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A hybrid digital intervention combining continuous monitoring with embedded RCTs is feasible for promoting healthy movement behaviors in university students.

This pilot study protocol describes a five-month hybrid design using Apple Watches and iPhones to monitor sleep, physical activity, and screen time in first-year university students, with three embedded RCTs testing ecological momentary interventions. Feasibility outcomes include recruitment, engagement, and user experience, with preliminary effectiveness explored for each movement behavior.

Last updated: Aug 26, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. MOVE@NUS digital intervention cohort: protocol of a pilot study to promote healthy movement in university students.

observational

Chen M, Movia M, Chua XH, Tan SYX, Zheng S, Jin K, Topothai T, Padmapriya N, Müller-Riemenschneider F, Edney S · Journal of activity, sedentary and sleep behaviors (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 5 months
Intervention: Continuous passive monitoring via Apple Watch and iPhone plus three embedded RCTs delivering ecological momentary interventions (standard health messages or personalized reminders based on HealthKit data or self-reports) targeting sleep (RCT-1), physical activity (RCT-2), and screen time (RCT-3).
Outcome: Feasibility (recruitment, engagement, user experience) and preliminary effectiveness (movement behaviors compared between intervention and control groups).
Effect Size: N/A
Population: First-year undergraduates at the National University of Singapore, aged 18-25 years, who own or regularly use an iPhone and an Apple Watch.

Result:

PubMed: 41680943DOI: 10.1186/s44167-026-00097-z

Mechanism Graph

Continuous passive monitoring collects real-time movement data
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Ecological momentary interventions delivered via study app based on data or self-reports
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Participants receive standard health messages or personalized reminders
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Result: Potential improvement in sleep, physical activity, or screen time behaviors

Limitations

  • ⚠Pilot study with small sample size limits generalizability
  • ⚠Preliminary effectiveness only explored, not confirmed
  • ⚠Reliance on Apple Watch and iPhone ownership may introduce selection bias

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the MOVE@NUS study?▼

To assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a hybrid digital intervention combining continuous monitoring with embedded RCTs to promote healthy movement behaviors in university students.

How are participants randomized in this study?▼

For each of the three embedded RCTs (sleep, physical activity, screen time), participants are randomized on a 1:1:1 schedule to control, intervention 1, or intervention 2.

What types of ecological momentary interventions are used?▼

EMIs include standard health messages or personalized reminders based on HealthKit data or participants' self-reported behaviors and preferences, delivered via the study app.

How long does the study last and what are the measurement points?▼

The study lasts 5 months, with online questionnaires at baseline, midway (2.5 months), and endpoint (5 months), plus eight EMA bursts (three-day periods every two weeks).

Products

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References

  1. 1.Chen M, Movia M, Chua XH, Tan SYX, Zheng S, Jin K, Topothai T, Padmapriya N, Müller-Riemenschneider F, Edney S. "MOVE@NUS digital intervention cohort: protocol of a pilot study to promote healthy movement in university students.." Journal of activity, sedentary and sleep behaviors, 2026. PMID: 41680943 DOI: 10.1186/s44167-026-00097-z
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.