Both simultaneous and sequential interventions of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors using mobile technologies and remote coaching may improve diet and activity behaviors, according to results from the Make Better Choices 2 study presented Nov. 9 during AHA 2015 in Orlando.

The study looked at 212 adults with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors – less than five fruits and vegetables per day, high saturated fat (>8 percent kcal), low moderate-vigorous physical activity (<60 minutes per day), and high sedentary leisure screen time (>120 minutes per day). Participants were randomized to three different interventions: simultaneous diet and activity interventions that used a smartphone app, wireless accelerometer and remote coaching; sequential diet and activity interventions; or a control group of stress and sleep interventions only.

Results showed that both the simultaneous and sequential groups increased their fruit and vegetable intake, decreased sedentary leisure screen time and decreased saturated fat intake at six and nine months. Further, both the simultaneous and sequential groups increased moderate-vigorous physical activity at six months; but the difference between the control group no longer reached significance at nine months.

The investigators conclude that "using mobile health technology and remote coaching may improve diet and activity behaviors – regardless of whether exercise coaching is done simultaneously or sequentially with other diet and activity coaching."

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