Text-Messaging to Motivate Walking in Older African Americans

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study examined the impact of using a motivational mobile text messaging intervention to increase step count among older community-dwelling African Americans. Secondary aims were to study the effects of text messaging on self-reported leisure time exercise behavior. Hypothesis: Participants in the motivational mobile text messaging group will have an increase step count after 6-weeks.

Detailed Description
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Background: Older minority populations can benefit from increased physical activity, especially walking. Text messaging interventions have the potential to encourage positive changes in health behavior in these groups. Purpose: To examine if a six week program of motivational text messaging increases physical activity (step count) among older African Americans in an urban setting. Design: Randomized, controlled trial pilot study with assignment to motivational text messaging group or a control group. Setting/Participants: Thirty-six African Americans aged 60 to 85. Intervention: The intervention group received motivational text messages three times a day, three days a week, for six weeks. Both groups received pedometers and walking manuals to record step counts. Study was conducted and analyzed in 2011. Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measure was step count. Secondary outcome measure was perceived activity levels assessed by the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ). Results/Conclusion: In press - American Journal of Preventive Medicine (Jan 2013)

Official Title
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An Motivational Text Messaging Walking Program for Older African Americans

Conditions
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Physical Activity, Motor Activity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Motivational text messaging


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: African American community-dwelling adults aged 60 to 85 who were recruited from senior centers. had to be healthy (no restrictions and medical clearance to walk) had to have a mobile phone with text messaging capability Exclusion Criteria: (a) any physical, psychological illness, or medical problems that restricted them from walking; (b) did not own a mobile phone with text messaging capability; or (c) were not willing or able to follow study procedures.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

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: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Intervention Group<br>Motivational text messaging | Behavioral: Motivational text messaging<br>* Motivational text messaging was given for participants in the intervention group - 3 times a day, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks<br>|
| No Intervention: Control Group<br>Step count | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Primary outcome measure was step count | Motivational text messaging led to greater improvements in step count (+679 vs. +398; P < .05) | 6-weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Secondary outcome measure was perceived activity levels assessed by the Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ). | Motivational text messaging led to greater improvements perceived activity levels (P < .05) than the group who did not receive any text messages. | 6-weeks |