Middle AgedNCT06172933
A Text- and Audio-based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Midlife
A study testing Move with Meaning in people with Middle Aged, run by Massachusetts General Hospital at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This is a randomized, controlled pilot trial (N=30) to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Move with Meaning program, an 8- week, text message- and audio-based intervention to promote physical activity in midlife adults. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 to 64 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Middle Aged
- What is being tested?
- Move with Meaning
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 23 Sep 2024to 1 Oct 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 45 to 64 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Midlife adults (aged 45-64 years at the time of enrollment)
- Suboptimal physical activity (<150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, measured by accelerometer)
- Access to a phone capable of receiving text messages and listening to audio files (i.e., a smartphone)
Who cannot join
- An unrelated condition limiting physical activity
- Participation in any other programs focused on cardiac prevention or well-being
- A cognitive disturbance precluding participation or informed consent
- Current pregnancy
- Inability to speak/write fluently in English
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114
About this study
This is a randomized, controlled pilot trial (N=30) to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Move with Meaning program, an 8- week, text message- and audio-based intervention to promote physical activity in midlife adults.
Read the detailed description
This is a randomized, controlled pilot trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Move with Meaning program, an 8- week, text message- and audio-based intervention to promote physical activity in midlife adults. In Move with Meaning, participants will listen to weekly audio sessions and complete twice weekly text message sessions, in which they will set a weekly physical activity goal. The primary outcome is feasibility (measured by number of successful text message sessions sent). Secondary outcomes include acceptability and preliminary impact on physical activity, psychological health-, and physical health-related outcomes.
- Conditions
- Middle Aged
- Being tested
- Move with Meaning
- Keywords
- Text message, Podcast, Well-being, Physical activity
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Move with MeaningBehavioural
Participants will engage in twice weekly text message sessions, will listen to a weekly audio session, and will work towards a physical activity goal each week, for a total of eight weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Move with Meaning | Experimental | In Move with Meaning, participants will engage in twice weekly, interactive text message sessions, which are accompanied by audio content to promote engagement in the program. In the first session of each week, participants will review their physical activity goal and positive psychology topic from last week, then learn about a new positive psychology and physical activity topic and ultimately set a new physical activity goal for the week. In the second session, participants will either be reminded of the content of the audio file and the goal they set earlier that week. The program will run for eight weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Move with Meaning |
| Wait-list control | No intervention | Participants in the wait-list control condition will engage in usual medical care for eight weeks, then will complete the Move with Meaning program. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Proportion of text message sessions successfully delivered
The automated platform will record rates of successful text message delivery.
Measured: Weekly over 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (14)
Proportion of audio sessions completed by participants
We will record the number of sessions in which participants engaged (e.g., responded to a text message), out of a total of 8 sessions.
Measured: Weekly over 8 weeks
Session utility
Participants will rate the utility of each session, measured on a 10-point Likert scale. Higher scores indicate greater utility.
Measured: Weekly over 8 weeks
Change in overall physical activity (in steps/day)
Physical activity (steps) will be measured via an Actigraph accelerometer. We will use established accelerometer protocols to measure the mean number of steps taken per day at each time point.
Measured: Measured for 7 days at baseline (both groups), 8-weeks (both groups), and 16 weeks (wait-list control group only)
Change in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA; in mean minutes/day)
MVPA (reported in mean minutes of MVPA/day) will be measured via an Actigraph accelerometer and recorded in mean minutes/day.
Measured: Measured for 7 days at baseline (both groups), 8-weeks (both groups), and 16 weeks (wait-list control group only)
Change in sedentary time (in mean minutes/day)
Sedentary time (mean minutes/day) will be measured via Actigraph accelerometer.
Measured: Measured for 7 days at baseline (both groups), 8-weeks (both groups), and 16 weeks (wait-list control group only)
Change in self-reported physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]; in metabolic equivalent-minutes/week)
This will be measured via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) as a secondary measure of physical activity.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in positive affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [PANAS] positive affect items)
Positive affect (our main psychological outcome given its links to health outcomes and sensitivity to change) will be assessed via the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) positive affect items. PANAS scores range from 10-50, with higher scores indicating higher levels of positive affect.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in optimism (Life Orientation Test - Revised [LOT-R])
Optimism will be measured using the Life Orientation Test - Revised (LOT-R), a frequently used 6-item instrument that assesses dispositional optimism. LOT-R scores range from 0-24, with higher scores indicating higher levels of optimism.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in depressive symptoms (depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]).
