Digital Messaging Interventions for Physical Activity Promotion
(TRY AIM Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to test a precision (person-specific and context-sensitive) messaging algorithm for increasing physical activity and slowing weight gain in insufficiently-active young adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:* Does physical activity increase more when text messages are sent based on a precision rule for selecting and timing messages compared to when the same message content is selected and sent at random or not at all?* Do biological or social characteristics of young adults make them more likely to respond positively to the precision messaging intervention than either of the other two interventions?Participants will be provided with education about health-enhancing physical activity and given an activity tracker to wear for 12 months. They will then be randomly assigned to one of three groups. Participants in one group (Precision AIM) will receive up to 4 messages/day selected and timed based on a person-specific algorithm that forecasts possible message effects periodically throughout the day. Messages will be drawn from one of three content libraries: move more, sit less, or inspirational quotes. Participants in a second group (Random AIM) will receive 4 messages/day selected at random from the same three content libraries and delivered at random times within their availability window. Participants in the third group (No AIM) will receive not motivational messages but will randomly assigned to the Random AIM group will receive up to 4 messages/day drawn at random from three content libraries at randomly-selected times. Step counts and weight will be assessed at baseline, and at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Researchers will compare Precision AIM, Random AIM and No AIM groups to see if physical activity increased more and weight gain was slower in Precision AIM than Random AIM or No AIM after 3, 6, and 12 months of intervention, and 6 months after the intervention is complete (18 months).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on physical activity and messaging interventions, so it's unlikely that your medications would be affected, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.
Is text messaging for health interventions safe?
How does the Digital Messaging Interventions for Physical Activity Promotion treatment differ from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it uses text messaging to promote physical activity, leveraging the widespread use of cell phones and the low cost of sending messages. It includes personalized message timing and selection, which may enhance its effectiveness compared to standard, non-personalized approaches.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Digital Messaging Interventions for Physical Activity Promotion?
Research shows that text messaging can effectively remind people to attend appointments, stick to treatments, and manage their health better. Text messages are widely accepted and have shown early success in changing health behaviors, suggesting they could help promote physical activity too.111121314
Who Is on the Research Team?
David E Conroy, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Constantino M Lagoa, PhD
Principal Investigator
The Pennsylvania State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young adults with a sedentary lifestyle who own a smartphone, are willing to wear an activity tracker almost all day for 12 months, and can read and understand English. It's not for those living outside the continental US, pregnant or planning pregnancy within a year, diagnosed with certain diseases, involved in other related studies, meeting current physical activity guidelines or unable to do moderate exercise.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants are provided with education about health-enhancing physical activity and given an activity tracker to wear for 12 months
Intervention
Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: Precision AIM, Random AIM, or No AIM. Precision AIM group receives up to 4 messages/day based on a person-specific algorithm, Random AIM group receives 4 messages/day at random, and No AIM group receives no messages
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity and weight gain 6 months after the intervention is complete
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Activity tracker
- Education
- Text messaging (precision dosing)
- Text messaging (random timing and selection)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
Penn State University
Lead Sponsor