Using social connections to encourage physical activity through digital support training
Official title: Using Existing Social Ties to Promote Physical Activity: Effects of Digitally Delivered Team Social Support Training
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11049019 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how teaming up with friends can help adults stay active for the long haul by using a fun app and activity tracker to set goals and get feedback together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $547,472 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138115-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049019 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are currently insufficiently active and looking to increase their physical activity levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already highly active or those with severe mobility limitations may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how existing social ties can be leveraged to promote long-term physical activity among adults. Participants will form small teams and receive a digital intervention that includes a mobile app and activity tracker to help them set goals and receive feedback. The study aims to determine if this approach can lead to sustained increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity over time. By focusing on social support, the research seeks to create a more effective strategy for maintaining an active lifestyle.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help individuals maintain a more active lifestyle, improving their overall health and reducing the risk of conditions like adult-onset diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social support can positively influence physical activity levels, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monroe, Courtney — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Monroe, Courtney
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.