Publications by authors named "Maria Legato"

Recreational sedentary screen time (rSST) is the most prevalent sedentary behavior for adults outside of work, school, and sleep, and is strongly linked to poor health. StandUPTV is a mHealth trial that uses the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) framework to develop and evaluate the efficacy of three theory-based strategies for reducing rSST among adults. This paper describes the preparation and optimization phases of StandUPTV within the MOST framework.

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Background: Behavioral weight loss interventions promote clinically significant weight loss over 12 months, but weight regain remains problematic and a substantial proportion of participants do not achieve long-term weight loss maintenance. Novel methods are needed that instill habit strength for sustaining weight control behaviors long term. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to provide opportunities within behavioral treatment for patients to practice desired weight control behaviors in the frequency and magnitude necessary to build durable habits.

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Internet-based weight loss programs can be effective in promoting weight loss and are less-intensive than traditional face-to-face approaches, which may provide more flexibility for postpartum, low-income women to engage in such programs. Few studies have examined patterns of engagement in internet-based programs for this population. This article used data from the internet-based Fit Moms/ intervention, a 12-month cluster randomized controlled trial that was effective in promoting postpartum weight loss among low-income, predominantly Hispanic women.

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