The Role of Cohabitating Partner and Relationship Characteristics on Physical Activity among Individuals with Osteoarthritis

Background: Most individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis do not meet recommendations for physical activity. The Social Cognitive Theory suggests that the social environment (e.g., spouses/partners) may influence the physical activity of individuals with osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the physical activity of insufficiently active, coupled adults with osteoarthritis was associated with received partner support for physical activity, partner’s engagement in physical activity, and relationship satisfaction. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 169 couples were collected. Accelerometers estimated moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and daily steps for participants with osteoarthritis and their partners. Participants with osteoarthritis reported total received partner support for physical activity and relationship satisfaction. Results: Participants with osteoarthritis were on average 65 years old, 65% female, 86% non-Hispanic white, and 47% retired. Receiving total partner support more frequently was associated with more minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity but not with steps. Relationship satisfaction moderated the association of partner’s physical activity on the daily steps of individuals with osteoarthritis such that having a partner who accomplished more daily steps was associated with participants with osteoarthritis accomplishing more daily steps themselves when they reported greater relationship satisfaction. Conclusions: Partners and relationship satisfaction may play an important role in the physical activity of individuals with osteoarthritis. Interventions seeking to increase physical activity in this population may be enhanced by promoting partner support. Additional research is needed to further explain these associations within the context of relationship satisfaction

A quasi-experimental study on students\u27 perceptions and intended use of digital recording technology in a college technology classroom

This quasi-experimental study employed a modified Technology Acceptance Model approach in conjunction with a Perceived Classroom Interaction Model. The study investigated the impact of digital audio recording of college classroom lectures on students\u27 perceptions of interaction levels, usefulness, and use of the digital media. The study surveyed six introductory computer science and technology classes. Previous computer knowledge was not assumed. The results found no significant differences of students\u27 perceptions of interaction levels in traditional classroom lectures. However, gender was found to have a significant effect on speaking in class when a recorder was present. No significant differences were found when it came to perceived usefulness. Most students had used or intended to make use of the recorded lectures

Collins Road Corridor Development Study

This project is centered around the 1.5-mile-long Collins Road Corridor in Lansing, Michigan. There is currently a significant amount of development occurring along the corridor that will bring immense change and this project allowed the corridor to be ready for that change. Through conversation with many stakeholders and intense research regarding the zoning, market, and infrastructure of the corridor, a shared vision will be developed for the area

Table_1_Four Methods of Recruiting Couples Into a Longitudinal Study of Physical Activity in People With Osteoarthritis: Recruitment, Retention, and Lessons Learned.DOCX

<p>Increases in physical activity can reduce joint pain among people with osteoarthritis (PWOA) who are insufficiently physically active. Because evidence suggests that social support from intimate partners may help PWOA become more active, researchers have been interested in recruiting couples to studies of physical activity interventions; however, little guidance exists describing efficient and effective strategies for engaging couples in research. We describe methods used to recruit couples and contrast methods in terms of the proportion of individuals enrolled, sample demographic composition, retention, and resources. We used four recruitment methods to enroll couples in a longitudinal study of PWOA: (1) visiting community sites, (2) sending university-wide emails, (3) contacting patients identified through electronic medical records (EMR), and (4) partnering with a county-based osteoarthritis (OA) research cohort. We found that these methods differed in their challenges and contribution to enrollment goals but demonstrated similar levels of retention. We contacted 747 PWOA; 56% were screened for eligibility and 23% enrolled in the study. The largest proportion of participants recruited were from the email method (35.1%), followed by the community (26%), EMR (22.0%), and OA cohort (19.6%). Couples enrolled through the different methods differed by age, employment, education, and household income. Across the methods for both PWOA and partners, over 80% of participants were non-Hispanic white, about 11% were non-Hispanic black, and 6–8% identified as another race. Over 12 months of follow-up, 31 (17.9%) PWOA and 36 (20.8%) partners were lost to follow-up. Using four distinct recruitment methods allowed us to meet recruitment goals and provided a broader, more diverse population compared to using one method. We recommend that researchers consider several recruitment methods to meet enrollment goals, to ensure a diverse sample, and to match available resources. The lessons learned from this research fill a critical gap in the understanding of how to overcome barriers to recruiting and retaining couples in behavioral research.</p