title: Promoting physical activity through hand-held computer technology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Efforts to achieve population-wide increases in walking and similar moderate-intensity physical activities potentially can be enhanced through relevant applications of state-of-the-art interactive communication technologies. Yet few systematic efforts to evaluate the efficacy of hand-held computers and similar devices for enhancing physical activity levels have occurred. The purpose of this first-generation study was to evaluate the efficacy of a hand-held computer (i.e., personal digital assistant [PDA]) for increasing moderate intensity or more vigorous (MOD+) physical activity levels over 8 weeks in mid-life and older adults relative to a standard information control arm.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, controlled 8-week experiment. Data were collected in 2005 and analyzed in 2006-2007.
  
  
  METHODS
  Community-based study of 37 healthy, initially underactive adults aged 50 years and older who were randomized and completed the 8-week study (intervention=19, control=18).
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants received an instructional session and a PDA programmed to monitor their physical activity levels twice per day and provide daily and weekly individualized feedback, goal setting, and support. Controls received standard, age-appropriate written physical activity educational materials.
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical activity was assessed via the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire at baseline and 8 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Relative to controls, intervention participants reported significantly greater 8-week mean estimated caloric expenditure levels and minutes per week in MOD+ activity (p<0.04). Satisfaction with the PDA was reasonably high in this largely PDA-naive sample.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results from this first-generation study indicate that hand-held computers may be effective tools for increasing initial physical activity levels among underactive adults.
authors.affiliation: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5705, USA. king@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Abby C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: David K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Brian M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Audie A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Atienza
authors.forename: Cynthia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Gardner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface