scholarly journals Log2Lose: Development and Lessons Learned From a Mobile Technology Weight Loss Intervention (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Shaw ◽  
Erica Levine ◽  
Martin Streicher ◽  
Elizabeth Strawbridge ◽  
Jennifer Gierisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Self Monitoring

BACKGROUND Providing financial incentives has gained popularity as a strategy to promote weight loss, but questions remain about how best to utilize them. A promising mobile health strategy provides users with near-real-time financial incentives based on both the process of weight loss (behavioral modification) and actual weight loss. To maximize the impact of this strategy, a methodology is needed to close the gap between the desired behavior and the financial incentive. Leveraging mobile health tools—such as mobile phone apps, cellular body weight scales that transmit data to physicians and researchers, and text messaging for instructions and encouragement—has the potential to close this gap. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe the development of an innovative technology-based solution and lessons learned from a feasibility trial—Log2Lose—that encouraged individuals to lose weight by providing near-real-time financial incentives for weight loss and/or dietary self-monitoring. METHODS We recruited participants (N=96) with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 for a 24-week weight loss trial. Participants received a behavioral intervention of biweekly, in-person group sessions and were instructed to log a minimum number of daily calories in MyFitnessPal and to step on the BodyTrace cellular scale at least twice per week. In a 2×2 design, participants were randomized into 4 groups to receive financial incentives for the following: (group 1) weekly weight loss and dietary self-monitoring, (group 2) dietary self-monitoring only, (group 3) weekly weight loss only, or (group 4) no financial incentives. Diet and weight data from the devices were obtained through application programming interfaces. Each week, we applied algorithms to participants’ data to determine whether they qualified for a monetary incentive (groups 1-3). A text message notified these participants of whether they met weight loss and/or self-monitoring requirements to earn an incentive and the amount they earned or would have earned. The money was uploaded to a debit card. RESULTS Our custom-engineered software platform analyzed data from multiple sources, collated and processed the data to send appropriate text messages automatically, and informed study staff of the appropriate incentives. We present lessons learned from the development of the software system and challenges encountered with technology, data transmission, and participants (eg, lost connections or delayed communication). CONCLUSIONS With consistent and constant validation checks and a robust beta test run, the process of analyzing data and determining eligibility for weekly incentives can be mostly automated. We were able to accomplish this project within an academic health system, which required significant security and privacy safeguards. Our success demonstrates how this methodology of automated feedback loops can provide health interventions via mobile technology. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02691260; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02691260

scholarly journals Game of Stones: feasibility randomised controlled trial of how to engage men with obesity in text message and incentive interventions for weight loss

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e032653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephan U Dombrowski ◽  
Matthew McDonald ◽  
Marjon van der Pol ◽  
Mark Grindle ◽  
Alison Avenell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Financial Incentive ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Community Outreach ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Narrative Text ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Narrative Texts

ObjectivesTo examine the acceptability and feasibility of narrative text messages with or without financial incentives to support weight loss for men.DesignIndividually randomised three-arm feasibility trial with 12 months’ follow-up.SettingTwo sites in Scotland with high levels of disadvantage according to Scottish Index for Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).ParticipantsMen with obesity (n=105) recruited through community outreach and general practitioner registers.InterventionsParticipants randomised to: (A) narrative text messages plus financial incentive for 12 months (short message service (SMS)+I), (B) narrative text messages for 12 months (SMS only), or (C) waiting list control.OutcomesAcceptability and feasibility of recruitment, retention, intervention components and trial procedures assessed by analysing quantitative and qualitative data at 3, 6 and 12 months.Results105 men were recruited, 60% from more disadvantaged areas (SIMD quintiles 1 or 2). Retention at 12 months was 74%. Fewer SMS+I participants (64%) completed 12-month assessments compared with SMS only (79%) and control (83%). Narrative texts were acceptable to many men, but some reported negative reactions. No evidence emerged that level of disadvantage was related to acceptability of narrative texts. Eleven SMS+I participants (31%) successfully met or partially met weight loss targets. The cost of the incentive per participant was £81.94 (95% CI £34.59 to £129.30). Incentives were acceptable, but improving health was reported as the key motivator for weight loss. All groups lost weight (SMS+I: −2.51 kg (SD=4.94); SMS only: −1.29 kg (SD=5.03); control: −0.86 kg (SD=5.64) at 12 months).ConclusionsThis three-arm weight management feasibility trial recruited and retained men from across the socioeconomic spectrum, with the majority from areas of disadvantage, was broadly acceptable to most participants and feasible to deliver.Trial registration numberNCT03040518.

