Tailored daily activity: an adaptive physical activity smartphone intervention

Background:Nontailored and static goals may hinder behavior change. We investigated the feasibility and acceptability of an adaptive proof-of-concept smartphone-delivered intervention by using real-world movement data capture of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) to inform behavior change content delivery.

Materials and Methods:A single-group 8-week study with pre- and post-intervention assessments was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants aged 17–69 years who owned an Android smartphone were recruited and used the application (app). Usage data, self-reported acceptability and PA and SB were assessed. Daily repeated measurement of PA and SB outcomes were analyzed through random-effects mixed models.

Results:Participants (n = 69) were predominantly female (78%) with a mean age of 34.5 years (range 18–61). On average, participants opened the app on 11.4 days throughout the 8 weeks. Use decreased over time; 20% of participants opened the app every day. Feedback on behavior (73%), behavior substitution (71%), discrepancy between behavior and goal (58%) and goal setting (54%) were rated as the most useful behavior change techniques by participants. Time spent on light, moderate-to-vigorous intensity and total PA increased post-intervention, whereas time spent on SB decreased.

Conclusions:The adaptive proof-of-concept app was considered acceptable, with preliminary support for its positive effects on PA and SB.