Effect of Conditional Feedback by a Pedometer-Based Algorithm on the Amount of Physical Activity
Jin-Oh Lee1, Sang-Jo Kang1, Brian G. Ragan2 and Minsoo Kang3, (1)Korea National Sport University, Seoul, South Korea, (2)University Of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, (3)Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN

Minimal contact pedometer-based intervention (MCP) is gaining in popularity because they are non-invasive and inexpensive. Traditionally, MCP is based on self-monitoring by the participants; however, this self-monitoring may be problematic because of inconsistencies among participants. A new type of MCP is based on conditional feedback, which provides the participant information about their performance (current steps/goal) at set times. This is done to increase awareness and allow participants to adjust activities to attain their step goals. Thus, the purpose of this project was to examine the effects a conditional feedback program has compared to traditional methods in sedentary women. A total of 159 sedentary women (Power = .80) were selected and divided into three groups through randomized block design after measuring their average number of steps over 7 days, including the weekend. Group I was provided with conditional feedback after checking the number of steps made every hour from 8 am to 9 pm. Group II received the same hourly checks but no feedback. Group III were asked to achieve the target using nothing but self-monitoring. Participants, for seven consecutive days, had their physical activity measured and were given a step goal of 12,500 steps per day. Contact with the participants was done through their cell phone and text messaging. A 3x2 repeated-measures ANOVA with between-subject factor, treatment (Groups I-III), and within-subject factor, time (pre- and post-test), was used to analyze the data. Follow-up simple effects and contrasts were used for significant findings with the Bonferroni correction. Alpha level was set at .05 a priori. The ANOVA results showed that there was a significant interaction effect (F2,156 = 18.442; p < .001) with a significant simple effect of treatment groups at the post-test (F2,156 = 12.108; p < .001). A follow-up post-hoc testing showed a significant difference between the conditional feedback group and the other groups (mean difference with Group II = 1453.6 and Group III = 1742.6). Post-test mean steps/day for the three groups were Group I = 9018.8 ± 2211.7, Group II = 7565.2 ± 1854.2, and Group III = 7276.2 ± 1767.3. The results clearly show the conditional feedback increased the steps sedentary women walk compared to traditional groups. These results potentially can be used to design more comprehensive pedometer-based physical activity interventions to increase the overall health status of these women. Future research should focus on examining to see if other groups have similar results.

Research Consortium Poster Social: Representative Research in HPERD

The Preliminary Program for 2007 AAHPERD National Convention and Exposition (March 13 -- 17, 2007)