Table 1

Intervention components

Intervention componentShared featuresActive controlMOTIVATE-T2D
Aims

  • Progressively increase purposeful exercise of moderate-to-vigorous intensities

  • Increase daily lifestyle PA of any intensity

Supported by biofeedback and data sharing enabled by mHealth technologies:

  • Smartwatch, featuring a 3D accelerometer and optical heart rate (HR) monitor

  • Online coaching platform for the exercise specialist

  • Web/smartphone app for participants

Behavioural counselling

  • Exercise specialist-led, one-to-one, virtual exercise consultations (Zoom)

  • Five sessions: (1) prior to intervention, (2) approx. 1 week after first session, (3) 1 month, (4) 3 months, (5) 6 months

Purposeful exercise programmes

  • Individualised action plans were codeveloped

  • Individualised by allowing participants to choose the:

    • Mode (eg, commuting, outdoor, indoor callisthenics or gym-based)

    • Type (eg, walking, cycling, resistance exercise, interval-based exercise, classes, dance or sports)

    • Initial duration

    • Initial intensity

    • Rate of progression

  • Action plan sent within a booklet containing:

    • Training calendar/diary

    • Progressive exercise guide

  • Access to the trial website with exercise resources, including exercise videos

Action plan built within the coaching platform

  • Training calendar

  • Preset sessions prescribing the duration and intensity (measured through HR) of phases within each exercise session (ie, warm-up, workout and cool-down)


Smartwatch providing real-time feedback on exercise intensity through HR zones

  • During preset sessions, prescribed duration and intensity were displayed (via HR zones), with visual and haptic (vibration) alerts to coach participants


Web/smartphone app:

  • Access to the action plan

  • Track exercise and PA achievements

  • Participants rate enjoyment and provide written feedback following exercise sessions

Lifestyle PAAdvice on how to integrate physical activity into daily routinesSupported with a target on the smartwatch
Ongoing communicationCounselling sessions 3, 4 and 5

  • Review progress

  • Update action plan


Counselling session 5

  • Strategies for maintaining exercise and PA without support from the exercise specialist

  • Updated action plans sent after counselling sessions

  • Participants received SMS text messages:

    • Weekly during the first 3 months

    • Biweekly during months 4–6

  • Prescripted, based on self-determination theory: modelled to target relatedness, competence and autonomy

  • Participants could reply and engage with their exercise specialist

    • Action plans could be updated based on discussions

  • Consultations allowed mHealth data to guide discussions

  • Updated action plans within the coaching platform after counselling sessions

    • Updated preset sessions

  • Participants received SMS text messages:

    • Following each recorded exercise session during month 1

    • Weekly during months 2–3

    • Biweekly months 4–6

  • Based on data gathered by the mHealth technologies (intensity and duration of sessions and participant enjoyment and feedback)

  • Participants could reply and engage with their exercise specialist

    • Action plans and preset sessions could be updated based on discussions

  • MOTIVATE-T2D, Mobile Health Biometrics to Enhance Exercise and Physical Activity Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes; PA, physical activity.