Evaluation of the "ActiveWaiting App": A Waitlist-Control Pilot Study

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2025 Apr 24:324:75-81. doi: 10.3233/SHTI250164.

Abstract

Background: The ActiveWaiting App was designed to support interspersed bouts of health-promoting physical activity (PA) during waiting periods and other idle time.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to pilot a study design to investigate the potential impact of the ActiveWaiting App on PA behavior and health-related quality of life.

Method: A randomized waitlist-control design with one-week intervention and control phases was applied. Self-reported PA was recorded twice daily. Quality of life was measured using the EuroQol questionnaire.

Results: Thirty-three adults (age 28-61 years) who held sedentary jobs were recruited and used the app on average (median) once (range 0-22 times) during the one-week intervention phase. Preliminary analyses indicate a trend towards increased PA during intervention compared to control phases, and small increases in quality of life during all phases.

Conclusion: The ActiveWaiting App shows potential as a low-threshold intervention to promote PA. Future studies need to address data completeness, specifically of PA measurements.

Keywords: Digital health; exercise; sedentary behavior.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion* / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Quality of Life
  • Waiting Lists*