Super Human Radio

We've all seen Reverend Run on MTV send inspirational and motivating messages to his flock using SMS text's. Well now two studies show those messages may actually influence people's success staying on track and reaching their goals.

Dr. A. J. Prestwick and colleagues with the Institute of Psychological Sciences at the University of Leeds in the UK has shown that receiving text messages that remind subjects of their exercise commitments and support intention and motivation have a significant effect on outcome. Participants in the control based studies who were sent SMS messages to help keep them on track of their exercise commitments were more likely to perform their exercises and lost significantly more body fat than any other subjects in the two studies.

This may mean that simple reminders using this passive technology can be the difference between success and failure. It may also point out that many of us have very short attention spans and have to be continuously reminded to do what we know is best for us. Fitness and health professionals should take advantage of this message and set their charges up on mass-text-message lists to ensure their success.

References:

Psychol Health. 2009 Jul;24(6):677-87. ; Can the effects of implementation intentions on exercise be enhanced using text messages? ; Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom.

Health Psychol. 2010 Jan;29(1):40-9. ; Can implementation intentions and text messages promote brisk walking? A randomized trial. ; Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK.