Interim results of Project Workout on Wheels internet intervention

OBJECTIVE: To present interim results of an ongoing RCT that examines the effectiveness of virtual online platform to promote exercise adoption over 4 months and maintenance over 2 additional months among people living with SCI. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial PARTICIPANTS/METHODS: Study participants are given access to a website that contains weekly modules that teach behavioral skills to promote behavior change and provide exercise resources and are also invited to participate in weekly, group-based virtual meetings. Participants received Polar activity trackers with a heart rate monitor and were encouraged to sync their watch to track their progress. RESULTS: Interim results after randomizing 49 people, 20 of whom have completed the 16-week experimental program reveal that 80% set formal exercise goals and 65% update their goals two months later. Participants initial exercise goals included plans to engage in an average of 4.5 days a week of aerobic activity for an average of 144.7 minutes each week. Participant updated goals at week 11 reveal that participants increased their planned aerobic exercise time an average of 26.8 minutes per week for an average of 174.7 total weekly minutes. Their goals show that most planned to work out at home (68.8%) and half also planned on going to the gym (50%). Seventy-five percent of the sample completed the online activity that had them anticipate potential barriers and develop plans to get back on track. Common barriers included work, health events, lack of sleep and energy. Sixty-five percent synced their Polar data and the data indicated participants engaged in an average of 42 minutes per week at an average heart rate of 125 beats per minute. Study retention to date over 16 weeks is 79%. CONCLUSION: This study is heavily reliant on technology and despite all participants having their own internet connected computer, tablet, or smartphone, technology use has created numerous challenges for participants and intervention delivery that require being addressed in real time.