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Background: Research shows that inactive young women are attracted to using mobile phone applications (apps) to increase physical activity. Apps can promote physical activity by delivering a range of behaviour change techniques to influence determinants of user behaviour. Previous qualitative research has examined user experiences with techniques in physical activity apps, however there is little research specifically among young women. This study aimed to explore young women's experiences using commercial physical activity apps to change their behaviour., Methods: Young women were recruited online to use a randomly assigned app for two weeks to achieve a personal goal. Using photovoice, a qualitative participatory research method, participants generated insights about their experiences through photographs and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted on photograph and interview data., Results: Thirty-two female participants, aged 18-24 years, completed the study. Behaviour change techniques tended to cluster around four key themes: logging and monitoring physical activity; reminders and prompts; workout videos and written instructions; and social features. Social support also strongly influenced participants' experiences., Conclusions: Results suggest that behaviour change techniques influenced physical activity in line with social cognitive models, and these models are useful to understand how apps can target user behaviour for young women. The findings identified factors important for young women that seemed to moderate their experiences, such as social norms about women's appearance, which should be further explored within the context of behaviour change models and app design., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: Men are often viewed as a difficult group to recruit for psychological research, including in psycho-oncology. Whilst research has demonstrated the effectiveness of small monetary incentives for encouraging research participation, little research has examined different large unconditional incentive amounts. Larger unconditional incentives may result in increased participation of men in psychological research. This randomised study within a case-control trial of men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer aimed to investigate whether (a) response rates to a 30-min questionnaire completed via mail, online, or phone would vary with different unconditional incentive amounts, and (b) demographics would vary in those who responded within the different incentive groups., Methods: We conducted this randomised study within a case-control cross-sectional study aiming to identify the social-ecological factors influencing treatment discontinuation in prostate cancer patients. A total of 238 participants from the cross-sectional study were randomised to receive one of two unconditional incentives (n = 121 received AUD$10, n = 117 received AUD$20) with the study materials (consent form and survey)., Results: Overall, 113 (47%) responded; n = 61/121 (50.4%) in the AUD$10 group, and n = 52/117 (44.4%) in the AUD$20 group. No evidence of a difference was found in response rates by incentive group (odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI = 0.76-2.12, p = 0.36). Additionally, there were no evident differences in the demographics of the responders vs. non-responders within each incentive group (all p > 0.05)., Conclusions: Unlike previous research, we were unable to show that higher monetary incentives were more effective for increasing response rates. An AUD$20 unconditional incentive may be no more effective than a lesser amount for encouraging prostate cancer survivors to participate in research involving long questionnaires. Future research should consider the cost-benefits of providing large unconditional incentives, as non-responses will result in lost resources perhaps better utilised in other engagement strategies., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Physical activity and exercise provide unequivocal benefits to those living with and beyond lung cancer. However, few of those living with and beyond cancer meet the national physical activity guidelines. Various barriers exist for this population's engagement in physical activity and exercise, such as the lack of knowledge and lack of tailored information, little access to exercise specialists, fatigue, and mobility challenges. Digitally delivered programmes have the potential to address several of these barriers, with techniques like "computer-tailoring" available to enable the delivery of tailored content at a time and place that is convenient. However, evaluation of such programmes is needed prior to implementation. This protocol describes a single group study that will examine the feasibility and acceptability of an online tool (ExerciseGuide UK) that provides those living with and beyond lung cancer web-based computer-tailored physical activity prescription and modules underpinned by behaviour change theories., Methods: Thirty-five individuals diagnosed with lung cancer, or cancer affecting the lung (e.g. pleural mesothelioma), will be recruited into a single-intervention arm. The platform will provide tailored resources and a personalised physical activity programme using IF-THEN algorithms. Exercise