A Mobile Health Intervention to Increase Physical Activity in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background: Supervised exercise training improves outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The effect of an unsupervised activity intervention has not been tested.

Research question: Can a text-based mobile health intervention increase step counts in patients with PAH?

Study design and methods: We performed a randomized, parallel arm, single-blind clinical trial. We randomized patients to usual care or a text message-based intervention for 12 weeks. The intervention arm received three automated text messages per day with real-time step count updates and encouraging messages rooted in behavioral change theory. Individual step targets increased by 20% every 4 weeks. The primary end point was mean week 12 step counts. Secondary end points included the 6-min walk test, quality of life, right ventricular function, and body composition.

Results: Among 42 randomized participants, the change in raw steps between baseline and week 12 was higher in the intervention group (1,409 steps [interquartile range, -32 to 2,220] vs -149 steps [interquartile range, -1,010 to 735]; P = .02), which persisted after adjustment for age, sex, baseline step counts, and functional class (model estimated difference, 1,250 steps; P = .03). The intervention arm took a higher average number of steps on all days between days 9 and 84 (P < .05, all days). There was no difference in week 12 six-minute walk distance. Analysis of secondary end points suggested improvements in the emPHasis-10 score (adjusted change, -4.2; P = .046), a reduction in visceral fat volume (adjusted change, -170 mL; P = .023), and nearly significant improvement in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (model estimated difference, 1.2 mm; P = .051).

Interpretation: This study demonstrated the feasibility of an automated text message-based intervention to increase physical activity in patients with PAH. Additional studies are warranted to examine the effect of the intervention on clinical outcomes.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; No. NCT03069716; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.