Using mobile phone messages in pedometer-based intervention for working adults in Hong Kong

The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of different strategies applied to a pedometer-based intervention designed to promote the physical activity level of working adults. Participants (n = 88; mean age = 35.4, SD = 11.6) were randomly assigned to one of the three intervention conditions or a control group. The intervention group participants were provided with a pedometer and received one of the following intervention conditions for 12 weeks: (a) mobile phone text messages on recommended goal-based steps (n = 23), (b) mobile phone text messages about the benefits of leading an active lifestyle (n = 24), and (c) no mobile phone messages (n = 22). Participants in the control group did not receive a pedometer (n = 19). The results indicated a significant effect of time on step counts after the 12-week intervention, F(1, 84) = 5.6, p < .05, demonstrating changes of step counts across the baseline and post-intervention measures. The pedometer-based intervention groups resulted in changes of the baseline step counts ranging from 8% to 23%. The participants with a perception of average health status were reported to have a significantly higher level of step counts recorded after the intervention. In conclusion, the use of a pedometer with an individualized content message prompt significantly increased the physical activity levels of working adults when compared with the use of a pedometer with standardized message prompt. Copyright © 2012 Asian Journal of Exercise & Sports Science.