App-Based Physical Activity Intervention Among Women With Prior Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorder: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Cardiovascular Disease Research
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Insufficient moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Women with a history of hypertensive pregnancy disorder (HPD) require effective interventions to increase MVPA and bridge the intention-behavior gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of two 8-week app-based MVPA interventions, grounded in the integrated behavior change (IBC) model.
• To assess interventions utilizing motivational interviewing and comprehensive behavior change techniques.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial (RCT) involving 619 women with prior HPD.
• Participants received a fitness tracker and app, randomized to control, motivation, or action groups.
• Interventions included information, motivational counseling, and behavior change techniques over 8 weeks, with follow-ups at 9 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in MVPA were observed between the intervention groups and the control group immediately post-intervention.
• The action group showed positive influences on motivational and volitional processes, but not on MVPA.
• Participants reported positive evaluations of the app and intervention components.

Conclusions:

• App-based interventions, even when incorporating behavior change techniques, did not significantly increase MVPA in women with prior HPD.
• Future research should explore the role of automatic processes and consider high baseline activity levels in intervention design.
• These findings offer crucial insights for developing future MVPA interventions and RCTs in this population.