Remote Exercise Program for Rural Men

Evaluating a Remotely Delivered Physical Activity Program for Inactive Men in Rural Communities: A Feasibility Study

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a remote physical activity intervention designed for rural inactive men.

The proposed study is a pilot randomized controlled trial that will randomize participants to either 1) Immediate intervention, which consists of a 12-week physical activity program or 2) Delayed Intervention, which participants will be assigned to a 6-week abridged version of the program at the end of 12 weeks. Both versions of the physical activity program will provide participants a platform to report their exercise weekly, behavioral lessons, and receive personalized feedback on activity levels. The primary endpoint is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the 12-week program by evaluating recruitment and retention rates, completion of phone calls, adherence to physical activity self-monitoring, and program satisfaction at 12-weeks. Preliminary efficacy will be assessed by changes in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), steps/day, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and supportive accountability at the end of 12-weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Identify biological sex as male
• Engage in less than 90 minutes of self-reported moderate intensity exercise
• Ability to read and write in English
• Primarily living in a rural jurisdiction defined by 1 of the 7 more widely used definitions of rurality by the United States government
• Ability to walk independently for at least one block

Exclusion Criteria:

• Have a medical condition that could be made worse with a change in physical activity
• Plans to relocate from primary residence within 3 months of signing up for study
• Not willing to wear physical activity monitor for 7 days or complete surveys
• Less than 4 valid days of activity monitor wear time at baseline assessment