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A Multiple Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Latina Adolescents: Results From the Chicas Fuertes
Jacob R Carson1, Emily Greenstadt1, Brittany Olivera1
1Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States, 1 9512952040.
Background:
Latina adolescents report low levels of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and high lifetime risk of lifestyle-related diseases. There is a lack of MVPA interventions targeted at this demographic despite documented health disparities. Given their high rates of mobile technology use, interventions delivered through mobile devices may be effective for this population.
Objective:
This paper examines the efficacy of the Chicas Fuertes intervention in increasing MVPA across 6 months in Latina adolescents.
Methods:
Participants were Latina adolescents (aged 13-18 years) in San Diego County who reported being underactive (<150 min/wk of MVPA). All participants received a wearable fitness tracker (Fitbit Inspire HR); half were randomly assigned to also receive the multimedia intervention. Intervention components included a personally tailored website, personalized texting based on Fitbit data, and social media. The primary outcome was change in minutes of weekly MVPA from baseline to 6 months, measured by ActiGraph accelerometers and the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall Interview. Changes in daily steps using Fitbit devices were also examined to test intervention efficacy.
Results:
Participants (N=160) were 15.85 (SD 1.71) years old on average, and mostly second generation in the United States. For ActiGraph-measured MVPA, participants in the intervention group (n=83) increased from a median of 0 (IQR 0-24) minutes/week at baseline to 64 (IQR 19-72) minutes/week at 6 months compared to control participants, who showed increases from a median of 0 (IQR 0-26) at baseline to 41 (IQR 7-76) minutes/week at 6 months (P=.04). Self-reported MVPA increased in the intervention group from a median of 119 (IQR 62.5-185) minutes/week at baseline to 147 (IQR 96-181) minutes/week at 6 months compared to control participants, who showed increases from a median of 120 (IQR 48.8-235) at baseline to 124 (IQR 100-169) minutes/week at 6 months (P=.03). Steps also increased in both groups, with the intervention group showing significantly greater increases (P=.03).
Conclusions:
This intervention was successful in using a tailored technology-based strategy to increase MVPA in Latina adolescents and provides a promising approach for addressing a key health behavior. Given the scalable technology used, future studies should focus on broad-scale dissemination to address health disparities.
