A three group randomised controlled trial on effectiveness of mobile application based performance feedback...

This three-group RCT investigated the comparative effectiveness of mobile application-based performance feedback (MABPF) interventions, with and without hourly reminders, on cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) among university staff in Nigeria in the context of Mobile health technology offering promising opportunities to promote physical activity (PA), but evidence on its effectiveness in reducing CVRF, which are causes of major non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is limited. Participants were randomised to: (1) MABPF with hourly reminders, (2) MABPF without reminders, or (3) education-only control. The primary outcome was objectively measured step counts; secondary outcomes included blood pressure, adiposity indices, lipid profile, and blood sugar. The Google Fit application is MABPF, with a daily physical activity target set at 10,000 steps and 150 heart points. Pedometer step counts showed significant between-group differences, with Intervention Group 1 recording a higher median weekly step count compared to Intervention Group 2 (U = 721.500, p = 0.002) and the control group (U = 482, p < 0.001) at 12 weeks. The MABPF with reminders group showed greater improvements in systolic BP (F = 5.818, p = 0.004) and total cholesterol (F = 4.976, p = 0.008), while MABPF without reminders was more effective for blood sugar reduction (F = 3.308, p = 0.038) and HDL increase (F = 3.357, p = 0.039). Although within the control, statistically significant reductions in stress levels, increases in HDL cholesterol, and decreases in blood glucose levels were noted; however, compared to the control group, both MABPF intervention groups demonstrated superior improvements in the above stated variable as well as systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and step counts. These results supports the potential of low-cost digital technology for workplace cardiovascular prevention in resource-limited settings. These findings contribute to One Health NCDs prevention by the effective CVRF reduction reported in this study using a low-cost digital technology. Furthermore, the intervention could work in other workplace settings and communities worldwide. Trial registration: Trial number PACTR202405808298188 (24 May 2024).