prescription will be tailored on factors such as self-reported specific pain location, exercise history, and current physical fitness. In addition, modules grounded in behaviour change will supplement the physical activity programme and will focus on topics such as exercise benefits, safety, goal setting, and tracking. The primary outcome will be assessed using pre-established criteria on feasibility and mixed-methods approach for acceptability. Secondary outcomes will explore changes in the physical activity, quality of life, anxiety, and depression., Discussion: This manuscript describes the protocol for a study examining the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based computer-tailored physical activity intervention for those living with and beyond lung cancer. The publication of this protocol aims to increase the transparency of the methods, report pre-determined criteria, and aid replication of the study and associated materials. If feasible and acceptable, this intervention will inform future studies of digital-based interventions., Trail Registration: ClinicalTrails.gov , NCT05121259. Registered on November 16, 2021., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objective: To explore the relationships between participant characteristics, perceptions of a short educational video about osteoarthritis and its management, and immediate changes in behavioural determinants for effective self-management behaviours., Methods: Seventy-eight participants with knee OA (77% female, mean age 63.0 ± 8.7) watched the 9-min video that included evidence-based content and was designed to foster empowerment to self-manage effectively. Data were collected by online questionnaire at baseline and immediately after watching the video. Associations were tested between baseline health and information processing characteristics (health literacy, need for cognition), perceptions of the video (enjoyment, helpfulness, believability, novelty and relevance) and pre-post changes in behavioural determinants (self-efficacy for managing arthritis, attitude to self-management or 'activation', and importance/confidence for physical activity)., Results: All behavioural determinants improved immediately after watching the video. Positive perceptions were associated with greater improvements in self-efficacy for arthritis (Spearman's rho, ρ = 0.26-0.47). Greater perceived relevance was associated with increased self-rated importance of being physically active (ρ = 0.43). There were small positive associations between health literacy domains related to health information and positive viewer perceptions of the video. People with higher need for cognition may achieve greater improvement in confidence to be physically active (ρ = 0.27)., Conclusion: The educational video may help achieve outcomes important for increasing self-management behaviours in people with knee osteoarthritis. Positive perceptions appear to be important in achieving these improvements. People with lower health literacy and lower need for cognition may respond less well to this information about knee osteoarthritis delivered in this way., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Preliminary research has shown the effectiveness of supervised exercise-based interventions in alleviating sequela resulting from metastatic prostate cancer. Despite this, many individuals do not engage in sufficient exercise to gain the benefits. There are many barriers, which limit the uptake of face-to-face exercise in this population including lack of suitable facilities, remoteness, and access to experts, significant fatigue, urinary incontinence and motivation. Technology-enabled interventions offer a distance-based alternative. This protocol describes a pilot two-armed randomised controlled study that will investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an online exercise and behavioural change tool (ExerciseGuide) amongst individuals with metastatic prostate cancer., Methods: Sixty-six participants with histologically diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer will be randomised into either the 8-week intervention or a wait-list control. The intervention arm will have access to a tailored website, remote supervision, and tele-coaching sessions to enhance support and adherence. Algorithms will individually prescribe resistance and aerobic exercise based upon factors such as metastasis location, pain, fatigue, confidence and current exercise levels. Behavioural change strategies and education on exercise benefits, safety and lifestyle are also tailored through the website. The primary outcome will be intervention feasibility (safety, usability, acceptability, and adherence). Secondary exploratory outcomes include changes in physical activity, quality of life, sleep, and physical function. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and week 9., Discussion: The study aims to determine the potential feasibility of an online remotely monitored exercise intervention developed for individuals with metastatic prostate cancer. If feasible, this pilot intervention will inform the design and implementation of further distance-based interventions., Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12614001268639 . Registered 10 December 2018, https://anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12618001979246.aspx.

