Text Messages and Physical Activity Among Teens

TXT Me: Texting Motivational Messages Encouraging Adolescent Physical Activity

The purpose of this study is to assess whether text messages can be used as a way to increase the amount of physical activity teens get each day.

This research will develop an innovative intervention that promotes physical activity to 14-17 year olds (roughly high school aged youth). It is guided by Self Determination Theory and seeks to enhance adolescents' feelings of physical activity autonomy, competence, and relatedness, key psychological needs related to motivation to be physically active. The physical activity to be promoted is walking, which has broad appeal and can be performed as part of usual-day activities. Since youth are heavy users of cell phones and texting, the intervention will send theoretically-grounded text messages designed to enhance physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 14-17 years old
• access to a computer with high speed internet access
• home email address
• cell phone that can send/receive text messages
• text message plan
• fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• mental or physical limitations that impair ability to fully participate in the program and/or complete baseline and post assessment data collection.