JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Sedentary behavior is associated with a range of negative health outcomes. High levels of sedentary behavior are particularly common among Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) caregivers, who are already at risk of other adverse health effects, yet few interventions in recent literature target sedentary behavior and in this population. There is a clear need for trials intended to create a habit that reduces time spent in sedentary behavior. Effective interventions should also consider the unique needs and circumstances of the ADRD caregiver population, and employ high quality designs.

Objective:

The goal of the trial is to form a habit to engage in hourly walking 4 times in a day in a significant proportion of caregivers (≥50%) with the objective of reducing sedentary time.

Methods:

This 12-week decentralized, single-arm, NIH Stage II behavioral trial will test the efficacy of a personalized, multi-component behavior change technique (BCT) intervention to encourage forming a habit of hourly walking among caregivers of persons with ADRD via the key mechanism of behavior change (MoBC) of behavioral automaticity. Formation of a habit of hourly walking will be defined as walking an additional 250 steps or more per hour for the same 4 consecutive hours as set up in a personalized walking plan on 7 consecutive days. The trial uses digital enrollment strategies, text-message intervention delivery, passive data collection via Fitbit devices, and online survey assessments to collect data remotely.

Results:

Recruitment and data collection is expected to be finalized by June 2026.

Conclusions:

Results will significantly advance knowledge about the effectiveness of BCTs to form a habit of hourly walking and provide opportunities for public health impact to promote physical activity in caregivers of those living with ADRD. Clinical Trial: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06801912