Evaluation of the Active mHealth Intervention
Martin et al. (2015) conducted a randomized clinical trial to examine whether a fully automated mHealth intervention—combining digital activity tracking with personalized smart text messages—could increase physical activity in adults. The central research question explored whether these components would result in a significant increase in daily step counts among relatively inactive individuals. The study found that activity tracking alone did not significantly increase steps, but adding smart texts led to a notable rise of 2,534 steps per day over those who did not receive texts.
The intervention was informed by behavior change theories, particularly feedback loops and habit formation. Smart texts were designed using personal and clinical data to reinforce goals, provide timely encouragement, and simulate the clinician-patient relationship—an approach aligned with social cognitive theory (Martin et al., 2015). This integration of theory with real-time data made the intervention dynamic and personalized.
The most compelling aspect of the study was the clear impact of the text messages. While many assume that wearable devices are sufficient to change behavior, the study showed that engagement through tailored messaging is critical. Nearly 81% of those receiving texts met the 10,000 steps/day goal, compared to 44% in other groups (Martin et al., 2015). This supports the idea that passive tracking is less effective than interactive, motivational support rooted in behavioral theory.
Despite the positive outcomes, several questions remain. The trial lasted only five weeks, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the sample was comparatively more involved in technology use and activity, which somewhat reduces the generalization of the study. The study also stated the response rates are higher in women and CHD patients; thus, future interventions should be modified for better results.
This study is highly relevant today as digital health continues to expand. It underlines the need for integrating technology with behavioral activation as a way of supporting sustainable health behavior change. With mHealth on the cusp of being merged into clinical practices, models such as mActive create sustainable, cheap intervention solutions.
References
Martin, S. S., Feldman, D. I., Blumenthal, R. S., Jones, S. R., Post, W. S., McKibben, R. A., Michos, E. D., Ndumele, C. E., Ratchford, E. V., Coresh, J., & Blaha, M. J. (2015). mActive: A randomized clinical trial of an automated mHealth Intervention for physical activity promotion. Journal of the American Heart Association, 4(11). https://doi.org/10.1161/jaha.115.002239
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Question 
Evaluation of the Active mHealth Intervention
After reading the Martin et al. (2015) article. Provide a response to the following prompt. Be sure to provide support for your response (provide references).
Evaluation of the Active mHealth Intervention
Discussion Questions:
What is the main point of the paper? What question(s) do the authors try to answer?
How did the authors utilize the theory?
What did you find most interesting about the paper?
What questions do you have about the papers?
What parallels do draw from the readings to today’s issues?