title: The Use of Text Messaging to Promote Physical Activity in Working Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The study evaluated the effects of a text message intervention on physical activity in adult working women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-seven participants were randomized to an intervention (n = 41) or control group (n = 46). Pedometer step counts and measures of self-efficacy were collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Intervention participants received approximately 3 text messages per week that were motivational, informational, and specific to performing physical activity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ANCOVA results showed a significant difference between groups for mean steps per day at 12 weeks (6540.0 vs. 5685.0, P = .01) and no significant difference at 24 weeks (6867.7 vs. 6189.0, P = .06). There was no change in mean step counts during or after the intervention compared with baseline. There was a significant difference between groups for mean self-efficacy scores at 12 weeks (68.5 vs. 60.3, P = .02) and at 24 weeks (67.3 vs. 59.0, P = .03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intervention participants had higher step counts after 12 and 24 weeks compared with a control group; however, the difference was significant only at the midpoint of the intervention and was attributable to a decrease in steps for the control group. Text messaging did not increase step counts but may be a cost-effective tool for maintenance of physical activity behavior.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT.
authors.forename: Nancy M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Gell
authors.forename: Danielle D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Wadsworth
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D060145:Text Messaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014931:Women, Working / Q000523:psychology*
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