VILPA (Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity)

The VILPA project aims to prevent cardiovascular diseases in physically inactive women aged 40-65 through short, intense periods of high-intensity physical activity integrated into daily activities.

Purpose

The project aims to establish the foundation for the world’s first comprehensive program for VILPA (Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity), targeting physically inactive women aged 40-65 years. The results from the project can provide a better understanding of how to effectively promote VILPA to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Through user involvement, a digital product (an app) will be developed and tested. The app offers a practical and scalable approach to promoting VILPA among all middle-aged women in Denmark.

The digital solution can be adapted to other population groups and may eventually serve as a supplement to existing national campaigns and programs aimed at increasing physical activity within the target audience.

Background

Physical activity is one of the most significant contributors to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Yet, 55% of Danish adults do not meet the physical activity guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Physical inactivity is more prevalent among Danish women than men. Between 56% and 65% of Danish women aged 35-64 do not adhere to the recommendations (compared to 47%-57% for men of the same age). Barriers include time constraints, lack of motivation or energy, financial challenges, and external factors like the weather and limited access to suitable facilities contribute to why many adults struggle to meet these guidelines.

There is an urgent need for solutions to combat physical inactivity among women.
VILPA integrates short, intense bursts of physical activity into daily routines, making it an effective way to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Activities

The project is divided into three phases:

Phase 1: Development of an app through user involvement
Phase 2: Testing the app with users
Phase 3: A 12-week pilot randomized trial involving 150 physically inactive women aged 40-65.

Project contributions from Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark

Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark will facilitate co-design workshops, contribute to data collection and analysis, and coordinate implementation strategies.

Partners

University of Southern Denmark: Danish Centre for Motivation and Behaviour Science (DRIVEN), Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Professor Cecilie Thøgersen-Ntoumani, Postdoc Anupa Rijal, and PhD student Martin Eghøj, Citizen Science Knowledge Center, Director Thomas Kaarsted, and Linnea Marie Sjöberg
University of Sydney, Australia: Charles Perkins Centre, Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis
University of Victoria, Canada: School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, Professor Sam Liu
Healthcare professionals: an advisory group, including relevant stakeholders from the healthcare sector
Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark.