Find a Research Study

Our study consists of two groups: physical activity group and control group. The physical activity group will receive exercise sessions via Zoom and motivational text messages over 12 weeks. You will receive a total of three contacts/week (physical activity sessions and motivational text messages). The number of coached sessions and motivational messages will vary throughout the 12 weeks. The length of coached sessions will taper from 50 minutes/session (Weeks 1-2) to 20 minutes/session (Weeks 3-12). The control group will receive a booklet about self-care for family caregivers’ health and three text messages per week about information in the booklet. Both groups will receive a Fitbit that they can keep after study completion.

You may be eligible for this study if you are aged 60 years or older, currently a caregiver of someone aged 60 years or older with heart failure and are providing at least 10 hours/week of unpaid care. You must be physically able to engage in structured exercise such as walking and upper body resistance exercise, engage in <30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on fewer than 2 days per week, own a smartphone and are comfortable using technology, are reachable by phone, text messaging, and email, and have 6ftx6ft space fit for physical activity in your place of residence. You may be ineligible for the study if you are unable to walk one block or climb stairs without chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, if you have a history of falls, or have serious or unstable cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. Additionally, you may be ineligible if you are currently participating in another physical activity program or behavioral change trial or have participated in a similar program in the previous 6 months.