Content Validation and Perceived Value of Text Messages to Promote Physical Activity Among U.S. Older Adults and Care Partners.

The item content validity index for all nine motivational text messages ranged from 0.86 to 1.00, indicating high content validity.

• 14 content experts assessed the relevance of each text message.
• Nine motivational text messages were designed to capture nine distinct physical activity scenarios.
• An item content validity index of 0.86 represents the lowest score, with 1.00 being the highest possible score.
• Content validity was assessed using a formal item content validity index computation methodology.

The median perceived motivational value for each text message was 4.0 on a 5-point Likert scale with an interquartile range of 3.0–5.0.

• 310 older adults and 305 care partners assessed the perceived motivational value of each text message.
• Perceived motivational value was measured on a 5-point Likert scale.
• The median (interquartile range) perceived motivational value for each text message was 4.0 (3.0–5.0).
• This indicates generally high perceived motivational value across all nine messages in both groups.

There were no statistically significant differences in reported motivational values between older adults and care partners.

• Differences in perceived motivational value were assessed using quantile regression.
• Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic and health characteristics.
• The study enrolled 310 older adults and 305 care partners for this comparison.
• This cross-sectional observational study found equivalent motivational value of the messages across both groups.

The study enrolled a total of 629 participants comprising older adults and care partners, plus 14 content experts.

• 14 content experts were enrolled to assess relevance of text messages.
• 310 older adults were enrolled to assess perceived motivational value.
• 305 care partners were enrolled to assess perceived motivational value.
• The study used a cross-sectional observational design.

Nine content-validated motivational text messages with high motivational value were developed for integration into technology-based physical activity intervention studies for older adults and care partners.

• Each of the nine text messages was designed to capture a distinct physical activity scenario.
• All messages achieved item content validity index scores at or above the 0.86 threshold.
• The authors conclude these messages 'can be integrated into technology-based intervention studies and may improve physical activity behavior in both groups.'
• The messages are intended to serve both older adults and their care partners as target populations.