In a previous blog, we described how technology can be both a friend and a foe of physical activity. In this blog, we'll explore a novel way to use technology to keep on track with physical activity and healthy eating goals.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill recently published results from a study that examined whether kids who used short message service (text messaging) to keep track of their step count (based on a pedometer worn daily), minutes of screen time (TV, computers, etc.), and number of sugar sweetened beverages each day were more likely to continue tracking for an 8-week period than kids who logged using paper and pencil.

What did they find? Kids in the text messaging group had a significantly greater adherence to keeping track than kids in the paper diaries group (43% vs. 19%). What was also great about the text messaging group was that immediately after sending their text message, the kids received tailored feedback based on their behavior for the day. For instance, if a child reported taking 5,000 steps, spending less than 60 minutes in front of screen, and drinking several sugar sweetened beverages, he/she may receive the message, "Wow, you met your step and screen time goals  - congratulations! What happened to beverages?"

While the researchers weren't able to determine if the text messaging actually improved eating and activity behaviors, they hope to do so in a future study. This study did show, however, that new technologies may improve kids' (and adults'!) compliance with key strategies for improving behaviors. Self-monitoring, or keeping track of foods eating and physical activities done, is an extremely helpful tool in making and maintaining changes.

Give it a try! Ask your kids (or a spouse or friend) to send you a text message of what they eat for lunch for an entire week. Give them feedback each day by sending a message back to them about whether the choices they made were good ones. Follow-up the following week by discussing together whether the logging and feedback reminded them to choose healthy foods for lunch. Post what you found to this blog.