Texting to Increase Physical Activity Among Teenagers (TXT Me!): Rationale, Design, and Methods Proposal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Physical activity decreases from childhood through adulthood. Among youth, teenagers (teens) achieve the lowest levels of physical activity, and high school age youth are particularly at risk of inactivity. Effective methods are needed to increase youth physical activity in a way that can be maintained through adulthood. Because teens text a great deal, text messages promoting walking, a low cost physical activity, may be an effective method for promoting sustainable physical activity.

Objective

The objective of our study was to determine the effect of pedometers, self selected step goals, and texts grounded in the self-determination theory (SDT) on physical activity among the teens.

Methods

"TXT Me!" was a 12 week intervention that texted 14-17 year olds t

SUBMITTER: Thompson D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3967196 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature