The Efficacy of a Walking Intervention Using Social Media to Increase Physical Activity: A Randomized Trial

Background: Facebook may be a useful tool to provide a social support group to encourage increases in physical activity. This study examines the efficacy of a Facebook social support group to increase steps/day in young women. Methods: Female college freshmen (N = 63) were randomized to one of two 8-week interventions: a Facebook Social Support Group (n = 32) or a Standard Walking Intervention ( n = 31). Participants in both groups received weekly step goals and tracked steps/day with a pedometer. Women in the Facebook Social Support Group were also enrolled in a Facebook group and asked to post information about their steps/day and provide feedback to one another. Results: Women in both intervention arms significantly increased steps/day pre-to postintervention (F-(8,F-425) = 94.43, P < .001). However, women in the Facebook Social Support Group increased steps/day significantly more (F-(1,F-138) = 11.34, P < .001) than women in the Standard Walking Intervention, going from 5295 to 12,472 steps/day. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of using Facebook to offer a social support group to increase physical activity in young women. Women in the Facebook Social Support Group increased walking by approximately 1.5 miles/day more than women in the Standard Walking Intervention which, if maintained, could have a profound impact on their future health.