Pedometers and text messaging to increase physical activity: randomized controlled trial of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether pedometers and text messaging increase physical activity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.


METHODS
A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 78 subjects participated in the trial (mean +/- SD age 14.4 +/- 2.37 years, 36 [47%] male). Intervention participants wore an open pedometer and received regular motivational text messages. Control participants received usual care. Primary outcomes were daily step count (4-day closed pedometer) and physical activity questionnaire.


RESULTS
Baseline median step count was 11,063 steps/day (range 1,541-20,158). At 12 weeks, mean daily step count reduced by 840 (95% CI -1,947 to 266) in the control group and by 22 (-1,407 to 1,364) in the intervention group (P = 0.4). Mean self-reported moderate or vigorous physical activity increased by 38.5 min/week in the control group and by 48.4 in the intervention group (P = 0.9).


CONCLUSIONS
A 12-week intervention using pedometers and text messaging as motivational tools in adolescents with type 1 diabetes did not increase physical activity.
Newton
Kirsty H
KH
Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand. kirsty.newton@ccdhb.org.nz
Wiltshire
Esko J
EJ
Elley
C Raina
CR
D000293:Adolescent; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016138:Walking