)