Using m-Health apps can provide researchers and others with an effective way for improving physical activity (PA) and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The promotion of health should move from a model focused on the physical and biological basis of illness and towards a focus on the behavioral changes that support health. Therefore, the aims of the current study were to improve PA (step-counts) and body weight using a theory-based m-Health app. A 12-week randomized treatment trial was carried out at Texas A&M University, Texas, college station. College students (n = 130) were recruited. They were randomized in an equal ratio of 1:1 to intervention (m-Health app) (n = 65) and control (n = 65) conditions. The response rate was (87.6%). Both groups utilized a Smartphone app. The intervention group received PA goals of (10,000 steps/day), using an m-Health app. The control group was provided with information related to daily recommended PA levels. The primary change was daily step count between the baseline and follow-up. The secondary outcome was the body mass index (BMI). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the baseline differences between the control and intervention groups. Independent sample t-test were used for comparison between the intervention and control groups. Post-intervention PAs were higher for the intervention group (mean 54,896.) versus control group (mean 45,530.12; p < 0.05). The intervention group's step-counts increased significantly (pre-mean 40,320.38 steps per week; post-mean 54,896.27 steps per week, p < 0.05). The body-weight changes were significant among the intervention group (p < 0.05). m-Health apps can increase PA and improve body weight, with goal setting and feedback as key intervention components. Future studies should personalize PA goals and feedback.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help

• PubMed Central
• DOI
• PubMed
• PDF locator
• publisher