A Combined HAPA And Mhealth Sedentary Behaviour RCT In Adults With T2D: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: Engaging in high amounts of sedentary behaviour (SB) has been detrimentally associated with physical and mental health. Adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have high levels of SB and are more sedentary than those without. Interventions that aim to reduce and/or break SB in this population are needed. The primary aim of this pilot study was to develop an effective, feasible, and acceptable intervention to reduce SB in adults with T2D. METHODS: Participants (n = 10) were randomly assigned into either the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) intervention group or control group. The intervention group received a Zoom behavioural counselling session that consisted of education and creating personalized action and coping plans, bi-weekly updating of the plans on the SEMA3 mobile application, and tailored text messages. Both groups were asked to fill out questionnaires on the SEMA3 mobile application at week 0, 2, 4, 6 and 12 (6 week follow up). Qualitative data on participants’ overall experience engaging in the 6-week SB program was collected at week 6 in a post-positive paradigm using grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: The pilot study consisted of 10 participants (5 intervention and 5 control). Group (intervention and control) by time (week 0, 2, 4, and 6 [and 12]) interaction effects were large (np2 > 0.14), non-significant (p > 0.05), and favoured the intervention group for average daily total time spent in SBs, break frequency, and HAPA constructs. Interaction effects were large (np2 > 0.14), non-significant (p > 0.05), and favoured the control group for break duration and screen time. Interaction effects were small (np2 < 0.06), non-significant (p > 0.05), and favoured the intervention group for the quality-of-life outcomes. Qualitatively, participants in the intervention group felt that the SB program was effective in reducing and breaking up their SB and they would recommend the SB program to other adults with T2D. Further, there was good retention (90%), completion (93%), and adherence (100%) to all aspects of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The HAPA-based intervention appears to be feasible and acceptable for both the intervention recipients, research participants (adults with T2D), and researchers. However, completion of a powered RCT is needed to come to concrete conclusions about effectiveness.