Behavioral intervention to increase walking in sedentary individuals

Influencing Basic Behavioral Mechanisms of Action While Targeting Daily Walking in Those at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: Science of Behavior Change Factorial Experiment of Behavioral Change

Phase 2 Interventional Northwell Health · NCT05425641

This study is testing whether different behavior change techniques can help sedentary people at risk for heart disease walk more by at least 1000 steps a day.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment624 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 74 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorthwell Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05425641 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study is a randomized, factorial experiment that tests the effects of four behavior change techniques (goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring, and feedback) on increasing daily walking by at least 1000 steps in sedentary individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. Participants will undergo a 4-week baseline period to verify their sedentary status and adherence to activity tracking. Following this, they will be randomized into one of 16 intervention arms for an 8-week period where they will receive daily text messages aimed at promoting physical activity. The effectiveness of these techniques will be measured through continuous monitoring of step counts over a 12-week follow-up period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-74 who are self-reportedly sedentary and have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients with serious health conditions, mobility limitations, or those advised against increasing physical activity will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve physical activity levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in sedentary individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar behavior change techniques in promoting physical activity, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 - 74 years old of age
* Self-reported physical inactivity
* Objectively determined to be sedentary in baseline
* Possess at least one risk factor for CVD
* Report they are in good general health and have never been informed by a clinician that it was not advisable/safe to participate in a low-intensity walking program
* Owns and can regularly access a smartphone capable of receiving text messages
* Owns and can regularly access an e-mail account

Exclusion Criteria:

* \< 18 years old or \> 74 years old
* Have self-reported poor health, limited mobility and/or have been advised by a clinician not to increase their low-intensity walking
* Previously diagnosed with a heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or received a stent
* Inability to comply with study protocol during 4 week baseline period
* Pregnancy
* Previous diagnosis of a serious mental health condition or psychiatric disorder, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
* Cognitive impairment

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cardiovascular DiseasesPhysical InactivitySedentary BehaviorPhysical ActivityBehavior ChangeBehavior Change TechniquesVirtualCardiovascular Health
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.