The purpose of this study is to examine whether pedometer step count recommendations (10,000 steps/day versus an adaptive recommendation) are differentially associated with the primary outcome of adherence to the pedometer-based physical activity regimen and the secondary outcomes of change in physical activity and body mass index (BMI).
Long-term promotion of physical activity is necessary to achieve obesity prevention. This represents a particular challenge for our intervention design, as few studies have demonstrated positive long-term physical activity promotion outcomes among Black women. We have demonstrated the utility of pedometers among low income, ethnically diverse populations. The efficacy of pedometer utilization for the prevention of weight gain, however, hinges on long-term utilization of the devices. We hypothesize that recommendation for the step count attainment may affect individual's long-term utilization of pedometers, as well as physical activity levels and BMI. This study is a 24-week experimental trial to examine whether intervention recommendations promote long-term adherence to a pedometer-based physical activity regimen. A two-group, block design will be used in the proposed study. Eligible women will be randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions (n=75 per condition): 1) receiving a 10,000 steps/day recommendation and 3 health education sessions or 2) receiving an adaptive recommendation and an obesity prevention intervention. The adaptive step recommendation will update participants' recommended step counts, starting at 7,000 steps/day, then 8,000 steps/day, then finally 10,000 steps/day. Participants in the adaptive recommendation group will be provided with 3 educational sessions and will be asked to report their daily progress on weight maintenance goals via text message. Participants will be provided pedometers and will be asked to wear them every day of the 24-week trial period. Assessments (including self-report survey and anthropometric measurements) will be conducted at baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-baseline.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
Participants in this group receive 3 education sessions: at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months. The adaptive recommendation will update the participant's recommended step count attainment from 7,000 to 8,000, then 10,000 steps/day. The SMS-based self-monitoring system will collect three data points each day from participants in this group: 1) total number of steps/d recorded by the pedometer during the previous day (steps/d); 2) performance on 2nd weight loss goal; and 3) performance on 3rd weight loss goal.
Participants will receive a standard 10,000 step/day recommendation and 3 education sessions: at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months.
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Adherence to the pedometer-based physical activity regimen
Time frame: 24 weeks post baseline
Change in physical activity
Time frame: 24 weeks post baseline
Change in BMI
Time frame: 24 weeks post baseline
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