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NCT Number: NCT03143309

Physical Activity Intervention to Promote Walking Among Female University Students

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Physical Activity Behavior Motor Activity

Age range

18 year–28 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Qassim University

Buraidah, Al-Qassim, 51452, Saudi Arabia

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Intervention

Behavioral

Brief introductory session, pedometer instruction, daily pedometer use, and health messages delivered via WhatsApp 2-3 times per week.

Other names: Walking group

Control

Other

Non-health related messages delivered via WhatsApp 2-3 times per week.

Other names: Attention Control

Primary outcomes

  1. Walking

    Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up

    Change in 7-day average steps. Measurement tool = Omron pedometer HJ-320

Secondary outcomes

  1. Self-reported walking

    Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up

    Change between baseline and follow-up for walking minutes per week. Measurement tool = International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)

  2. Body Mass Index

    Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up

    Change in BMI score between baseline and follow-up. Objective measurement of height and weight.

  3. Barriers to weight management

    Time frame: Baseline to 3-month follow-up

    Change in number of barriers between baseline and follow-up. Measurement tool = Validated questionnaire.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Qassim University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

WhatsApp Physical Activity Intervention to Promote Walking Among Female University Students in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
May 8, 2017
Registry last updated
Oct 30, 2018

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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