Snacktivity™ to Promote Physical Activity in Primary Care, Community Health and Public Health Settings: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial

• DOI: 10.1007/s12529-025-10352-3
• Publication Date: 2025-02-24T21:37:01Z
• Authors: Amanda J. Daley; Ryan A. Griffin; James P. Sanders; Kajal Gokal; Natalie Ives; Magdalena Skrybant; Helen M. Parretti; Charlotte L. Edwa...; Stuart J. H. Biddle; Kate Jolly; Colin J. Greaves; Sheila M. Greenfield; Ralph Maddison; Dale W. Esliger; Lauren B. Sherar; Emma Frew; Nanette Mutrie; Ben Maylor; Tom Yates; Sarah Tearne; Catherine A. Moakes
• Keywords: liikuntakasvatus; terveyskasvatus; terveyskäyttäytyminen; 610; Snacktivity™; short bouts; randomised feasibility trial; terveys; fyysinen aktiivisuus; interventio; terveyden edistäminen

Abstract

Background A novel ‘whole day’ approach that could motivate the public to be more physically active is Snacktivity™. The Snacktivity™ approach encourages individuals to accumulate 150 min of physical activity in short 2–5-min ‘snacks’ of moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) throughout the day/week.

Method A randomised controlled trial to assess the feasibility/acceptability of a Snacktivity™ intervention and trial processes was conducted. The trial aimed to recruit 80 physically inactive adults from healthcare services and via social media. Participants were randomised to the Snacktivity™ intervention or usual care and followed up at 12 weeks. The intervention was predominately delivered by health professionals within consultations. Assessment of whether the Snacktivity™ intervention and trial methods were acceptable to participants, adherence to Snacktivity™ (assessed by Fitbit) and physical activity (assessed by accelerometer), and retention were considered according to traffic light stop-go progression criteria (green-amber-red).

Results Seventy-two participants (n = 37 Snacktivity™ intervention; n = 35 usual care) were recruited across 14 months (72/80, 90%, (green) 95% CI: 83% to 97%). Snacktivity™ adherence was achieved in 12/37 participants (32%, (red) 95% CI: 17% to 48%). Physical activity adherence was achieved in 17/37 participants (46%, (amber) 95% CI: 30% to 62%). Seven participants (10%, (green) 95% CI: 3% to 17%) withdrew from follow-up and 25/72 (35%, (amber) 95% CI: 24% to 46%) had no accelerometer data at follow-up (retention).

Conclusion The Snacktivity™ intervention may be feasible and acceptable to implement. Findings can inform subsequent research that seeks to investigate whether Snacktivity™ based approaches are effective in promoting physical activity in the population.

Trial Registration ISRCTN: 64851242. Registration date: 31/01/21.