Actively Recruiting
Testing Responses of Young Adults to Intervention Messages for Promoting Physical Activity Trial
Led by University of Michigan · Updated on 2025-09-16
360
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
191 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
N
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this clinical trial is to test a precision (person-specific and context-sensitive) messaging algorithm for increasing physical activity and slowing weight gain in insufficiently-active young adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does physical activity increase more when text messages are sent based on a precision rule for selecting and timing messages compared to when the same message content is selected and sent at random or not at all? * Do biological or social characteristics of young adults make them more likely to respond positively to the precision messaging intervention than either of the other two interventions? Participants will be provided with education about health-enhancing physical activity and given an activity tracker to wear for 12 months. They will then be randomly assigned to one of three groups. Participants in one group (Precision AIM) will receive up to 4 messages/day selected and timed based on a person-specific algorithm that forecasts possible message effects periodically throughout the day. Messages will be drawn from one of three content libraries: move more, sit less, or inspirational quotes. Participants in a second group (Random AIM) will receive 4 messages/day selected at random from the same three content libraries and delivered at random times within their availability window. Participants in the third group (No AIM) will receive not motivational messages but will randomly assigned to the Random AIM group will receive up to 4 messages/day drawn at random from three content libraries at randomly-selected times. Step counts and weight will be assessed at baseline, and at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months. Researchers will compare Precision AIM, Random AIM and No AIM groups to see if physical activity increased more and weight gain was slower in Precision AIM than Random AIM or No AIM after 3, 6, and 12 months of intervention, and 6 months after the intervention is complete (18 months).
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Testing Responses of Young Adults to Intervention Messages for Promoting Physical Activity Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Own an iPhone or Android smartphone and willing to download the Fitbit and AIM apps
- Willing to wear a Fitbit tracker almost continuously (23.5 hours/day) for 12 months
- No visual impairment that would interfere with receiving text messages
- Able to read, speak, understand English, and provide informed consent
- Willing to complete the full 18-month study protocol
You will not qualify if you...
- Already meet the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic activity
- Living outside the continental US
- Have contraindications to physical activity
- Require assistive devices or have conditions limiting moderate physical activity
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy within 12 months
- Prior diagnosis of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome
- Currently participating in another physical activity or weight loss study
- Planning surgery or relocation outside the continental US within the next year
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48109
Actively Recruiting
2
The Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania, United States, 16802
Completed
Research Team
A
Ann Mehringer
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
3
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