Columbia Moves Physical Activity

This 3-month randomized controlled trial is designed to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of a novel, technology-oriented physical activity intervention characterized by existing social networks and a team competition. Participants will be recruited via emails, fliers, and word of mouth. They will be randomized to a technology-mediated physical activity treatment (TECH) or a treatment which receives an identical intervention as TECH plus a study designed team competition for physical activity promotion (TECH+COMP).

• TECH (Technology) (Behavioral): Participants will receive a theory-based physical activity program. They will enroll in the study as part of a self-selected group of 3-8 individuals. They will be provided with a personal step goal and Fitbit Alta HR for self-monitoring physical activity. They will also have access to a study website that will be accessible across conventional and mobile platforms. They will be asked to visit the website each week to receive behavior change information and guidance. Device: Fitbit Alta HR
• TECH+COMP (Technology + Competition) (Behavioral): Participants will receive the same intervention components as the TECH group, as well as a team competition. The competition will be based on the following two aspects: total daily steps accumulated relative to group size and total number of points retained for achieving weekly physical activity challenges. Device: Fitbit Alta HR

Primary outcomes

• Accelerometer-measured change from Baseline Daily Steps at 3 months and 12 months [0, 3, and 12 months]: Change in daily steps

Secondary outcomes

• Accelerometer-measured change from Baseline Minutes of Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity at 3 months and 12 months [0, 3, and 12 months]: Change in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
• Change from Baseline in Perceived Social Support for Exercise (Sallis Social Support and Exercise Survey) at 3 and 12 months [0, 3, and 12 months]: Change in perceived social support for exercise (scale total score range: 1 to 5, with 1 representing low perceived social support for exercise and 5 representing high perceived social support for exercise; responses to all items are averaged to yield a total final score)

Other outcomes

• Participant Satisfaction (Satisfaction Questionnaire) [4 months]: Participant satisfaction with treatment

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 65 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* Insufficiently active as determined by a one-week, accelerometer-based physical activity measurement
* Body mass index (BMI) between 25 kg/m2 and 55 kg/m2
* Between ages 18 and 65 years
* Access to computer with Internet connection
* Smartphone ownership (Android or iOS)
* Willing to be randomized to either one of the two study groups
* Part of a self-selected team of 3-8 eligible individuals
* Members of the same household cannot be part of separate groups
* Able to walk at least 1/4 mile without stopping

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently lactating, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the length of the study
* Diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
* Medical or physical contraindications or limitations for engaging in physical activity
* History of major medical or psychiatric conditions
* Currently participating in a physical activity program

• Results publication: Monroe CM, Cai B, Edney S, Jake-Schoffman DE, Brazendale K, Bucko A, Armstrong B, Yang CH, Turner-McGrievy G. Harnessing technology and gamification to increase adult physical activity: a cluster randomized controlled trial of the Columbia Moves pilot. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2023 Nov 3;20(1):129. doi: 10.1186/s12966-023-01530-1. PMID 37924083

• Courtney Monroe, PhD, Principal investigator, University of South Carolina