The
Mindful Steps Research Study is a fully remote study that requires no in-person
presence. The research study is a 15-month program that is free of charge and
may involve attending online mind-body exercise classes for 12 months and
wearing a Fitbit that is designed to encourage walking and physical activity.
The online mind-body exercise classes will be online, live group-classes that
occur at a set schedule: once a week for 6 weeks, twice a month for 34 weeks,
and once a month for 12 weeks, totaling to 25 classes. We are currently
recruiting for the group that begins classes around January.
If you
agree to participate in the study, you will be randomly assigned to one of two
groups. One group participates in the online mind-body exercise classes, has
access to a website that has motivational and educational content on becoming
more physically active, and wears a Fitbit with daily step goals. The other
group does not. You do not get to pick which group you will be in.
Regardless
of your group assignment, you will have five remote testing visits: one at the
beginning of the research study, one at 3 months, one at 6 months, one at 12
months, and one at 15 months. The testing consists of some questionnaires-where
you will answer various questions about your physical activity and current
condition. The questionnaires will each take about 45 minutes. You may also be
chosen for qualitative interviews at the 6 month and 12 month timepoints, which
would take an additional 30 minutes for each interview.
You
will be paid $50 for completing the 3 month, 6 month, and 12 month, and 15
month testing visits, for a total of $200 for participating. There should be no
out-of-pocket costs for you for attending the online classes or using the
Fitbit. You will also receive a Fitbit device which is yours to keep after you
complete the study.