Fitbit One and Text Messaging Prompts to Promote Physical Activity in Overweight/Obese Adults (TXT2BFIT)

Wearable Sensor/Device With Website (Fitbit One) and SMS Text Messaging Prompts to Increase Physical Activity in Overweight/Obese Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

Previous studies suggest self-regulatory techniques including self-monitoring, and SMS text-messaging as an intervention modality, can modify health behaviors including physical activity (PA). The primary purpose of this study was to examine change in objectively measured PA in a randomized controlled pilot trial that tested a wearable sensor/device (Fitbit One) for self-monitoring and SMS text-messaging prompts to promote PA in overweight/obese adults. In a 2-group design, 67 participants were provided the Fitbit One and half were randomized to receive 3 daily SMS-based PA prompts. A Fitbit One was provided to facilitate self-monitoring with a wearable tracker for instant feedback and website of daily PA summaries. Outcome measures were number of steps and minutes of PA by intensity-level using two accelerometers: Actigraph GT3X+ (primary) at baseline and 6-week follow-up and Fitbit One (secondary) at baseline and weeks 1-6. The main hypothesis was that text messaging plus the Fitbit One would show a greater increase in steps and minutes of PA compared to only the Fitbit One at 6-week follow-up.

Fitbit One, wearable sensor, wearable device, web-based intervention, SMS text messages, randomized controlled trial, physical activity, behavioral intervention, text message prompts, text messaging, technology, exercise

All study participants were provided a Fitbit One to facilitate self-monitoring of PA. Those who were randomly assigned to the intervention group were asked to indicate 3 preferred times of the day to receive text message prompts to do PA throughout the 6-week study period.

An active control group was also provided the Fitbit One to facilitate self-monitoring of PA throughout the 6-week study period.

Fitbit One, SMS text-messaging, SMS text-messages, wearable sensor, wearable device, text message reminders, text message prompts, Actigraph GT3X+, self-monitoring, self-regulation, physical activity, website, tracker, mobile application, mobile app, MVPA, fairly active minutes, very active minutes

The primary aim was to test text-messaging in its basic form to prompt physical activity. A secondary aim was to examine the effects of the Fitbit One.

Fitbit One, wearable sensor, wearable device, text message reminders, text message prompts, Actigraph GT3X+, self-monitoring, self-regulation, physical activity, website, tracker, mobile application, mobile app, MVPA, fairly active minutes, very active minutes

Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) (min/wk) and total PA (min/wk) were assessed using Actigraph GT3X+ at baseline week and 6-week follow-up

Physical activity by intensity level (i.e., fairly and very active minutes and total active minutes) were assessed using the Fitbit One throughout the entire duration of the study

Inclusion Criteria: 18-69 years of age overweight or obese (otherwise healthy) does not meet recommended levels of PA (>150 min/wk of MVPA) owns a personal mobile phone and able to use SMS text-messaging owns a personal computer, has access to Internet, able to operate the Fitbit One fluent in English