Background: High population levels of sitting is contributing to high rates of chronic health problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the sitting time messages with the greatest potential to reduce sitting behaviour, as well as identify how this may differ according to demographic, behavioural and psychosocial characteristics., Methods: Australian adults (N = 1460) were asked to report the likelihood that they would adhere to seven messages promoting reduced sitting time and two messages promoting increased physical activity (from 'not at all likely' to 'very likely'). Ordinal regression models were used to compare messages on the likelihood of adherence and whether likelihood of adherence differed as a function of demographic, psychosocial and behavioural characteristics., Results: Likelihood of adherence was highest for the messages, 'Stand and take a break from sitting as frequently as you can' (83% respectively) and 'Avoid sitting for more than 10 hours during the entire day' (82%) and was significantly lower for the message, 'Sit as little as possible on all days of the week' (46%) compared to all other messages., Conclusions: To increase likelihood of adherence messages should be specific, achievable and promote healthy alternatives to sitting (e.g. standing). Messages promoting standing as a healthy alternative to sitting may be more likely to engage people with high sitting behaviour and messages promoting physical activity may be more likely to engage males and retired adults.

Background: Participation in regular physical activity holds key benefits for cancer survivors, yet few cancer survivors meet physical activity recommendations. This study aimed to develop and pilot test a mHealth app referral service aimed at assisting cancer survivors to increase their physical activity. In particular, the study sought to examine feasibility and acceptability of the service and determine preliminary efficacy for physical activity behaviour change., Methods: A systematic search identified potentially appropriate Apple (iOS) and Android mHealth apps. The apps were audited regarding the type of physical activity encouraged, evidence-based behavioural strategies and other characteristics, to help match apps to users' preferences and characteristics. A structured service was devised to deliver the apps and counselling, comprising two face-to-face appointments with a mid-week phone or email check-up. The mHealth app referral service was piloted using a pre-post design among 12 cancer survivors. Participants' feedback regarding the service's feasibility and acceptability was sought via purpose-designed questionnaire, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. Change in physical activity was assessed using a valid and reliable self-report tool and analysed using paired t-tests. In line with recommendations for pilot studies, confidence intervals and effect sizes were reported to aid interpretation of clinical significance, with an alpha of 0.2 used to denote statistical significance., Results: Of 374 mHealth apps identified during the systematic search, 54 progressed to the audit (iOS = 27, Android = 27). The apps consistently scored well for aesthetics, engagement and functionality, and inconsistently for gamification, social and behaviour change features. Ten participants completed the pilot evaluation and provided positive feedback regarding the service's acceptability and feasibility. On average, participants increased their moderate-vigorous physical activity by 236 min per week (d = 0.73; 95% CI = -49 to 522; p = 0.09)., Conclusion: This study offered initial evidence that a mHealth app referral service for cancer survivors is feasible and acceptable and may increase physical activity levels. The large increase in physical activity is promising, but should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size and lack of control group. Further research is warranted on a larger scale to investigate generalisability, long-term compliance and application in clinical settings.

Background: Physical activity (PA) during pregnancy is associated with a variety of health benefits including a reduced risk of pregnancy related conditions such as pre-eclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension and leads to greater control over gestational weight gain. Despite these associated health benefits, very few pregnant women are sufficiently active. In an attempt to increase health outcomes, it is important to explore innovative ways to increase PA among pregnant women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of a four week web-based computer-tailored PA intervention among pregnant women., Methods: Seventy-seven participants were randomised into either: (1) an intervention group that received tailored PA advice and access to a resource library of articles relating to PA during pregnancy; or (2) a standard information group that only received access to the resources library. Objective moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Recruitment, attrition, intervention adherence, and website engagement were assessed. Questions on usability and satisfaction were administered post-intervention., Results: Feasibility was demonstrated through acceptable recruitment (8.5 participants recruited and randomised/month), and attrition (25%). Acceptability among intervention group participants was positive with high intervention adherence (96% of 4 modules completed). High website engagement (participants logged in 1.6 times/week although only required to log in once per week), usability (75/100), and satisfaction outcomes were reported in both groups. However, participants in the intervention group viewed significantly more pages on the website (p < 0.05), reported that the website felt more personally relevant (p < 0.05), and significantly increased their MVPA from baseline to post-intervention (mean difference = 35.87 min), compared to the control group (mean difference = 9.83 min) (p < 0.05), suggesting efficacy., Conclusions: The delivery of a computer-tailored web-based intervention designed to increase PA in pregnant women is feasible, well accepted and associated with increases in short-term MVPA. Findings suggest the use of computer-tailored information leads to greater website engagement, satisfaction and greater PA levels among pregnant women compared to a generic information only website., Trial Registration: The trial was 'retrospectively registered' with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12614001105639 ) on 17 th October, 2014.

Background: High screen time in children and its detrimental health effects is a major public health problem. How much screen time adults think is appropriate for children remains little explored, as well as whether adults' screen time behaviour would determine their views on screen time restrictions for children. This study aimed to investigate how adults' screen time behaviour influences their views on screen time restrictions for children, including differences by gender and parental status., Methods: In 2013, 2034 Australian adults participated in an online survey conducted by the Population Research Laboratory at Central Queensland University, Rockhampton. Adult screen time behaviour was assessed using the Workforce Sitting Questionnaire. Adults reported the maximum time children aged between 5-12 years should be allowed to spend watching TV and using a computer. Ordinal logistic regression was used to compare adult screen time behaviour with views on screen time restrictions for children., Results: Most adults (68%) held the view that children should be allowed no more than 2 h of TV viewing and computer use on school days, whilst fewer adults (44%) thought this screen time limit is needed on weekend days. Women would impose higher screen time restrictions for children than men (p < 0.01). Most adults themselves spent > 2 h on watching TV and using the computer at home on work days (66%) and non-work days (88%). Adults spending ≤ 2 h/day in leisure-related screen time were less likely to permit children > 2 h/day of screen time. These associations did not differ by adult gender and parental status., Conclusions: Most adults think it is appropriate to limit children's screen time to the recommended ≤ 2 h/day but few adults themselves adhere to this screen time limit. Adults with lower screen use may be more inclined to limit children's screen time. Strategies to reduce screen time in children may also need to target adult screen use.

