Step It Up: Evidence for the use of text messaging to promote physical activity in working women

Introduction: Preliminary evidence shows text messaging to be a potential new means for health education, however, few studies have applied text messaging to physical activity promotion programs. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the role of mobile phone text messaging as a low cost, motivational tool for increasing physical activity in working women. Methods: Eighty-seven employed women were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=42) or control (n=45) group. The intervention group received an average of three text messages per week that were motivational, informational, and specific to performing physical activity. Step counts for seven days via Omron pedometer and self efficacy to perform exercise were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Subjects provided qualitative feedback via surveys. Results: Paired t-tests showed a decrease in step counts for both groups, (9% intervention vs. 19% control) however only the control group decreased significantly (p=0.0002). Self efficacy remained unchanged at midterm in the intervention group but decreased significantly in the control group (p=0.03). Survey responses showed high satisfaction ratings with the intervention. (0% dissatisfied vs 73% satisfied). Attrition rates were minimal at 12 weeks in the intervention group with 1 subject requesting to discontinue. Conclusion: Consistent with other studies step counts decreased during the winter months, though not significantly in the intervention group. The positive responses to the messages and the low attrition rate provide additional evidence for the use of text messaging as a cost effective tool to promote physical activity.