BackgroundThe majority of young people do not meet the recommendations on physical activity for health. New innovative ways to motivate young people to adopt a physically active lifestyle are needed.ObjectiveThe study aimed to study the feasibility of an automated, gamified, tailored Web-based mobile service aimed at physical and social activation among young men.MethodsA population-based sample of 496 young men (mean age 17.8 years [standard deviation 0.6]) participated in a 6-month randomized controlled trial (MOPO study). Participants were randomized to an intervention (n=250) and a control group (n=246). The intervention group was given a wrist-worn physical activity monitor (Polar Active) with physical activity feedback and access to a gamified Web-based mobile service, providing fitness guidelines, tailored health information, advice of youth services, social networking, and feedback on physical activity. Through the trial, the physical activity of the men in the control group was measured continuously with an otherwise similar monitor but providing only the time of day and no feedback. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the service based on log data and questionnaires. Among completers, we also analyzed the change in anthropometry and fitness between baseline and 6 months and the change over time in weekly time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity.ResultsMobile service users considered the various functionalities related to physical activity important. However, compliance of the service was limited, with 161 (64.4%, 161/250) participants visiting the service, 118 (47.2%, 118/250) logging in more than once, and 41 (16.4%, 41/250) more than 5 times. Baseline sedentary time was higher in those who uploaded physical activity data until the end of the trial (P=.02). A total of 187 (74.8%, 187/250) participants in the intervention and 167 (67.9%, 167/246) in the control group participated in the final measurements. There were no differences in the change in anthropometry and fitness from baseline between the groups, whereas waist circumference was reduced in the most inactive men within the intervention group (P=.01). Among completers with valid physical activity data (n=167), there was a borderline difference in the change in mean daily time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity between the groups (11.9 min vs −9.1 min, P=.055, linear mixed model). Within the intervention group (n=87), baseline vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with change in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the trial (R=−.382, P=.01).ConclusionsThe various functionalities related to physical activity of the gamified tailored mobile service were considered important. However, the compliance was limited. Within the current setup, the mobile service had no effect on anthropometry or fitness, except reduced waist circumference in the most inactive men. Among completers with valid physical activity data, the trial had a borderline positive effect on moderate to vigorous physical activity. ...

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Background: Online behavior-change programs may increase physical activity in adolescents, but their effects on subjective health and wellbeing are not well known.Purpose: We investigated the effects of a mobile intervention on life satisfaction and self-rated health among young men.Methods: In this population-based study, 496 men (17.8y, SD 0.6y) participated in a 6-month trial. They were randomized into an intervention (n=250) and a control group (n=246). Only the intervention group had access to a tailored mobile service. Life satisfaction and self-rated health were inquired about at baseline and at the end of the trial.Results: Life satisfaction improved in the intervention (p<0.001) and control group (p=0.01). Life satisfaction was most likely to improve among men with low baseline satisfaction (OR 13.8; 95% CI 3.7 -51.8) and mood-related exercise motive (2.5 (1.1 -5.6)). There were no statistically significant changes in self-rated health, but those who reported poor health at baseline (OR 9.6; 95% CI 3.7 -24.9) and improved self-rated fitness during the trial (4.2 (1.5 -11.9)) were more likely to gain improvements in self-rated health.Conclusion: The mobile intervention was most beneficial for men with low life satisfaction and poor self-rated health at baseline. Effect of tailored, mobile intervention on life satisfaction and self-rated health in young men:A population-based, randomized controlled trial (MOPO study) AbstractBackground: Online behavior-change programs may increase physical activity in adolescents, but their effects on subjective health and wellbeing are not well known.Purpose: We investigated the effects of a mobile intervention on life satisfaction and selfrated health among young men.Methods: In this population-based study, 496 men (17.8y, SD 0.6y) participated in a 6month trial. They were randomized into an intervention (n=250) and a control group (n=246). Only the intervention group had access to a tailored mobile service. Life satisfaction and self-rated health were inquired about at baseline and at the end of the trial.Results: Life satisfaction improved in the intervention (p<0.001) and control group (p=0.01). Life satisfaction was most likely to improve among men with low baseline satisfaction (OR 13.8; 95% CI 3.7 -51.8) and mood-related exercise motive (2.5 (1.1 -5.6)). There were no statistically significant changes in self-rated health, but those who reported poor health at baseline (OR 9.6; 95% CI 3.7 -24.9) and improved self-rated fitness during the trial (4.2 (1.5 -11.9)) were more likely to gain improvements in self-rated health.Conclusion: The mobile intervention was most beneficial for men with low life satisfaction and poor self-rated health at baseline.Trial registration: This randomized controlled trial is registered to the clinical trials register NCT01376986.