Objective: To assess whether pedometers and text messaging increase physical activity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Research design and methods: A 12-week randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 78 subjects participated in the trial (mean +/- SD age 14.4 +/- 2.37 years, 36 [47%] male). Intervention participants wore an open pedometer and received regular motivational text messages. Control participants received usual care. Primary outcomes were daily step count (4-day closed pedometer) and physical activity questionnaire.
Results: Baseline median step count was 11,063 steps/day (range 1,541-20,158). At 12 weeks, mean daily step count reduced by 840 (95% CI -1,947 to 266) in the control group and by 22 (-1,407 to 1,364) in the intervention group (P = 0.4). Mean self-reported moderate or vigorous physical activity increased by 38.5 min/week in the control group and by 48.4 in the intervention group (P = 0.9).
Conclusions: A 12-week intervention using pedometers and text messaging as motivational tools in adolescents with type 1 diabetes did not increase physical activity.