The MILE study: a motivational, individual and locally anchored exercise intervention among 30–49 year-olds with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness: a randomised controlled study in primary care

Abstract

BackgroundLow levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with high risk of non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality. Physical activity level is the primary determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness in adults. However, knowledge on how to motivate people to engage in physical activity and maintain an active lifestyle is lacking. This study aims to investigate whether a motivational, individual, and locally anchored exercise intervention, in primary care, can improve cardiorespiratory fitness in 30 to 49 year olds with a low or very low cardiorespiratory fitness.Methods/DesignTwo-armed randomised controlled trial with 6 and 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome is cardiorespiratory fitness estimated via a maximal incremental exercise test. Secondary outcomes include physical activity level and sedentary behavior (objectively measured), self-reported physical activity, biochemical parameters (HbA1C, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride), anthropometric parameters and health-related quality of life. A total of 236 participants with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness classified at a local health check programme will be randomised. The intervention consists of four motivational interviews, a six months membership to a sport club, and a global positioning watch to upload training activity to Endomondo.com. The comparison group will receive standard care: a one hour motivational interview followed by another interview if requested. Effects will be estimated by evaluating the differences in mean changes in cardiorespiratory fitness between the two groups.DiscussionIn new and innovative ways the focus of this study will be to improve cardiorespiratory fitness among a 30–49 year-old at-risk group using social media, Global Positioning System-technology, on-going personal support and individually tailored physical activity.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (no.NCT01801956).

The Garmin-RUNSAFE Running Health Study on the aetiology of running-related injuries: rationale and design of an 18-month prospective cohort study including runners worldwide

“…All emails containing links to questionnaires will be distributed using an Aarhus University-based system, which is specifically developed for questionnaires sent to participants included in research studies 50 51. This email distribution system conforms to the rules and regulations of the Danish Data Protection Agency.…”

Effects of a motivational, individual and locally anchored exercise intervention (MILE) on cardiorespiratory fitness: a community-based randomised controlled trial

“…We conducted a community-based randomized controlled trial of the MILE intervention based on a previously published protocol [12].…”

“…Following a literature review (not published), we identified intervention elements that were previously shown to increase physical activity levels, including local anchoring, self-monitoring and motivational interviewing. A needs assessment among our target group [12] showed that the intervention should be integrated into a broad range of community-based organisations and anchored to local physical activity preferences, such as swimming, running and cycling. We therefore offered participants free membership to a local sports club.…”

“…As such, we offered our participants motivational interviewing and a GPS watch, to enable them to self-monitor and share goals and results with any friends via social media [18–20]. Our intervention was called the ‘Motivational, Individual and Locally anchored Exercise intervention’ (MILE) [12].…”

“…Following the development of our intervention, we nested a randomized controlled trial within the ‘Check Your Health’ programme and examined the efficacy of the MILE intervention [12] on objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity among individuals with low cardiorespiratory fitness over one year.…”