Motor Activity, Physical Activity
Conditions
Brief summary
This study examined the impact of using a motivational mobile text messaging intervention to increase step count among older community-dwelling African Americans. Secondary aims were to study the effects of text messaging on self-reported leisure time exercise behavior. Hypothesis: Participants in the motivational mobile text messaging group will have an increase step count after 6-weeks.
Detailed description
Background: Older minority populations can benefit from increased physical activity, especially walking. Text messaging interventions have the potential to encourage positive changes in health behavior in these groups. Purpose: To examine if a six week program of motivational text messaging increases physical activity (step count) among older African Americans in an urban setting. Design: Randomized, controlled trial pilot study with assignment to motivational text messaging group or a control group. Setting/Participants: Thirty-six African Americans aged 60 to 85. Intervention: The intervention group received motivational text messages three times a day, three days a week, for six weeks. Both groups received pedometers and walking manuals to record step counts. Study was conducted and analyzed in 2011. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measure was step count. Secondary outcome measure was perceived activity levels assessed by the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ). Results/Conclusion: In press - American Journal of Preventive Medicine (Jan 2013)
Interventions
BEHAVIORALMotivational text messaging
Motivational text messaging was given for participants in the intervention group - 3 times a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks
Sponsors
University of Pennsylvania
Georgetown University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* African American community-dwelling adults aged 60 to 85 who were recruited from senior centers. * had to be healthy (no restrictions and medical clearance to walk) * had to have a mobile phone with text messaging capability
Exclusion criteria
* (a) any physical, psychological illness, or medical problems that restricted them from walking; (b) did not own a mobile phone with text messaging capability; or (c) were not willing or able to follow study procedures.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Primary outcome measure was step count | 6-weeks | Motivational text messaging led to greater improvements in step count (+679 vs. +398; P \< .05) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary outcome measure was perceived activity levels assessed by the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ). | 6-weeks | Motivational text messaging led to greater improvements perceived activity levels (P \< .05) than the group who did not receive any text messages. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed