Title: “MoodMoves: Exploring the Relationship between Mood and Physical Activity in Adults”
Study Description:
The MoodMoves study aims to investigate the relationship between daily mood and physical activity levels in adults. The study will utilize a mobile health (mHealth) application, MoodMoves, to collect ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data from participants for a duration of 6 weeks.
Research Question:
What is the relationship between daily mood and physical activity levels in adults, and can increased physical activity lead to improved mood?
Is there a correlation between mood and physical activity in adults?
Rationale:
Physical activity is known to have various physical and mental health benefits, including mood improvement. By collecting EMA data on mood and physical activity levels, the MoodMoves study seeks to understand the dynamic relationship between these two factors in adults. This knowledge may help develop interventions that promote physical activity for better mental health.
Rationale: Research has shown that physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health and mood. However, there is a lack of understanding about the relationship between mood and physical activity in adults in everyday life. The mHealth app will collect EMA data to help understand how mood and physical activity are related in daily life.
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria:
Inclusion criteria:
Adults aged 18-65 years
Owning a smartphone compatible with the MoodMoves app
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must be adults aged 18 years or older, able to provide informed consent, and own a smartphone. They should not have any physical limitations that would prevent them from engaging in physical activity.
Exclusion criteria:
Diagnosis of a severe psychiatric disorder
Severe physical disability or medical condition that prevents engagement in regular physical activity
Exclusion Criteria: Participants with any pre-existing mental or physical health conditions that may affect their mood or physical activity will be excluded from the study.
App Features:
The MoodMoves app is designed with the following features relevant to the study population:
Activity tracking: Integrates with smartphone sensors or wearable devices to track daily physical activity levels (e.g., step count, active minutes)
Mood assessment: Allows participants to rate their mood on a simple scale (e.g., 1-10) multiple times a day
Push notifications: Sends daily EMA prompts to participants at customizable times
Progress visualization: Displays participants’ daily mood and physical activity trends in an easy-to-understand format
App Features: The app will include a feature that allows participants to set reminders for physical activity and log their activity. The app will also include a mood diary feature that allows participants to rate their mood several times a day.
Frequency and Duration of EMA Prompts:
Participants will receive EMA prompts twice a day:
Midday (around 12 PM): To assess mood and log physical activity levels for the first half of the day
Evening (around 8 PM): To assess mood and log physical activity levels for the second half of the day