Physical Activity Intervention to Promote Walking Among Female University Students

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study is a parallel group randomized controlled trial among female university students designed to test the effect of a physical activity intervention on daily walking. Both groups will receive messages 2-3 times per week via WhatsApp. Intervention group will receive orientation and wear a pedometer for the study period. The follow-up duration is 3 months.

Detailed Description
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Background: Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. The majority of Saudi females do not meet a recommended level of physical activity. Study Objective: To test the effect of a physical activity intervention on daily walking. Study Design: Parallel group randomized controlled design among female university students. Methods: Students will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control arm. WhatsApp groups (2 per arm) will be formed within each study arm for communications. The intervention participants will receive a brief (15-minute) orientation on diet, exercise, and benefits of keeping a healthy weight; each will be instructed to wear a pedometer every day for 12-weeks with a daily step goal of 8,000. They will receive 2-3 health-promotional (walking and diet) messages per week via WhatsApp; group interaction is optional. The control group participants will receive 2-3 non-health related messages per week. Average daily steps will be assessed in all participants at baseline and 3-month follow-up using a 7-day pedometer measurement.

Official Title
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WhatsApp Physical Activity Intervention to Promote Walking Among Female University Students in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Conditions
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Physical Activity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Intervention
* Other: Control


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: female student enrolled at Qassim University during 2016-2017 academic year owns smartphone with internet access willing to complete all study requirements Exclusion Criteria: Physical disability that precludes physical activity Morbidly obese (Body Mass Index >45 kg/m2) Physician recommendation not to exercise

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 28 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Walking + WhatsApp<br>The participants assigned to the intervention group will be given a brief (15-minute) orientation where they learn about the importance of exercise, diet, and the benefits of weight reduction. They will be given further instruction on the regular use of the pedometer. They will be enrolled into a WhatsApp group. They will receive 2-3 health-promotional (walking and diet) messages per week via WhatsApp. | Behavioral: Intervention<br>* Brief introductory session, pedometer instruction, daily pedometer use, and health messages delivered via WhatsApp 2-3 times per week.<br>* Other names: Walking group;|
| Active Comparator: WhatsApp Only<br>The control participants will be enrolled into a WhatsApp group. They will receive 2-3 non-health related messages per week via WhatsApp. | Other: Control<br>* Non-health related messages delivered via WhatsApp 2-3 times per week.<br>* Other names: Attention Control;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walking | Change in 7-day average steps. Measurement tool = Omron pedometer HJ-320 | Baseline to 3-month follow-up | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self-reported walking | Change between baseline and follow-up for walking minutes per week. Measurement tool = International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) | Baseline to 3-month follow-up | 
| Body Mass Index | Change in BMI score between baseline and follow-up. Objective measurement of height and weight. | Baseline to 3-month follow-up | 
| Barriers to weight management | Change in number of barriers between baseline and follow-up. Measurement tool = Validated questionnaire. | Baseline to 3-month follow-up |