Text Messaging to Increase Activity in Midlife

A Randomized Pilot Trial of a Multicomponent Interactive Text Message Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Midlife Adults

This is a randomized controlled pilot trial of a text message intervention to promote physical activity in midlife adults (MASTERY), compared to an attention-matched control condition. The MASTERY intervention utilizes two-way text message sessions once-weekly for 12 weeks focusing on performing activities to enhance well being, setting physical activity goals, and learning techniques to reduce midlife-specific stress.

This is a randomized controlled pilot trial of a multipronged intervention to promote physical activity in midlife adults (MASTERY), compared to an attention-matched control condition. In MASTERY, participants will have interactive, two-way text message 'sessions' (5-10 minutes of two-way text communication with an automated text-message program) once weekly for 12 weeks. The messages will focus on 3 distinct areas in the same order each week: (1) well-being-based skills and assigned activities, customized for midlife adults, (2) physical activity content focused on setting and reaching weekly activity goals, and (3) specific skills to manage midlife-related stressors that act as barriers to activity. The primary outcome is objectively measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Secondary outcomes include feasibility and acceptability and other activity-related, psychological, and functional outcomes at 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Midlife status (age 45-64 at enrollment).
2. Low baseline physical activity (≤150 minutes/week of MVPA]) as initially self-reported via the well-validated IPAQ and then confirmed via accelerometer after 7 days of wear.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Existing coronary artery disease (CAD; diagnosed via cardiac catheterization using standard coronary artery stenosis definitions or prior ACS).
2. An unrelated condition limiting physical activity (e.g., ambulation with a cane or walker, recent or planned surgery, or other condition such that ability to increase moderate to physical activity would be limited).
3. Participation in any other programs focused on cardiac prevention or well-being (e.g., cardiac rehabilitation).
4. A cognitive disturbance precluding participation or informed consent, assessed using a six-item screen7 designed to assess suitability for research participation.
5. Inability to speak/write fluently in English.
6. No access to a text message-capable phone.