Promoting physical activity through hand-held computer technology.
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.
King
Abby C
AC
Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5705, USA. king@stanford.edu
Ahn
David K
DK
Oliveira
Brian M
BM
Atienza
Audie A
AA
Castro
Cynthia M
CM
Gardner
Christopher D
CD
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