ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate whether additional reminders could enhance adherence to a 12-week program consisting of regular physical activity. METHODS: The study collective consisted of pensioners insured with the Austrian Insurance Fund for Civil or Public Servants. They were made aware of our program through the public service union. The subjects were randomized to an intervention group (group A) that received reminders and to a control group (group B) that did not receive such notifications. Adherence to physical activity was assessed by the use of diaries. RESULTS: Group A performed 96â¯min more moderate intensity regular physical activity per week than group B (group A median 269â¯min, râ¯= 0-1560â¯min; group B median 173â¯min, râ¯= 0-2700â¯min). The Mann-Whitney U-test showed no significant differences (pâ¯= 0.080) between the study groups. There was no difference in muscle strengthening activity (group A: median: 2, râ¯= 0-13 sessions; group B: median: 2, râ¯= 0-20 sessions). CONCLUSION: The major positive observation was that both the experimental and control group participants exceeded the recommended level of physical activity. Nevertheless, there were some differences concerning the minutes of physical activity performed in favor of the intervention group.