The BCTs* used in the Vire application (app) and ToDo-CR programme
| BCT(s) | Explanation | Example |
| Feedback on outcome(s) of behaviour Discrepancy between current behaviour and goal | The Vire app provides a visualisation of the participant’s data in a dynamic feedback loop to show their behaviour in the context of their day-to-day variations. The statistical analysis of personal data allows for the identification of discrepancies between their current behaviour, their baseline data and the overarching goal to decrease sedentary time. | In the app’s 14-day overview (figure 2B), the bigger the circle, the higher the score and therefore greater change from baseline behaviour. The 14-day overview also depicts a smiley, neutral or sad face next to each day. A sad or straight face indicates that there is a discrepancy with the desired behaviour, and the person has either exhibited behaviour worse than their recorded baseline or there has been no change (positive or negative), respectively. The social opportunity and variety icons (figure 2E and F) in the app display how many new or uncommon GPS locations visited. If a zero is marked, it means that there has been a discrepancy in their targeted behaviour. |
| Action planning | Some of the Do’s prompt detailed planning of the desired behaviour (ie, context, frequency and duration). | Example Do: At the top of each hour today, stop what you are doing and stretch or move for at least 1 min. Make calls standing up, stand while on the bus or at the bus stop. Regular daily movement is great for your health—here’s why https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/active-living/sit-less |
| Habit formation and Behavioural practice/rehearsal | Some of the Do’s prompt repetition of breaking up sedentary behaviour within the same context of their day. | |
| Habit reversal and Behaviour substitution | Some of the Do’s prompt the practice of an alternate behaviour to replace an unwanted behaviour (ie, repetition of physical activities in substitution for sedentary behaviours). | |
| Credible source | Some of the Do’s present links to information produced by credible sources such as the Heart Foundation Australia. | |
| Instruction on how to perform a behaviour Prompts/cues Restructuring the physical environment | Some of the Do’s provide advice on ways to reduce sedentary behaviour or change the physical environment in order to facilitate less sedentary behaviour. Further, the Do’s define environmental and social stimuli to prompt or cue the desired behaviour (eg, getting up during TV advertisement breaks or to change the channel, walking around when brushing teeth or speaking on the phone). | Example Do: REORGANISE YOUR SPACE. Move something you often use to a different place so you have to get up every time you use it. The remote in the kitchen, your phone in another room? |
| Avoidance/reducing exposure to cues for the behaviour | Some of the Do’s provide advice on how to avoid exposure to specific social and contextual cues that may trigger habitual sedentary behaviour. | Example Do: REMOTE REMOTE. Place your TV remote out of sight so that it doesn't tempt you to watch TV. When you come home from being out, do some cooking or gardening as soon as you arrive home instead of watching TV. |
| Information about antecedents | Some of the Do’s advise participants to take note of sitting times and of situations or events occurring prior to prolonged sitting. | Example Do: SEDENTARY SUM. How often do you sit during the day? Tally up the amount of times you sit still for more than an hour today. You might be surprised! |
| Restructuring the social environment Identification of self as a role model | Some of the Do’s advise the participant to change their social environment in order to facilitate the performance of less sedentary behaviour and to inspire others to do the same. | Example Do: BE A ROLE MODEL! Sitting less and moving more is important for everybody’s health. Be a role model by participating in activities with others around you. Sharing your own active lifestyles can have a great effect on others’ attitudes to physical activity. |
| Social reward | Throughout the ToDo-CR program participants are sent Do’s congratulating them on positive changes in their behaviour. | Example Do: GOOD SCORES. Your activity, social and variety scores are all high. Try to keep up the good work! |
*Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) according to Michie’s BCT Taxonomy v1.50
GPS, global positioning system.