A Group-Based Mobile Application to Increase Adherence in Exercise and Nutrition Programs: A Factorial Design...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Health Informatics
• Digital Health

Background:

• Novel methods for self-monitoring and social support are crucial for long-term behavior change maintenance.
• mHealth applications offer a potential avenue for delivering such interventions.
• This study investigates the impact of group support within an mHealth exercise and nutrition program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if social support enhances adherence in wellness programs.
• To assess if media type (ePaper vs. mobile) affects compliance and adherence.
• To evaluate if the mHealth app leads to positive changes in eating behavior, physical activity, and stress levels compared to paper-based methods.

Main Methods:

• A 2x2 factorial feasibility study design (Media: Mobile vs. ePaper; Group Type: Team vs. Solo).
• 124 volunteers participated over 8 weeks in self-directed groups.
• Focus on improving eating behavior, physical activity, or reducing stress.

Main Results:

• Mobile conditions showed lower attrition and more accurate, frequent compliance reporting than ePaper.
• Team-based conditions significantly increased overall compliance and engagement with the mHealth app (66% more likely to engage longer).
• Participants reported positive changes in behavior and stress, though Mobile-Solo users reported higher stress.

Conclusions:

• The team-based Fittle mHealth app is a feasible and acceptable intervention for wellness behavior change.
• Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy of this intervention.
• Mobile platforms and social support structures enhance adherence and data accuracy in digital health interventions.