MobileMums: a randomized controlled trial of an SMS-based physical activity intervention.
BACKGROUND
Postnatal women (<12 months postpartum) are at increased risk of physical inactivity.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a theory-based physical activity (PA) intervention delivered to postnatal women primarily via mobile telephone short message service (SMS).


METHODS
Eighty-eight women were randomized to the intervention (n = 45) or minimal contact control (n = 43) condition. The 12-week intervention consisted of a face-to-face PA goal-setting consultation, a goal-setting magnet, three to five personally tailored SMS/week and a nominated support person who received two SMS per week. SMS content targeted constructs of social cognitive theory. Frequency (days/week) and duration (min/week) of PA participation and walking for exercise were assessed via self-report at baseline, 6 and 13 weeks.


RESULTS
Intervention participants increased PA frequency by 1.82 days/week (SE +/- 0.18) by 13 weeks (F ((2,85)) = 4.46, p = 0.038) and walking for exercise frequency by 1.08 days/week (SE +/- 0.24) by 13 weeks (F ((2,85)) = 5.38, p = 0.02). Positive trends were observed for duration (min/week) of PA and walking for exercise.


CONCLUSIONS
Intervention exposure resulted in increased frequency of PA and walking for exercise in postnatal women.
Fjeldsoe
Brianna S
BS
School of Population/School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. b.fjeldsoe@sph.uq.edu.au
Miller
Yvette D
YD
Marshall
Alison L
AL
D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000523:psychology*; D011582:Psychological Theory; D016138:Walking; D016387:Women's Health