Walking and Daily Affect Among Sedentary Older Adults Measured Using the StepMATE App: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.27208
• Publication Date: 2021-12-01T15:16:08Z
• Authors: Alycia N Bisson; Victoria Sorrentino; Margie E Lachman
• Keywords: Pedometer; Smartphone app; Affect; Preprint

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Although fitness technology can track and encourage increases in physical activity, few smartphone apps are based on behavior change theories. Apps that do include behavioral components tend to be costly often not strategies help those who unsure of how increase their activity. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The aim this pilot study is test the efficacy a new app, StepMATE, for increasing daily walking sample inactive adults examine relationships between self-reported mood energy. <title>METHODS</title> participants were middle-aged older aged ≥50 years (mean 61.64, SD 7.67 years). They randomly assigned receive either basic, pedometer-like version app or with supports them determine where, when, whom walk. Of 96 randomized 1 2 conditions, 87 (91%) completed pretest assessments 81 (84%) successfully downloaded app. Upon downloading step data from week prior automatically recorded. both groups asked set goal, which they could at any point during intervention. use as much possible over next 4 weeks. Twice per day, pop-up notifications assessed energy levels. <title>RESULTS</title> one group had access additional features, used similar way, mainly using just walk-tracking feature. Multilevel models revealed took significantly more steps 4-week than before (γ=0.24; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&amp;lt;.001). During study, averaged 5248 day compared an average 3753 baseline week. Contrary predictions, there no differences two conditions. Cognition improved pre- posttest (γ=0.17; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=.02). Across days average, reported better higher levels same subsequent day. Daily associations among walking, mood, significant women but men stronger (those ≥62 years) younger participants. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Both increased extent, suggesting setting monitoring goals was sufficient initial maintenance steps. benefits positive levels, particularly Further investigations should identify other motivating factors lead greater sustained <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03124537; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03124537