Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing secondary cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes.
Utilizing wearable technology such as smartwatches, healthcare researchers are exploring the effectiveness of promoting physical activity through personalized text messages.
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, personalized text messages successfully encouraged heart patients to increase their physical activity levels following significant events like heart attacks or surgeries. However, the impact of these messages decreased over time.
The results of this research, published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, are part of the VALENTINE Study (Virtual AppLication-supported Environment To Increase Exercise Study).
During a six-month randomized clinical trial involving over 200 cardiac rehabilitation patients, the effects of mobile health interventions promoting exercise were evaluated. The text messages were tailored to individual contexts such as weather conditions and time of day.
Within the first 30 days, users of Apple Watch and Fitbit saw a 10% and 17% increase in step count, respectively, after receiving the intervention.
Lead author, Dr. Jessica R. Golbus, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine-Cardiology at the University of Michigan Medical School, emphasized the potential of simple and cost-effective mobile interventions in preventing secondary cardiovascular events.
Cardiac rehabilitation programs combine physical activity and lifestyle changes to enhance the health of individuals post-cardiovascular events, yet these programs are often underutilized.
Although the effects of personalized messaging tapered off after the first month for both Apple Watch and Fitbit users, researchers view this as a natural progression. They are optimistic about further refining the mobile health intervention by customizing it to better suit individual needs over time.
Senior author, Dr. Brahmajee Nallamothu, Professor of Internal Medicine-Cardiology at U-M Medical School, acknowledged the study’s insights on optimizing the use of digital health tools like smartwatches for future applications.
Despite the initial decline in effectiveness after the first month, this study provides valuable information on tailoring interventions to cater to individual preferences, marking an exciting advancement in mobile health technology.
