Using internet and mobile phone technology to deliver an automated physical activity program: randomized controlled...

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• The internet offers potential for health behavior change programs.
• Controlled studies evaluating long-term, automated physical activity interventions with real-time feedback are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a 9-week physical activity intervention utilizing internet and mobile phone technology.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a fully automated, technology-based health behavior change program.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 77 healthy adults (mean age 40.4 years).
• Participants received either an internet/mobile-based physical activity program with tailored support and real-time feedback or no support (control).
• Physical activity was monitored using accelerometers and self-report over 9 weeks.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed significantly greater increases in perceived control and intention to exercise (P < .001).
• Accelerometer and self-report data indicated higher moderate physical activity in the intervention group (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively).
• The intervention group experienced a greater reduction in body fat percentage (P = .04).

Conclusions:

• A fully automated, internet and mobile phone-based system effectively increases and sustains physical activity levels in healthy adults.
• Digital health interventions show promise for promoting long-term physical activity and health behavior change.