Background: Previous research has shown that the personalisation of study invitations improves response rates in survey-based research. To examine if this finding extends to experimental studies, we examined the impact of personalised study invitation e-mails on the response rates of potentially eligible breast cancer survivors for participation in a 6 month randomised controlled trial testing the efficacy of a physical activity intervention., Methods: Potential participants (n = 344) were sent either a personalised email or a generic email., Results: Those sent the personalised email were 1.5 times (95 % CI = 1.18-1.93) more likely to respond than those sent the generic email., Conclusion: These findings suggest that personalisation may be a useful and potentially powerful tool that can be utilised when recruiting participants into experimental studies in order to boost response rates.

Background: People have different preferences on how health behaviour change interventions are delivered to them; intervention implementation, retention and effectiveness may be improved if preferences can be matched., Purpose: This study aims to explore factors related to preference of face-to-face, and group-, print- or web-based physical activity intervention delivery modes among adults recruited from the general population., Methods: A question relating to physical activity intervention preference was included in the telephone administered 2010 Queensland Social Survey. Multinomial regression models were used to explore socio-demographic (e.g., age, marital status, location), health (e.g., BMI, chronic disease status) and behavioral factors (e.g., internet use, physical activity, diet, social networking) related to intervention preferences, using 'a face-to-face intervention' as the reference category., Results: 35.2% of those approached took part in the telephone interviews (n=1,261). Preference for a web-based intervention was positively associated with being in the 35-44 age group (compared to the 18-34 age group; RR=2.71), living in a rural area (RR=2.01), and high internet use (RR=1.03); and negatively associated with female gender (RR=0.52), obesity (RR=0.42), and higher physical activity participation (RR=0.99). Preference for a print-based intervention was positively associated with older age (RR=5.50); and negatively associated with female gender (RR=0.48) and obesity (RR=0.47). Preference for a group-based program was positively associated with living in a regional town (RR=1.48) and negatively associated with being separated (RR=0.45) and obesity (RR =0.56)., Conclusion: Findings from this study help to delineate what physical activity intervention delivery modes are likely to be appealing for specific target groups, especially in relation to people of different weight status, age, gender and living environment. As such, this information will be useful in the development of interventions targeted at these groups.

Objective: Several physical activity interventions have been effective in improving the health outcomes of breast cancer survivors. However, few interventions have provided detailed descriptions regarding how such interventions work. To develop evidence-based practice in this field, detailed descriptions of intervention development and delivery is needed. This paper aims to (1) describe the theory-and evidence-based development of the Move More for Life program, a physical activity program for breast cancer survivors; and (2) serve as an exemplar for theory-based applied research., Method: The program-planning model outlined by Kreuter and colleagues was used to develop the computer-tailored intervention., Results: The tailoring guide developed by Kreuter and colleagues served as a useful program planning tool in terms of integrating theory and evidence-based best practice into intervention strategies. Overall, participants rated the intervention positively, with the majority reporting that the tailored materials caught their attention, were personally relevant to them, and were useful for helping them to change their behaviour. However, there was considerable room for improvement., Conclusion: The Move More for Life program is an example of a theory-based, low-cost and potentially sustainable strategy to physical activity promotion and may stand as an exemplar for Social Cognitive Theory-based applied research. By providing a detailed description of the development of the Move More for Life program, a critical evaluation of the working mechanisms of the intervention is possible, and will guide researchers in the replication or adaption and re-application of the specified techniques. This has potential implications for researchers examining physical activity promotion among cancer survivors and for researchers exploring distance-based physical activity promotion techniques among other populations., Trial Registrations: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) identifier: ACTRN12611001061921.

