Strategies to Promote Physical Activity

Strategies to Promote Physical Activity

Getting regular physical activity has many health benefits. Current physical activity programs often encourage people to track their physical activity as a way to motivate them to continue being physically active over time. However, not everyone enjoys physical activity, so tracking physical activity may not be very motivating. This research study will evaluate whether a new program-specifically designed to enhance people's enjoyment of physical activity-improves people's attitudes toward physical activity compared to a program that encourages people to track their physical activity with a mobile app.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 25 ≤ BMI ≤ 39 kg/m2
2. Systolic blood pressure 120-139 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 80-89 mmHg
3. Not currently taking medications for blood pressure

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Not free of diagnosed heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
2. Medical contraindications to regular, unsupervised physical activity
3. Not stable on all medications over the past 3 months
4. Not free of binge eating disorder or bulimic compensatory symptoms
5. No regular access to a mobile phone and Internet
6. Not able to speak and understand English
7. Currently pregnant or planning to be within the next year
8. Planning to move in the next year
9. Not willing to be randomized