Physical Activity
Conditions
Brief summary
This study is a parallel group randomized controlled trial among female university students designed to test the effect of a physical activity intervention on daily walking. Both groups will receive messages 2-3 times per week via WhatsApp. Intervention group will receive orientation and wear a pedometer for the study period. The follow-up duration is 3 months.
Detailed description
Background: Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. The majority of Saudi females do not meet a recommended level of physical activity. Study Objective: To test the effect of a physical activity intervention on daily walking. Study Design: Parallel group randomized controlled design among female university students. Methods: Students will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control arm. WhatsApp groups (2 per arm) will be formed within each study arm for communications. The intervention participants will receive a brief (15-minute) orientation on diet, exercise, and benefits of keeping a healthy weight; each will be instructed to wear a pedometer every day for 12-weeks with a daily step goal of 8,000. They will receive 2-3 health-promotional (walking and diet) messages per week via WhatsApp; group interaction is optional. The control group participants will receive 2-3 non-health related messages per week. Average daily steps will be assessed in all participants at baseline and 3-month follow-up using a 7-day pedometer measurement.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALIntervention
Brief introductory session, pedometer instruction, daily pedometer use, and health messages delivered via WhatsApp 2-3 times per week.
OTHERControl
Non-health related messages delivered via WhatsApp 2-3 times per week.
Sponsors
Qassim University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to 28 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* female * student enrolled at Qassim University during 2016-2017 academic year * owns smartphone with internet access * willing to complete all study requirements
Exclusion criteria
* Physical disability that precludes physical activity * Morbidly obese (Body Mass Index \>45 kg/m2) * Physician recommendation not to exercise
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Walking | Baseline to 3-month follow-up | Change in 7-day average steps. Measurement tool = Omron pedometer HJ-320 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Self-reported walking | Baseline to 3-month follow-up | Change between baseline and follow-up for walking minutes per week. Measurement tool = International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) |
| Body Mass Index | Baseline to 3-month follow-up | Change in BMI score between baseline and follow-up. Objective measurement of height and weight. |
| Barriers to weight management | Baseline to 3-month follow-up | Change in number of barriers between baseline and follow-up. Measurement tool = Validated questionnaire. |
Countries
Saudi Arabia
Outcome results
None listed