Background: Due to early detection and advances in treatment, the number of women surviving breast cancer is increasing. Whilst there are many positive aspects of improved survival, breast cancer survival is associated with many long-term health and psychosocial sequelae. Engaging in regular physical activity post-diagnosis can reduce this burden. Despite this evidence, the majority of breast cancer survivors do not engage in regular physical activity. The challenge is to provide breast cancer survivors with appealing and effective physical activity support in a sustainable and cost-effective way. This article describes the protocol for the Move More for Life Study, which aims to assess the relative efficacy of two promising theory-based, print interventions designed to promote regular physical activity amongst breast cancer survivors., Method and Design: Breast cancer survivors were recruited from across Australia. Participants will be randomised into one of three groups: (1) A tailored-print intervention group, (2) a targeted-print intervention group, or (3) a standard recommendation control group. Participants in the tailored-print intervention group will receive 3 tailored newsletters in the mail over a three month period. Participants in the targeted-print group will receive a previously developed physical activity guidebook designed specifically for breast cancer survivors immediately after baseline. Participants in the standard recommendation control will receive a brochure detailing the physical activity guidelines for Australian adults. All participants will be assessed at baseline, and at 4 and 10 months post-baseline. Intervention efficacy for changing the primary outcomes (mins/wk aerobic physical activity; sessions/exercises per week resistance physical activity) and secondary outcomes (steps per day, health-related quality life, compliance with physical activity guidelines, fatigue) will be assessed. Mediation and moderation analyses will also be conducted., Discussion: Given the growing number of cancer survivors, distance-based behaviour change programs addressing physical activity have the potential to make a significant public health impact., Trial Registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) identifier: ACTRN12611001061921.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary effects of propofol, a relatively new nonbarbiturate intravenous anaesthetic, were assessed and compared in 22 male and female dogs. Dogs in group 1 did not receive any premedication prior to 6.6 mg/kg IV propofol, group 2 was premedicated with atropine (0.02 mg/kg IM) and the alpha 2-agonist medetomidine (10 micrograms/kg IM), and group 3 received the same premedication agents as group 2, but the medetomidine effects were reversed by the alpha 2-antagonist atipamezole (30 micrograms/kg IV) after 30 min of anaesthesia. Each dog in groups 2 and 3 received a propofol induction dose of 2.2 mg/kg IV. The anaesthetic duration was shortest with propofol alone and prolonged with medetomidine as a premedication which was reversible with atipamezole. In group 1, the most prominent effects were a temporary drop in diastolic arterial blood pressure (26% and 24%) at 2 and 5 min post-propofol, respectively and a drop in respiratory frequency (41%) 2 min after propofol induction. Similar respiratory depression was observed in groups 2 and 3 (20% and 48%, respectively) at the same time. Apnea was not observed. An increase in systemic arterial blood pressure was observed throughout the trial in groups 2 and 3 until dogs recovered or were reversed with atipamezole. Medetomidine significantly reduces propofol dosage requirements. Safe and effective injectable anaesthesia was produced by propofol in this group of dogs. The frequency of respiratory depression would suggest in clinical usage, the practitioner should be aware oxygen supplementation is the treatment of choice should apnea occur.

Different dose regimens of medetomidine (a potent alpha 2-adrenergic agonist), adding up to a combined dose of 80 micrograms/kg, were administered to laboratory beagles to determine physiologic responses including neurologic. The study was intended to determine EEG responses where sufficient sedative and analgesic effects are reached with medetomidine and in contrast its effects when used with ketamine or halothane. Cardiopulmonary responses were very similar in each dose regimen, showing the characteristic properties of single doses of 80 micrograms/kg of medetomidine. Effective sedative and analgesic duration seemed to be a function of when the largest dose was administered. Adequate additional sedative and analgesic could be gained from injections at doses of half of the initial one. The potent sedative and analgesic effects of medetomidine confirmed by neurologic evaluation supports its potential use as a premedication to general anesthesia in dogs. In this study, 2 different doses of medetomidine were also tested as premedication to both ketamine HCI and halothane anesthesia. Neorologic responses were determined at the same time cardiopulmonary parameters, anesthetic quality, and dose requirements were recorded. Medetomidine was found to have favorable qualities in conjunction with these anesthetics. Cardiopulmonary parameters remained satisfactory in both groups as preanesthetic medication prior to halothane, but no additional benefits could be seen from doses of 40 micrograms/kg medetomidine compared to 20 micrograms/kg, except a significant 30% reduction in halothane requirement. The positive chronotropic and inotropic properties of ketamine restored the medetomidine-induced bradycardia and produced a short anesthetic period of 15 to 30 min depending on the dose of medetomidine. The quality of anesthesia was better when 40 micrograms/kg medetomidine was used, but recovery was quicker with 20 micrograms/kg medetomidine. Medetomidine significantly reduced cerebral activity as demonstrated by recordings of total amplitude and frequency evaluation of the EEG with compressed spectral analysis. This analytical method was effective in confirming clinical signs of sedation, analgesia, and anesthesia in canine subjects.