Promoting Physical Activity Through Hand-Held Computer Technology
Background
Efforts to achieve population-wide increases in walking and similar moderate-intensity physical activities potentially can be enhanced through relevant applications of state-of-the-art interactive communication technologies. Yet few systematic efforts to evaluate the efficacy of hand-held computers and similar devices for enhancing physical activity levels have occurred. The purpose of this first-generation study was to evaluate the efficacy of a hand-held computer (i.e., personal digital assistant [PDA]) for increasing moderate intensity or more vigorous (MOD+) physical activity levels over 8 weeks in mid-life and older adults relative to a standard information control arm.
Design
Randomized, controlled 8-week experiment. Data were collected in 2005 and analyzed in 2006–2007.
Setting/Participants
Community-based study of 37 healthy, initially underactive adults aged 50 years and older who were randomized and completed the 8-week study (intervention=19, control=18).
Intervention
Participants received an instructional session and a PDA programmed to monitor their physical activity levels twice per day and provide daily and weekly individualized feedback, goal setting, and support. Controls received standard, age-appropriate written physical activity educational materials.
Main Outcome Measure
Physical activity was assessed via the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire at baseline and 8 weeks.
Results
Relative to controls, intervention participants reported significantly greater 8-week mean estimated caloric expenditure levels and minutes per week in MOD+ activity (p<0.04). Satisfaction with the PDA was reasonably high in this largely PDA-naive sample.
Conclusions
Results from this first-generation study indicate that hand-held computers may be effective tools for increasing initial physical activity levels among underactive adults.
aStanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
bNational Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Behavioral Research Program, Health Promotion Research Branch, Bethesda, Maryland
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Abby C. King, PhD, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Hoover Pavilion, Rm. N229, 211 Quarry Road, Stanford CA 94305-5705.
ABSTRACT