WAVE Pilot Study: Feasibility of Using Emails and Short Message Service (SMS) with High School Soccer Players to Reinforce Compliance in an Obesity Prevention Intervention

Abstract

ObjectiveEvaluate the feasibility of using emails/SMS with high school (HS) soccer players for increasing compliance at group classes, completion of questionnaires, and 7‐day tracking of eating behavior and physical activity. 
 
MethodCustomized emails/SMS using Google Voice and WavePipe (a custom data collection system that sends emails) were sent to remind and encourage compliance in 52 youth (14‐19y) enrolled in the WAVE Pilot Study. Prior to each activity, coaches and youth received emails/SMS about enrollment session, class schedule (intervention group [IG] only), and baseline assessments. During a subsequent 7‐day tracking period, youth received a daily email/SMS with a unique link to the behavioral checklist (BC) online and a reminder to wear the Fitbit.ResultsOverall, the IG was more compliant in all aspects of data collection and attending group sessions. The enrollment and survey completion rate was 76% in the IG (n=25) vs. 51% in the control group (CG) (n=27) (p<0.05). On average, the IG wore Fitbits for 6.0 d vs. 4.9 d for the CG (p<0.05); 98% Fitbits were returned. The IG completed the online BC for 3.7 d vs. 1.4 d by the CG (p<0.05). Failure to receive daily emails significantly reduced the BC response rate; 44% of the CG reported not noticing 蠅1 daily email/SMS. Other reasons include wrong contacts. Youth generally preferred SMS over emails as reminders. 
ConclusionEmails, particularly SMS, during intervention increased active HS soccer players' compliance. 
 
 Sponsor: NIFA AFRI Award No. 2013‐67001‐20418