This study proposes a physical activity intervention to be used as an adjunctive treatment to opioid maintenance treatment (OMT). This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of an aerobic exercise program as an adjunctive treatment to OMT, among individuals who are currently receiving OMT. Another goal of this study is to develop an aerobic exercise intervention that can be easily adapted for community based treatment.
MPI: Dr. Meredith Berry Funding: UF Older Americans Independence Center Publications: Aerobic Exercise Interventions for Patients in Opioid Maintenance Treatment: A Systematic Review High Intensity Interval Training: Optimizing Exercise Therapy to Mitigate Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an exercise intervention (HIIT-- high-intensity interval training- all-extremity non-weight-bearing exercise), as compared to moderate-intensity continuous training and usual care for women who have recently completed chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. If successful, this study could address a critical gap in our understanding of the most beneficial exercise regimen that would have the greatest clinical impact on breast cancer survivors who experience accelerated cardiovascular aging following chemotherapy
The major goals of this project are to explore potential predictors in adolescence and early adulthood (tobacco exposure, psychosocial stress, physical activity) of later life development of ovarian cancer. PI: Dr. Demetra Christou Funding: NIH, NIA |
This study focuses on the intersection of family-based physical activity and technology with intervention delivery via mobile-app. In an effort to address current gaps in the field, this study is utilizing a novel physical activity target, integrated with a wearable physical activity device (Fitbit), a social network for parents, and opportunities for family support.
Funding: NIH NICHD; more information here. The purpose of this study is to explore the fit of intervention components for an exercise intervention for women undergoing chemotherapy or have recently completed primary cancer treatment. Women will complete semi-structured interviews to provide input on intervention design. The eventual intervention will investigate the effects of exercise on cardiovascular disease risk factors (e.g., endothelial function, arterial stiffness, cardio-respiratory fitness) and quality of life.
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All-Extremity Exercise as a Novel Strategy for Optimizing Cardiovascular Function during Chemotherapy for Breast CancerThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of all-extremity non-weight-bearing exercise (ANE), treadmill exercise, and usual care on endothelial and cardiac function in patients with primary non-metastatic breast cancer who are currently undergoing chemotherapy. This study seeks to provide early evidence regarding ANE as a feasible and effective intervention in reducing cardiovascular toxicity through the use of an exploratory R21 study.
PI: Dr. Demetra Christou Funding: NIH, NHLBI |
Using Social Media to Influence Physical ActivityThe purpose of this project is to determine what fitness content (from “Fitness Influencers”) found on social media (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) could be used in a brief intervention to increase PA among young adult women. Currently, we are gathering preliminary data on the feasibility and acceptability of a social media intervention approach through interviews with college women. Preliminary results have provided insight into which content and influencers may be helpful, motivating, and trustworthy in increasing PA for young adult women. The themes from these interviews will be used to inform the development of a social media-based PA intervention that aims to help young adult women navigate PA content from influencers to curate a feed that is supportive and motivating.
Student PI: Hannah A. Lavoie, MS CHES (PhD Student) |
Completed Projects
An online intervention to promote weight loss using social media as a tool
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and engagement among participants with overweight or obesity using an interactive online weight loss program. Guided by a conceptual model of digital health engagement, this study provided insights about strategies for promoting weight loss using recommended social communities personalized to the individual.
MPI: Dr. Megan McVay Publications and Presentations: Engaging primary care patients with existing online tools for weight loss: A pilot trial Engaging primary care patients in online weight management toolsThe overall purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a primary-care based approach to facilitating engagement in online behavior tracking and community support networks for weight loss over 12 weeks among adults with overweight or obesity. MPI: Dr. Megan McVay Publications and Presentations: Using the Design Sprint process to enhance and accelerate behavioral medicine progress: A case study and guidance ENGAGING PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS IN FREELY AVAILABLE COMMERCIAL ONLINE TRACKING AND SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS TO SUPPORT WEIGHT LOSS Engaging adults with obesity in organic online communities to support weight loss: a mixed methods pilot study Engaging primary care patients with existing online tools for weight loss: A pilot trial |
Early Childhood Feeding App - Phase I
This study is aimed to better understand the feeding guidance and nutrition needs of parents of children ages 0-2 years to develop an evidenced-based mHealth app. MPI: Dr. Amy Mobley Publications and Presentations: BabyByte: Formative Research to Inform the Development of an App to Improve Responsive Feeding Practices in Parents of Infants and Toddlers Babybyte: Usability Testing of a mHealth App Prototype to Improve Responsive Feeding Practices in Parents of Infants and Toddlers Qualitative Interviews to Determine Preferences of mHealth Early Childhood Feeding Guidance for Mothers and Fathers by Income Status BabyByte: Qualitative research to inform the development of an app to improve responsive feeding practices in parents of infants and toddlers |
Early life exposures and risk of developing ovarian cancer The major goals of this project are to explore potential predictors in adolescence and early adulthood (tobacco exposure, psychosocial stress, physical activity) of later life development of ovarian cancer. PI: Dr. Shelley Tworoger Funding: Moffitt Cancer Center and Florida Department of Health Publications: Early life physical activity and ovarian cancer risk in adulthood Early life exposure to tobacco smoke and ovarian cancer risk in adulthood Lifetime Exposure to Cigarette Smoke and Risk of Ovarian Cancer by T Cell Tumor Immune Infiltration |