HabitWalk: A micro-randomized trial to understand and promote habit formation in physical activity.

ABSTRACT: Habit is a key psychological determinant for physical activity behavior change and maintenance. This study aims to deepen the understanding of habit formation in physical activity and identify promotion strategies. We examined the habit formation trajectory and its relationships with cue-behavior repetition (a cue-triggered 15-minute brisk walk) and unconditional physical activity (daily steps). We also tested whether the behavior change techniques (BCTs) 'commitment' and 'prompts and cues' promote habit, cue-behavior repetition, and daily steps within persons. This micro-randomized trial included a 7-day preparatory and a 105-day experimental phase delivered via the HabitWalk app. Participants (N = 24) had a 50% probability of receiving each BCT daily, leading to four conditions. Habit st

SUBMITTER: Baretta D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11635918 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature