Testing messages to encourage physical activity in young adults
Testing Responses of Young Adults to Intervention Messages (TRY AIM) for Promoting Physical Activity Trial
NA · University of Michigan · NCT05794178
This study is testing whether personalized text messages can help young adults who don't get enough exercise to be more active and avoid gaining weight.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05794178 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate a personalized messaging algorithm designed to increase physical activity and reduce weight gain among insufficiently active young adults. Participants will receive education on health-enhancing physical activity and wear an activity tracker for 12 months. They will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, with one group receiving tailored text messages based on a precision algorithm, while the others receive messages at random or not at all. The study will also explore how individual biological and social characteristics influence responses to these interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults who are insufficiently active, own a smartphone, and are willing to wear a Fitbit tracker for the duration of the study.
Not a fit: Patients who already meet the physical activity guidelines or have conditions that limit their ability to engage in moderate-intensity physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective strategies for promoting physical activity and preventing weight gain in young adults.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using precision messaging is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using technology to promote physical activity.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * own an iPhone or Android smartphone that they would be willing to download the Fitbit app onto and sync with a Fitbit tracker and a custom, AIM app * willing to wear a Fitbit tracker almost continually (23.5 hours/day) for a 12- month period of time * free of visual impairment that would interfere with the receipt of text messages on their phone * capable of reading, speaking and understanding English and of giving informed consent * willing to complete a full 18-month study protocol Exclusion Criteria: * self-report sufficient aerobic activity to meet 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for American adults * research-grade accelerometer records sufficient aerobic physical activity to meet 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for American adults * living outside the continental US * one or more contraindications to physical activity * require an assistive device for mobility or have any other condition that may limit or prevent participation in moderate-intensity physical activity * pregnant or planning to become pregnant within the next 12 months * prior diagnosis of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes or metabolic syndrome * concurrent participation in another research study involving physical activity or weight loss * planning to have surgery or relocate outside the continental US within the next year.
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (RECRUITING)
- The Pennsylvania State University — University Park, Pennsylvania, United States (COMPLETED)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David E Conroy, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Ann Mehringer
- Email: amehring@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-647-6050
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Physical Inactivity, Weight Gain