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Mindful Movement: Development of A Novel Guided Imagery App to Promote Physical Activity in Adults with Overweight or Obesity

Award Number: R03HL187201
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

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Mindful Movement: Development of A Novel Guided Imagery App to Promote Physical Activity in Adults with Overweight or Obesity - Project Summary/Abstract A major challenge in the treatment of obesity and the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing the proportion of adults who can adopt and sustain high levels of physical activity (PA). Although many factors contribute to poor PA adherence among adults with overweight or obesity, absence of accessible, effective, theory-based programs remains a major barrier. Thus, there is a critical need to develop accessible, effective, and economical programs to promote PA adherence in adults with overweight or obesity. Within the ongoing, NIH-funded K Award (K01 HL161417), we have designed and are pilot testing a person-centered, theory-based PA support program for adults with overweight or obesity, called Move+. Move+ is based on the Self- Determination Theory (SDT) and targets enhanced PA adherence in adults with overweight or obesity by encouraging them to choose PA types that are personally meaningful and intrinsically motivated. Move+ consists of four intervention components: 1) four group-based sessions, 2) three individualized support sessions, 3) a livestream fitness membership and 4) access to ~20 guided imagery sessions via an online platform. While preliminary data indicate good feasibility/acceptability for components 1-3, the guided imagery component requires further refinement. Interview data from the K01 award indicate that while many participants see the component’s value (“It just centers you”), there was a strong desire to receive this component via an app (“…Cause I’m an app person”). The overall objective of this R03 is to improve the guided imagery component’s acceptability and feasibility prior to inclusion as a Move+ component in a future R01. Specifically, in Aim 1, we will engage co-designers to develop a guided imagery app, called Mindful Movement, to enhance PA adherence and reduce CVD risk. Adults (n=6; ages 18-65, BMI 25-45 kg/m2 and insufficiently active) and content experts (n=4) will be asked to provide feedback on enhanced audio recordings, developed using cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and to participate in a series of two iterative focus groups to co-create app features. In Aim 2, adults (n=14) with BMI 25-45 kg/m2 who are insufficiently active will evaluate the app’s design and usability over iterative human-centered design testing sessions. Primary outcomes of acceptability and feasibility will be assessed using mixed methods. Secondary outcomes include changes in self-reported PA levels, automatic affective evaluations, attitudes, and motivation post-engagement with the app. Consistent with dissemination and implementation (D&I) science, we will apply the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) as our process framework to help us systematically and efficiently improve this component and the Move+ intervention. This R03 is a critical step towards developing a future NIH R01 proposal to evaluate the efficacy of each Move+ component in a fully powered factorial trial (MOST Optimization Phase). Establishing a scalable and effective theory-based PA intervention will improve long-term outcomes for adults with overweight or obesity.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $217,115 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE	201 ANDY HOLT TOWER	KNOXVILLE	TN	37996	KNOX	USA	Cardiovascular Diseases Research	000	1	9/1/2026	NEW	$217,115
														Subtotal = $217,115

Grand Total All Awards = $217,115

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Mindful Movement: Development of A Novel Guided Imagery App to Promote Physical Activity in Adults with Overweight or Obesity

Award Number: R03HL187201

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL HEART, LUNG, & BLOOD INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2028

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