A new study has found that couch potatoes could be prodded into exercise by computer-generated phone calls, according to the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Results of the yearlong study surprised researchers after they found computer-generated calls were nearly as effective in motivating the couch-bound as calls from a real human.

Between 80 and 85 percent of the 218 Bay Area residents over the age of 55 who participated in the study insisted they would need a real person rather than a computer to be successful.

"We were thrilled that at six months the results were identical between the two groups. By 12 months, there was still virtually no difference," lead author and professor of health research and policy Abby King, PhD, said. "The bottom line is that people tend to prefer what they know. That doesn't necessarily mean that's the best program for them."

The computer-stimulated participants were moved to perform about 157 minutes of "brisk walking" compared to 178 minutes for the human caller recipients. Those in a control group, which received no calls, performed about 118 minutes of physical activity, according to the study.

Another surprising result was that those with less confidence in their ability to increase physical activity responded better to the computer calls.

"I thought I would hate it," said participant Rita Horiguchi, 62, of San Jose. "I wanted a real person. I didn't think a computer calling up would work, but I met my goals of walking 30 minutes four days a week. I did it just to satisfy the computer, but the funny thing was it actually worked."

The study will now turn to examining the best balance between the computer and human interaction for best results. Researchers are also looking at whether text messages and other technology might be effective.

The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging.

— Bay City News Service