Motivating Activity Through Text Messages to Increase Movement

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study enrolls adults aged 40 and older who are not meeting 90 minutes of moderate activity per week. Participants receive various types of motivational text messages and wear a Fitbit for 3 months, with continued wear encouraged through 6 months. An activPAL monitor is used for periodic 7-day assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to gauge activity and related cognitive and behavioral factors. The aim is to identify which message types most effectively increase daily steps and to examine effects on affect, habit strength, exercise identity, and certain cognitive functions.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Be 40 years of age or older
* Own a smartphone running an Android or iOS operating system
* Have proficiency with the English language
* Be capable of providing informed consent
* Be able to perform moderate physical activity without restrictions
* Be willing to complete the entire 6-month protocol
* Be willing to establish a 12-hour window - beginning no later than 9:45 am and ending no later than 9:45 pm - for receiving text messages.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Residing outside of the continental United States
* Self-reporting 90 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity per week
* contraindications to normal physical activity as identified on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
* Mobility restrictions that interfere with unassisted physical activity
* Being pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study
* Planning to undergo surgery during the course of the study protocol
* Having a prior diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia
* Evidence of mild cognitive impairment as indicated by a mini-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test score of 12 or higher
* Concurrent participation in another study involving weight loss or physical activity
* Failure to respond to at least 85% of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) prompts during the 7-day qualification phase.

Where it's running

• University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: David E Conroy, PhD — University of Michigan
• Study coordinator: Ann M Mehringer
• Email: amehring@umich.edu
• Phone: 734-647-6050

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.