Fitbit One and Text Messaging Prompts to Promote Physical Activity in Overweight/Obese Adults

University of California, San Diego67 enrolled

Overview

Previous studies suggest self-regulatory techniques including self-monitoring, and SMS text-messaging as an intervention modality, can modify health behaviors including physical activity (PA). The primary purpose of this study was to examine change in objectively measured PA in a randomized controlled pilot trial that tested a wearable sensor/device (Fitbit One) for self-monitoring and SMS text-messaging prompts to promote PA in overweight/obese adults. In a 2-group design, 67 participants were provided the Fitbit One and half were randomized to receive 3 daily SMS-based PA prompts. A Fitbit One was provided to facilitate self-monitoring with a wearable tracker for instant feedback and website of daily PA summaries. Outcome measures were number of steps and minutes of PA by intensity-level using two accelerometers: Actigraph GT3X+ (primary) at baseline and 6-week follow-up and Fitbit One (secondary) at baseline and weeks 1-6. The main hypothesis was that text messaging plus the Fitbit One would show a greater increase in steps and minutes of PA compared to only the Fitbit One at 6-week follow-up.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Health Behavior Obesity

SMS Text Messages & Fitbit OneBEHAVIORAL

The primary aim was to test text-messaging in its basic form to prompt physical activity. A secondary aim was to examine the effects of the Fitbit One.

Fitbit One OnlyBEHAVIORAL

Active controls received a Fitbit One to facilitate self-monitoring (and no text messages)

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 69 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-69 years of age * overweight or obese (otherwise healthy) * does not meet recommended levels of PA (\>150 min/wk of MVPA) * owns a personal mobile phone and able to use SMS text-messaging * owns a personal computer, has access to Internet, able to operate the Fitbit One * fluent in English

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

steps per day (Actigraph GT3X+)

Number of steps per day was measured using Actigraph GT3X+ at baseline and 6-week follow-up

Time frame: up to 6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Minutes per week of physical activity by intensity level (Actigraph GT3X+)

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) (min/wk) and total PA (min/wk) were assessed using Actigraph GT3X+ at baseline week and 6-week follow-up