Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Effectiveness of technology-assisted and self-directed interventions to sit less and move more among Indian
Baskaran Chandrasekaran1, Chythra R Rao2, Arto J Pesola3
1Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
Abstract:
This cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of technology-assisted programs in replacing sedentary time (ST) with physical activity (PA) among Indian office workers. A total of 136 sedentary workers were randomized into two intervention groups: technology-assisted (SMART) and self-directed (TRADE), along with a control group. The SMART group used a smartphone app featuring hourly exercise video prompts and a pedometer, while the TRADE group received a wellness manual with strategies for reducing ST and increasing PA. ST and PA levels were assessed using accelerometers at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The SMART group showed a marginal reduction in ST (∼6 min/day) at 3 months (β = -0.340, p = 0.015) and 6 months (β = 0.114, p = 0.030). But the improvements were not sustained at 6 months in TRADE group (β = 0.105, p = 0.064). A significant decline in compliance (n = 57, 63 %) in both intervention groups. Future trials should incorporate organizational-level strategies to enhance compliance.
