Evaluation of a Workplace Smoking Cessation Program in Hong Kong: a Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of Mobile Supported Simple Physical Exercise for Smoking Cessation

Regular messages supporting participants in practicing simple physical exercises and assist in managing cravings will be sent to participants via IM apps and scheduled in a tapering manner for 3 months (twice per week in the first month to once per week in the third month). Images and videos explaining and demonstrating the simple physical exercises will be sent to the participants via IM apps, which serves as a reminder and supporting materials for participants. The benefits of exercise in SC will be explained. The investigators will also encourage the practice of moderate/ vigorous exercises to further improve the physical activity and well-being of the participants. Various delivery formats of messages will be considered to attract participants' interest such as text, emojis, voice, image, animation, and video. The simple exercises consist of a) Zero-time exercises (ZTEx), b) handgrip exercises and c) resistance exercises.

The control group will receive 6 regular messages via IM at twice per month within 3 months. These messages cover simple cessation advice and reminders for telephone follow-ups.