Depressive symptoms will be measured using the 7-item depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The depression subscale of the HADS ranges from 0-21, with higher scores indicating higher levels of depression.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in anxiety (anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS])
Anxiety will be measured using the 7-item anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The anxiety subscale of the HADS ranges from 0-21, with higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in exercise self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Exercise scale [SEE])
Exercise self-efficacy will be measured via the Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE) scale. SEE scores range from 0-90, with higher scores indicating higher levels of self-efficacy for exercise.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support)
Perceived social support will be measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). MSPSS scores range from 1-7, with higher scores indicating higher levels of perceived social support.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in internal health locus of control (Multidimensional Health Locus of Control [MHLC] scale)
Internal locus/sense of control will be measured using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale. The internal locus of control score from the MHLC ranges from 6-36, with higher scores indicating greater internal locus of control.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in positive affect during activity (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale)
Positive affect during activity will be measured using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale scores range from 18-126, with higher scores indicating higher levels of enjoyment during activity.
Measured: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Dec 2023
- Study start23 Sep 2024
- Primary completion28 Aug 2026
- Study completion1 Oct 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Middle AgedStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Massachusetts General HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Randomized, wait-list controlled, blinded intervention trial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Christopher Celano, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Investigators
- Christopher M Celano, MD, Principal investigator, Massachusetts General Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06172933
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2023P003312
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Dec 2023
- Last updated
- 8 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Text- and Audio-based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Midlife
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06172933
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2023P003312
- Conditions
- Middle Aged
- Keywords
- Text message, Podcast, Well-being, Physical activity
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Massachusetts General HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Sep 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Oct 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This is a randomized, controlled pilot trial (N=30) to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Move with Meaning program, an 8- week, text message- and audio-based intervention to promote physical activity in midlife adults.
Detailed description
This is a randomized, controlled pilot trial to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Move with Meaning program, an 8- week, text message- and audio-based intervention to promote physical activity in midlife adults. In Move with Meaning, participants will listen to weekly audio sessions and complete twice weekly text message sessions, in which they will set a weekly physical activity goal. The primary outcome is feasibility (measured by number of successful text message sessions sent). Secondary outcomes include acceptability and preliminary impact on physical activity, psychological health-, and physical health-related outcomes.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Randomized, wait-list controlled, blinded intervention trial
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Move with Meaning | Experimental | Behavioral: Move with MeaningIn Move with Meaning, participants will engage in twice weekly, interactive text message sessions, which are accompanied by audio content to promote engagement in the program. In the first session of each week, participants will review their physical activity goal and positive psychology topic from last week, then learn about a new positive psychology and physical activity topic and ultimately set a new physical activity goal for the week. In the second session, participants will either be reminded of the content of the audio file and the goal they set earlier that week. The program will run for eight weeks. |
| Wait-list control | No intervention | –Participants in the wait-list control condition will engage in usual medical care for eight weeks, then will complete the Move with Meaning program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 to 64 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Midlife adults (aged 45-64 years at the time of enrollment)
- Suboptimal physical activity (<150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, measured by accelerometer)
- Access to a phone capable of receiving text messages and listening to audio files (i.e., a smartphone)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- An unrelated condition limiting physical activity
- Participation in any other programs focused on cardiac prevention or well-being
- A cognitive disturbance precluding participation or informed consent
- Current pregnancy
- Inability to speak/write fluently in English
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Move with MeaningParticipants will engage in twice weekly text message sessions, will listen to a weekly audio session, and will work towards a physical activity goal each week, for a total of eight weeks. | Behavioural | Move with Meaning |
Primary outcome
Proportion of text message sessions successfully delivered
Time frame: Weekly over 8 weeks
The automated platform will record rates of successful text message delivery.
14 secondary outcomes
Proportion of audio sessions completed by participants
Time frame: Weekly over 8 weeks
Session utility
Time frame: Weekly over 8 weeks
Change in overall physical activity (in steps/day)
Time frame: Measured for 7 days at baseline (both groups), 8-weeks (both groups), and 16 weeks (wait-list control group only)
Change in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA; in mean minutes/day)
Time frame: Measured for 7 days at baseline (both groups), 8-weeks (both groups), and 16 weeks (wait-list control group only)
Change in sedentary time (in mean minutes/day)
Time frame: Measured for 7 days at baseline (both groups), 8-weeks (both groups), and 16 weeks (wait-list control group only)
Change in self-reported physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]; in metabolic equivalent-minutes/week)
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in positive affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [PANAS] positive affect items)
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in optimism (Life Orientation Test - Revised [LOT-R])
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in depressive symptoms (depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]).
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in anxiety (anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS])
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in exercise self-efficacy (Self-Efficacy for Exercise scale [SEE])
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in perceived social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support)
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in internal health locus of control (Multidimensional Health Locus of Control [MHLC] scale)
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Change in positive affect during activity (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale)
Time frame: Baseline (both groups), 8 weeks (both groups), 16 weeks (wait-list control group)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Christopher M Celano, MD principal investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Move with Meaning in people with Middle Aged, run by Massachusetts General Hospital at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Proportion of text message sessions successfully delivered (time frame: Weekly over 8 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Oct 2026.