Pasos Hacia La Salud II: A Superiority RCT Utilizing Technology to Promote Physical Activity in Latinas

Abstract

Introduction: Latinas face an increased risk for chronic diseases associated with insufficient physical activity (PA). The researchers previously showed that a website-based intervention could increase PA among insufficiently active Latinas, yet rates of meeting national PA guidelines were low. The original intervention was enhanced by adding additional features, content, and points of contact, including via text messaging. This study tests the efficacy of the enhanced intervention compared with the original, aimed at maximizing and sustaining PA gains across 24 months. It also examines if increases in PA differed by baseline PA.

Study design: The researchers conducted a superiority randomized controlled trial (data collected 2018-2022, analyzed 2023).

Setting/participants: Participants were 195 Spanish-speaking Latinas ages 18-65 in the Providence, RI area.

Intervention: The original intervention is an empirically supported Spanish-language, individually-tailored, website-delivered PA intervention. The enhanced intervention includes text messaging and additional data-driven content and interactive features.

Main outcome measures: Total weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured via accelerometry and self-report at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results: Participants in both groups increased their MVPA over 24 months. There were no significant between-group differences at 6 or 12 months; at 18 months the enhanced intervention group had higher levels of self-reported (mean (sd): 90.35 (43.55) vs 70.18 [9.99]) and accelerometer-measured (66.21 [18.26] vs 60.27 [16.00]) MVPA compared to the original intervention group. They also had higher levels of self-reported (111.17 [23.35] vs 81.44 [1.82]) and accelerometer-measured (63.76 [15.12] vs 54.86 [14.59]) MVPA at 24 months. Baseline PA moderated the intervention effect.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential to enhance the efficacy of website-based PA interventions by utilizing text messaging, and adding more interactive features, content, and phone support. These enhancements may be particularly beneficial in supporting long-term PA maintenance.

Trial registration: This study is registered at www.

Clinicaltrial: gov (NCT03491592).