Pilot randomized controlled trial of a cognitive-behavioral treatment combined with a physical activity tracker for smoking cessation

Abstract

Introduction

Wearable physical activity trackers are increasingly being used in health interventions and are a promising approach for addressing substance use disorders. This study aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with the use of a physical activity tracker for smoking cessation.

Method

Seventy-four people who smoke were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: CBT (n = 33) or CBT + physical activity tracker (PAT) (n = 41). The CBT intervention involved one group-based session per week for six weeks. Participants in the CBT+PAT condition received the device and were required to use it throughout the treatment. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity in both groups.

Results

78.7 % of participants finished the treatment in the CBT group and 87.8 % in the CBT+PAT group (p = 0.939). The mean percentage of adherence to the physical activity tracker (days of use) was 84.87 %, and the mean patient satisfaction rating with the device was 38.8/50. There was a statistically significant increase in physical activity (number of steps per day) in the CBT+PAT group (p < 0.002) but not in the CBT group. There was an average reduction of 9.3 cigarettes per day in the CBT+PAT group and 13.2 in the CBT group, with no statistically significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

Using a PAT within a behavioral intervention for smoking cessation is feasible. CBT+PAT seems effective in promoting physical activity in treatment-seeking people who smoke smokers. More powerful randomized controlled trials in the future should examine their potential effects on smoking outcomes.