Remotely-Guided Feedback Enhances Exercise Training Adherence and Physical Performance in Firefighters
Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: This study examined the influence of guided, individualized text message-based feedback (GTF) versus unguided, generic text message-based feedback (UTF) on adherence to an exercise training protocol and select physical performance parameters in a cohort of firefighters. Over one month, firefighters at two separate fire departments (n=16) donned wearable physiological status monitors (PSMs) and engaged in unsupervised aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes three times weekly. Self-administered baseline measures included body mass (BM), body fat percentage (%BF), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) derived from a standard firefighter treadmill protocol. Data was remotely captured from the participants while exercising, securely transferred and processed using a digital health network (DHN). Firefighters were randomized into two groups: those that received GTF and those that received UTF. According to the discretion of the investigators, appropriate text message-based feedback was sent depending on participant group and individual exercise performance. Multiple metrics were monitored during training including heart rate, time in a target heart rate zone (%THRZ) and % adherence to training (%ADHR). The GTF group showed greater increases in exercise time, %THRZ, and %ADHR in conjunction with, decreased BM and BF%, and greater improvements in VO2max. All reported p-values were p<0.01. This study shows that GTF resulted in greater adherence to exercise training and improved fitness measures in firefighters over UTF.
Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2175071972