JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In clinical practice, it is difficult to convey the benefits of sustained, physically active behavior to adult patients with excess weight or obesity. For this purpose, a goal-setting, walking prescription may be an effective strategy.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the intervention of a pedometer app in setting a goal to reach 10.000 steps per day in adults.

Methods:

Overweight adults (n=98; mean BMI 32.53 ± 4.92 kg/m2) were randomized to one of two conditions (control and intervention). Both groups downloaded a pedometer app that recorded their daily steps counts and was given a daily walking goal of 10.000 steps. Subjects participated in a 24-week in-person behavioral weight control program and were asked to self-monitor their daily levels using the pedometer app. Baseline data were recorded and followed up weekly. Only the intervention group had a structured information delivery, a personalized physical activity prescription, and follow-up of several steps per day.

Results:

The results show that regardless of sex or age, prescribing walking increased the number of steps per day by 4806 on average (Bstd = -0.813, SE = 427.586, t = -11.242, p <0.001).

Conclusions:

These results could have implications for improving self-monitoring in overweight adults during periods of weight loss. Health professionals should analyze the implementation of tools that permit them to prescribe, follow up, and encourage the achievement of a goal of physical activity in overweight or obese patients. Clinical Trial: The study protocol complied with the Declaration of Helsinki for medical studies, it was approved by the bioethical committee of Córdoba University, in the Department of Health at the Regional Government of Andalusia (Act no.284, ref.4156) and retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03845478) on 19 February 2019.