Physical Activity Intervention to Promote Walking Among Female University Students

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Physical Activity
• Interventions: Behavioral: Intervention; Other: Control

• Registration Number: NCT03143309
• Lead Sponsor: Qassim University

Brief Summary

This study is a parallel group randomized controlled trial among female university students designed to test the effect of a physical activity intervention on daily walking. Both groups will receive messages 2-3 times per week via WhatsApp. Intervention group will receive orientation and wear a pedometer for the study period. The follow-up duration is 3 months.

Detailed Description

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. The majority of Saudi females do not meet a recommended level of physical activity.

Study Objective: To test the effect of a physical activity intervention on daily walking.

Study Design: Parallel group randomized controlled design among female university students.

Methods: Students will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control arm. WhatsApp groups (2 per arm) will be formed within each study arm for communications. The intervention participants will receive a brief (15-minute) orientation on diet, exercise, and benefits of keeping a healthy weight; each will be instructed to wear a pedometer every day for 12-weeks with a daily step goal of 8,000. They will receive 2-3 health-promotional (walking and diet) messages per week via WhatsApp; group interaction is optional. The control group participants will receive 2-3 non-health related messages per week. Average daily steps will be assessed in all participants at baseline and 3-month follow-up using a 7-day pedometer measurement.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2017-03-15
• Study First Submitted: 2017-05-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2017-05-03
• Study First Posted: 2017-05-08
• Primary Completion: 2017-12-28
• Study Completion: 2017-12-28
• Status Verified: 2018-10
• Last Update Submitted: 2018-10-29
• Last Update Posted: 2018-10-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 207

Inclusion Criteria

• female
• student enrolled at Qassim University during 2016-2017 academic year
• owns smartphone with internet access
• willing to complete all study requirements

Exclusion Criteria

• Physical disability that precludes physical activity
• Morbidly obese (Body Mass Index >45 kg/m2)
• Physician recommendation not to exercise

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Walking + WhatsApp	Intervention	The participants assigned to the intervention group will be given a brief (15-minute) orientation where they learn about the importance of exercise, diet, and the benefits of weight reduction. They will be given further instruction on the regular use of the pedometer. They will be enrolled into a WhatsApp group. They will receive 2-3 health-promotional (walking and diet) messages per week via WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Only	Control	The control participants will be enrolled into a WhatsApp group. They will receive 2-3 non-health related messages per week via WhatsApp.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Walking	Baseline to 3-month follow-up	Change in 7-day average steps. Measurement tool = Omron pedometer HJ-320

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Barriers to weight management	Baseline to 3-month follow-up	Change in number of barriers between baseline and follow-up. Measurement tool = Validated questionnaire.
Body Mass Index	Baseline to 3-month follow-up	Change in BMI score between baseline and follow-up. Objective measurement of height and weight.
Self-reported walking	Baseline to 3-month follow-up	Change between baseline and follow-up for walking minutes per week. Measurement tool = International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Qassim University; 🇸🇦 Buraidah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia