Evaluating Causal and Noncausal Text Messages to Promote Physical Activity in Adults: Randomized Pilot Study

Causal information that links suggested PA to health outcomes can increase the effectiveness of SMS text messages promoting PA, indicating the value of incorporating causal information into intervention design. Our results provide further basis for just-in-time interventions, as activity was higher on message days. Further work is needed to better personalize message content and timing to maintain participant engagement.