A qualitative descriptive study was nested within the primary experimental framework using a concurrent mixed methods approach (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2007) to explore the experiences of the children and parents with the exercise regimen. The study was approved by the University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review Board. All participants provided informed consent (parents) or assent (children).
The self-regulated exercise program consisted of an at-home bicycle exercise regimen performed three times a week for six months on an electronically braked exercise bike supplied by the study. Exercise intensity was self-regulated using the Children’s OMNI Scale (Higgins et al., 2013; Robertson et al., 2000). Two exercise routines were performed on the bicycle in an alternating sequence during each session. One intensity was lower, corresponding to activities undertaken during free play, and the second higher, corresponding to metabolic rates to enhance aerobic fitness. Children were called weekly for the first six months of the study. Children were then instructed to maintain their self-regulated exercise activity for the remaining six months of the study without reinforcement (weekly phone calls). The attention control group received weekly telephone calls for six months with no mention of exercise. After six months, they received the exercise bike and participated in the same self-regulated exercise program. Participants received monetary compensation for attending five test sessions required by the study. Total compensation was $100 per child and $150 per parent.