Engineering Online and In-Person Social Networks for Physical Activity: A Randomized Trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate how different social network-based interventions (weekly tips, online fitness walking, and online networking) influenced moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in inactive adults.
Results Summary
Participants increased MVPA by 21.0 min/week at 3 months, sustained at 9 months, with no significant differences between intervention groups. The study concluded that varying social network procedures had similar functional effects on physical activity.
Population
Physically inactive adults (n=308, mean age 50.3 years, 38.3% male, 83.4% overweight/obese).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (interventions included weekly emailed tips, online fitness walking, and online networking prompts).
Duration
9 months (assessed at 3 and 9 months).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
weekly emailed tips emphasizing social network interactions for walking | neutral | objectively measured outcomes | Physically inactive adults | - | evaluated the effects of | #1 |
evidence-based online fitness walking intervention added to weekly tips | neutral | objectively measured outcomes | Physically inactive adults | - | evaluated the incremental effect of | #2 |
providing access to an online networking site for walking as well as prompting walking/activity across diverse settings | neutral | objectively measured outcomes | Physically inactive adults | - | evaluated the additional incremental effect of | #3 |
Social Networks for Activity Promotion model procedures | increase | accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) | Physically inactive adults | 21.0 min/week | increased | #4 |
Social Networks for Activity Promotion model procedures | no change | accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) | Physically inactive adults | - | sustained | #5 |
Social Networks for Activity Promotion model procedures | no change | functional effect on physical activity | Physically inactive adults | - | was similar | #6 |
BACKGROUND: Social networks can influence physical activity, but little is known about how best to engineer online and in-person social networks to increase activity. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized trial based on the Social Networks for Activity Promotion model to assess the incremental contributions of different procedures for building social networks on objectively measured outcomes. METHODS: Physically inactive adults (n = 308, age, 50.3 (SD = 8.3) years, 38.3 % male, 83.4 % overweight/obese) were randomized to one of three groups. The Promotion group evaluated the effects of weekly emailed tips emphasizing social network interactions for walking (e.g., encouragement, informational support); the Activity group evaluated the incremental effect of adding an evidence-based online fitness walking intervention to the weekly tips; and the Social Networks group evaluated the additional incremental effect of providing access to an online networking site for walking as well as prompting walking/activity across diverse settings. The primary outcome was mean change in accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), assessed at 3 and 9 months from baseline. RESULTS: Participants increased their MVPA by 21.0 min/week, 95 % CI [5.9, 36.1], p = .005, at 3 months, and this change was sustained at 9 months, with no between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: Although the structure of procedures for targeting social networks varied across intervention groups, the functional effect of these procedures on physical activity was similar. Future research should evaluate if more powerful reinforcers improve the effects of social network interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The trial was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01142804).