Pedometers and Text Messaging to Increase Physical Activity

OBJECTIVE To assess whether pedometers and text messaging increase physical activity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 78 subjects participated in the trial (mean ± SD age 14.4 ± 2.37 years, 36 [47%] male). Intervention participants wore an open pedometer and received regular motivational text messages. Control participants received usual care. Primary outcomes were daily step count (4-day closed pedometer) and physical activity questionnaire. RESULTS Baseline median step count was 11,063 steps/day (range 1,541–20,158). At 12 weeks, mean daily step count reduced by 840 (95% CI −1,947 to 266) in the control group and by 22 (−1,407 to 1,364) in the intervention group (P = 0.4). Mean self-reported moderate or vigorous physical activity increased by 38.5 min/week in the control group and by 48.4 in the intervention group (P = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS A 12-week intervention using pedometers and text messaging as motivational tools in adolescents with type 1 diabetes did not increase physical activity.

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