MobileMums: a randomized controlled trial of an SMS-based physical activity intervention

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Postnatal women experience a heightened risk of physical inactivity within the first year after childbirth.
• Promoting physical activity in this demographic is crucial for maternal health and well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a physical activity (PA) intervention for postnatal women.
• The intervention primarily utilized mobile telephone short message service (SMS) and was grounded in social cognitive theory.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-eight women were randomized into an intervention group (n=45) or a control group (n=43).
• The 12-week intervention included goal-setting, tailored SMS messages, and support person engagement.
• Physical activity and walking for exercise were measured at baseline, 6, and 13 weeks.

Main Results:

• Intervention participants significantly increased their PA frequency by 1.82 days/week (p=0.038).
• Walking for exercise frequency increased by 1.08 days/week (p=0.02) among intervention participants.
• Positive trends in the duration of PA and walking for exercise were also observed.

Conclusions:

• The theory-based SMS intervention effectively increased the frequency of physical activity and walking for exercise in postnatal women.
• Mobile health interventions show promise for promoting healthy behaviors in postpartum populations.