Text Messaging for Sedentary Lifestyle
(MATCH AIM Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests the impact of motivational text messages (Text Messaging Intervention) on increasing physical activity in adults aged 40 and older. Researchers aim to identify which types of text messages most effectively boost daily step counts and improve exercise-related habits and mental skills. Participants will receive up to four motivational texts daily and wear activity trackers to monitor their progress over six months. The trial suits those who exercise less than 90 minutes a week and can engage in moderate physical activity without restrictions. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance exercise motivation and overall health.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on physical activity and text messaging, so it's unlikely that your medications would be affected, but you should confirm with the study team.
What prior data suggests that this text messaging intervention is safe for middle-aged and older adults?
Research has shown that using text messages to encourage increased activity is generally safe. Studies have found that these messages can help people become more active without causing harm. For example, a review found that text messages effectively motivate increased activity, improving overall health.
In past research, participants who received motivational messages reported positive changes in activity levels, with no significant negative side effects. Another study found that daily text messages promoting physical activity had mixed results but did not report any harmful effects from the messages themselves.
Overall, receiving motivational text messages appears to be a well-tolerated method to encourage a more active lifestyle. Participants in these studies did not experience harmful effects, making it a safe option for those looking to increase physical activity levels.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the use of text messaging to combat sedentary lifestyles because it offers a unique, convenient approach to encouraging physical activity. Unlike traditional interventions that might require in-person sessions or wearable devices, this method leverages common technology—our mobile phones—to deliver motivational messages directly to participants. The trial is exploring not only a set of newly created messages but also a validated library of texts used in previous studies, allowing researchers to compare the effectiveness of fresh content versus tried-and-tested messages. This approach could potentially make adopting a more active lifestyle more accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
What evidence suggests that this trial's text messaging interventions could be effective for increasing physical activity in adults with a sedentary lifestyle?
Research has shown that text messaging can help people become more physically active. In this trial, participants will receive motivational text messages through two different approaches. One group will receive newly created messages, while the other will receive messages from a validated library used in previous studies. Specifically, one study found that personalized text messages were more effective than generic ones, with effectiveness scores of 0.39 compared to 0.25. Another study found that text messages increased physical activity by almost 2 hours each week. Text messaging has also helped people with heart disease become more active. Overall, sending motivational text messages appears to be a promising way to encourage a more active lifestyle.23467
Who Is on the Research Team?
David E Conroy, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults age 40 and older who currently do less than 90 minutes of moderate or higher intensity physical activity per week. Participants should be able to use a smartphone and wear activity trackers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive motivational text messages and wear activity monitors for 3 months
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity and cognitive assessments post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Text Messaging Intervention
Trial Overview
The study tests whether different types of motivational text messages can help middle-aged and older adults become more physically active over three months, using wearable devices to track movement and cognitive assessments via smartphone.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants in this arm will receive motivational text messages that have not been used in previous studies.
Participants in this arm will receive motivational text messages that have been written and used in previous studies.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
Citations
Text Message Interventions for Physical Activity: A Systematic ...
Finally, interventions that included tailored text messages may be more effective than those using standardized text messages (effect sizes of 0.39 and 0.25).
Text Messaging Interventions for Improvement in Physical ...
Conclusions: Some studies in this review showed promising results for using SMS to improve physical activity and sedentary behavior in youth.
A text message intervention to promote physical activity in ...
Both interactive and static text messages led to increases in physical activity. •. MASTERY led to greater increases in self-efficacy than the control condition ...
Text Messaging Intervention for Sedentary Lifestyle
The TEXT2MOVE study is testing whether an 8-week program that sends health-related text messages can help people sit less and be more active. Participants will ...
5.
research-information.bris.ac.uk
research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/the-effects-of-text-messaging-interventions-to-improve-physical-a/The effects of text-messaging interventions to improve ...
The effects of text-messaging interventions to improve physical activity and sedentary behaviour in youth: A systematic review. Kim Straun, Rosie Arthur ...
6.
researchgate.net
researchgate.net/publication/264676213_The_Use_of_Text_Messaging_to_Promote_Physical_Activity_in_Working_Women_A_Randomized_Controlled_TrialThe Use of Text Messaging to Promote Physical Activity in ...
Intervention participants received approximately 3 text messages per week that were motivational, informational, and specific to performing physical activity.
Daily Motivational Text Messages to Promote Physical Activity ...
Physical activity interventions delivered via smartphones can help users maintain and increase physical activity, but outcomes have been mixed.
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