A mobile instant messaging-based exercise program failed to significantly improve lab-verified smoking cessation rates after six months. Researchers investigated if instant messaging could scale a brief physical exercise intervention for smoking cessation with minimal oversight.
The pragmatic, community-based trial involved 1,031 daily smokers across 70 sites in Hong Kong. Participants received either brief cessation advice combined with isometric exercises and messaging reminders for three months, or brief advice alone.
At six months, biochemically validated 7-day point prevalence abstinence was numerically higher in the intervention group but not statistically significant (10.4% vs. 9.1%). Similarly, self-reported abstinence showed no significant between-group difference.
Engagement with the intervention waned over time, with weekly exercise practice declining substantially. Physical activity levels remained comparable between groups.
The findings highlight the challenge of maintaining adherence in digital smoking cessation tools once initial interest fades. Future research may require more intensive, personalized, or AI-driven messaging to enhance engagement and outcomes.