Phillips Lab
The Phillips Exercise and Health Lab, led by principal investigator Siobhan M. Phillips, PhD, conducts interdisciplinary research focused on understanding the determinants and health outcomes of physical activity participation and the translation of this research into practice. We are particularly intersected in the role of physical activity in cancer prevention, control and survivorship. However, we are interested in exploring ways to get everyone to be more active.
The public health recommendations for physical activity are that all adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week. Unfortunately, over two-thirds of adults do not meet these recommendations for physical activity. Our goal is to change that. We want to make physical activity fun, accessible, and part of everyone's life. Our goal is to get people to move more and to feel better about themselves and their abilities.
There is likely not a "one size fits all" solution to the inactivity epidemic. Therefore, we are trying to understand: How much activity can we get people to do? How much activity is necessary for specific health benefits? How do we design and build programs that help people be more active and exercise for life?
We design, test, implement, and disseminate physical activity interventions. Most of our work focuses on cancer survivors, but we are also interested in the general population, special populations, and those with other chronic conditions. We use a variety of strategies to do this and are interested in partnering with physicians, community organizations, and the general public.
If you are interested in learning more about our research, opportunities for collaborating or training opportunities, please visit our website, or contact Dr. Phillips at smphillips@northwestern.edu.
Research Studies
Ongoing Research
1. Muscle Strengthening Activity Interests and Preference in Cancer Survivors
This study uses a mixed methods approach to examine post-treatment cancer survivors’ barriers, facilitators, interests and preferences for muscle strengthening activities. Findings from this study will inform future intervention development. We anticipate recruitment for this study will begin in February 2023.
2. Opt2Move
The purpose of this study is to develop a mobile health (mHealth) physical activity intervention for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. To identify which intervention tools optimally increase moderate to vigorous physical activity, this study applies Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) methodology. All participants will receive a core self-monitoring intervention and be randomized to receive between 0 and 4 of the intervention components. Two of the components focus on social support (buddy and e-coaching) and two focus on mindfulness (general mindfulness training and mindfulness training during MVPA). The intervention is 12 weeks and participants will be followed up with for an additional 12 weeks. The primary outcome is objectively-measured MVPA. Effects of changes of MVPA on symptom burden and sleep quality and duration will also be assessed. Participants will be recruited from Northwestern and Wake Forest University. This study is co-led by Dr. David Victorson in Medical and Social Sciences. We anticipate recruitment for this study will begin in March 2023.
3. Fit2ThriveMIND
The primary purpose of this study is to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a set of four social-cognitive-theory-guided mHealth physical activity intervention components in breast cancer survivors. The effects of the intervention components on objectively measured physical activity and quality of life indicators will also be examined in a 24-week intervention with 24-week follow-up using multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) methodology. Inactive breast cancer survivors will receive the core intervention of the Fit2ThriveMind App and Fitbit and randomly assigned to four components (1) general mindfulness training (2) physical activity- specific mindfulness training (3) e-coaching (4) buddy support. The primary outcome is objectively-measured MVPA. We will also test the effects of the intervention components on objectively-measured sleep and patient reported quality of life indicators. Participants will be recruited from Northwestern and Wake Forest University. This is co-led by Dr. David Victorson in Medical and Social Sciences.This study is funded by The National Cancer Institute. Recruitment Status: We are not currently recruiting for this study. We anticipate recruitment will begin in Summer 2023.
4. Multi-site Adaptive Trial of a Technology-Based, EHR-Integrated Physical Activity Intervention in Breast and Endometrial Cancer Survivors (MyActivity)
The purpose of this study is to develop an effective and scalable physical activity intervention for breast and endometrial cancer survivors that will move from a one-size-fits-all approach to a dynamic, tailored approach for exercise promotion. This is a 6 month study with a 6 month follow-up. All women will receive a Fitbit plus integration of their Fitbit data into their electronic health record (EHR) and may receive additional components as needed. This study is a collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is funded by the National Cancer Institute. Recruitment for this study is closed.
Completed Research
1. Affective and Cognitive Responses to Acute Bouts of Aerobic Exercise, Mindfulness Meditation, and Combined Exercise and Meditation (Physical Activity and Mindfulness Study)
This experimental study is designed to examine the effects of three different acute bouts of the following activities: mindfulness training only (MIND), MVPA only (MVPA), or an MVPA+ mindfulness training (MVPA+MIND) on: a) heart rate, blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and feeling states during each acute bout and b) on changes in positive and negative affect, anxiety, and cognitive function measures from pre-session to immediately, and one hour post-session. Findings from this study will provide essential knowledge to help understand the feasibility and acceptability of engaging in MVPA and mindfulness training simultaneously and potential: a) mechanisms by which this approach may increase MVPA initiation and maintenance and b) health benefits of this approach (positive affect, anxiety, and cognitive function).
2. Technology Supported Physical Activity Intervention for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients (Fit2ThriveMB)
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a technology-supported intervention, Fit2ThriveMB, to promote physical activity in metastatic breast cancer patients. This is a 12 week two-arm randomized control trial (RCT) where participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Fit2ThriveMB (Fit2ThriveMB app + Fitbit + coaching calls) or Healthy Lifestyle Waitlist Education Control Group (Cancer.net app + phone calls control group). The Fit2ThriveMB program is primarily focused on increasing steps and is designed with progressions tailored to symptom burden and progress toward physical activity goals so that individuals of varying abilities will be able to exercise safely. Waitlist participants will obtain access to the Fit2ThriveMB app and receive a Fitbit at the end of 12 weeks. This study was funded by the National Cancer Institute. Recruitment for this study is closed.
3. Impact of Chemotherapy on Activity Patterns in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy (IMPACT Study)
This is a prospective observational study that uses three 10-day ecological momentary assessment “bursts” of data collection at the beginning, middle, and end of chemotherapy to examine potential clinical (e.g. treatment dosage, treatment adherence), behavioral (e.g. self-efficacy, motivation) and psychosocial (e.g. fatigue, pain) determinants and outcomes of activity and sleep pattern changes during chemotherapy for breast cancer. This study was supported by the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation.
4. Designing to optimize dissemination and implementation of a physical activity intervention in breast cancer survivors (Fit2Thrive)
The primary purpose of this study is to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a set of five social-cognitive theory-guided mHealth physical activity intervention components in breast cancer survivors using a patient-centered approach. The effects of the intervention components on objectively-measured physical activity and quality of life indicators will also be examined in a 12-week intervention using multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) methodology whereby each component will be turned “on” or “off” in half of the sample. This study was funded by The National Cancer Institute.
Education & Training Opportunities
If you are interested in joining the lab or working on a specific physical activity-related research project, please contact Phillips at smphillips@northwestern.edu. Students can conduct research for course credit or independent study. Potential opportunities as a member of the lab include: conducting exercise testing, study management, data analyses, leading exercise sessions and helping to write manuscripts and grants. Experiences will vary depending on current projects and research interests.
Publications
To view a listing of publications, please visit Phillips’ faculty profile.