Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention to Promote Walking Behavior and Reduce Stationary Time in Physically Inactive...

Area of Science:

• Digital health interventions
• Behavioral science
• Human-computer interaction

Background:

• Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAI) deliver tailored support at opportune moments.
• JITAIs recognize individual states and contexts to predict and meet support needs.
• This approach enhances the timeliness and actionability of interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the application architecture and protocol for the pilot "Walking With Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions" (WWJ) study.
• To apply a JITAI approach to enhance walking behavior (duration, speed, distance) and reduce sedentary time.
• To evaluate the feasibility of a JITAI for promoting physical activity.

Main Methods:

• The study targeted 20 physically inactive adults using the Apple Watch for automated intervention delivery.
• Interventions were tailored based on real-time data including activity patterns, location, weather, and user receptiveness.
• A phased protocol included baseline assessment, a just-in-time learning period, and a JITAI intervention phase.

Main Results:

• Architecture development for WWJ concluded in Fall 2022, with participant recruitment starting concurrently.
• 18 participants were enrolled in the study.
• Full study results are pending analysis and expected submission for publication.

Conclusions:

• The WWJ study's just-in-time learning period trains interventions based on user receptiveness within specific contexts.
• This adaptive approach aims to optimize intervention timing by filtering non-opportune moments.
• The JITAI methodology may offer enhanced customization for behavior change interventions.