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Published on: March 7, 2019
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Mobile-Based Ecological Momentary Intervention for Improving Physical Activity in Adults Without Regular Physical
Takeyuki Oba1, Chihiro Moriishi1, Keisuke Takano1
1Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8566, Japan, 81 80-2202-0737.
JMIR Formative Research
|December 4, 2025
Summary
Ecological momentary intervention (EMI) did not increase physical activity (PA) amount or motivation but improved PA intensity. Feasibility is marginal, suggesting improvements are needed, especially in prompt timing for this digital health intervention.
Area of Science:
- Digital health interventions
- Behavioral science
- Public health
Background:
- Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) combines Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) with just-in-time interventions.
- EMI is a promising mobile-based approach for enhancing health behaviors, including physical activity (PA).
- Established efficacy and feasibility of EMI are limited due to design variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of EMI for improving PA in adults lacking a PA habit.
- To serve as an exemplar randomized controlled trial for EMI implementation.
Main Methods:
- A pilot, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial with 40 participants.
- Participants used activity trackers and responded to daily EMA prompts.
- The intervention group received context-tailored messages based on EMA responses.
Main Results:
- No significant improvements in self-reported PA, step count, or motivation were observed.
- The EMI group showed a significant increase in moderate-to-high intensity PA (40% HR reserve).
- Intervention rated marginally useful; half willing to continue; EMA prompt timing was suboptimal.
Conclusions:
- EMI may enhance PA intensity rather than amount or motivation.
- The intervention shows marginal feasibility, with potential for improvement.
- Optimizing EMA prompt timing is crucial for future EMI development.