scholarly journals Mobile health assisted self-monitoring is acceptable for supporting weight loss in rural men: a pragmatic randomized controlled feasibility trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M. Eisenhauer ◽  
Fabiana Brito ◽  
Kevin Kupzyk ◽  
Aaron Yoder ◽  
Fabio Almeida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Technology Application

Abstract Background Addressing overweight and obesity among men at-risk for obesity-related diseases and disability in rural communities is a public health issue. Commercial smartphone applications (apps) that promote self-monitoring for weight loss are widely available. Evidence is lacking regarding what support is required to enhance user engagement with and effectiveness of those technologies. Pragmatically comparing these apps effectiveness, including rural men’s desired forms of support when using them, can lead to greater weight loss intervention impact and reach. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile technology application applied differently across two groups for weight loss. Methods In a two-armed, pragmatic pilot feasibility study, 80 overweight and obese men aged 40–69 were randomized using a 1:1 ratio to either an enhanced Mobile Technology Plus (MT+) intervention or a basic Mobile Technology (MT) intervention. The MT+ group had an enhanced smartphone app for self-monitoring (text messaging, discussion group, Wi-Fi scale) whereas the MT group received a basic app that allowed self-monitoring logging only. Assessments were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. App logs were analyzed to track engagement and adherence to self-monitoring. Acceptability was assessed via focus groups. Analysis included descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results Of 80 men recruited, forty were allocated to each arm. All were included in the primary analysis. Recruitment ended after 10 months with a 97.5 and 92.5% (3 month, 6 month) retention rate. Over 90% of men reported via survey and focus groups that Lose-It app and smart scale (MT+) was an acceptable way to self-monitor weight, dietary intake and physical activity. Adherence to daily app self-monitoring of at least 800 dietary calories or more (reported respectively as MT+, MT) was positive with 73.4, 51.6% tracking at least 5 days a week. Adherence to tracking activity via recorded steps four or more days weekly was positive, 87.8, 64.6%. Men also adhered to self-weighing at least once weekly, 64, 46.3%. At 6 months, an observed mean weight loss was 7.03 kg (95% CI: 3.67, 10.39) for MT+ group and 4.14 kg (95% CI: 2.22, 6.06) for MT group, with 42.9 and 34.2% meeting ≥5% weight loss, respectively. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions This National Institutes of Health-funded pilot study using mobile technologies to support behavior change for weight loss was found to be feasible and acceptable among midlife and older rural men. The interventions demonstrated successful reductions in weight, noting differing adherence to lifestyle behaviors of eating, monitoring and activity between groups, with men in the MT+ having more favorable results. These findings will be used to inform the design of a larger scale, clinical trial. Trial registration The trial was prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials NCT03329079. 11/1/2017.

scholarly journals Incorporating Behavioral Trigger Messages Into a Mobile Health App for Chronic Disease Management: Randomized Clinical Feasibility Trial in Diabetes

10.2196/15927 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e15927
Author(s):  
Scott Sittig ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Sriram Iyengar ◽  
Sahiti Myneni ◽  
Amy Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Chronic Disease Management ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Within Subjects ◽  
The Impact

Background Although there is a rise in the use of mobile health (mHealth) tools to support chronic disease management, evidence derived from theory-driven design is lacking. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an mHealth app that incorporated theory-driven trigger messages. These messages took different forms following the Fogg behavior model (FBM) and targeted self-efficacy, knowledge, and self-care. We assess the feasibility of our app in modifying these behaviors in a pilot study involving individuals with diabetes. Methods The pilot randomized unblinded study comprised two cohorts recruited as employees from within a health care system. In total, 20 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited for the study and a within-subjects design was utilized. Each participant interacted with an app called capABILITY. capABILITY and its affiliated trigger (text) messages integrate components from social cognitive theory (SCT), FBM, and persuasive technology into the interactive health communications framework. In this within-subjects design, participants interacted with the capABILITY app and received (or did not receive) text messages in alternative blocks. The capABILITY app alone was the control condition along with trigger messages including spark and facilitator messages. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare adherence with behavioral measures and engagement with the mobile app across conditions. A paired sample t test was utilized on each health outcome to determine changes related to capABILITY intervention, as well as participants’ classified usage of capABILITY. Results Pre- and postintervention results indicated statistical significance on 3 of the 7 health survey measures (general diet: P=.03; exercise: P=.005; and blood glucose: P=.02). When only analyzing the high and midusers (n=14) of capABILITY, we found a statistically significant difference in both self-efficacy (P=.008) and exercise (P=.01). Although the ANOVA did not reveal any statistically significant differences across groups, there is a trend among spark conditions to respond more quickly (ie, shorter log-in lag) following the receipt of the message. Conclusions Our theory-driven mHealth app appears to be a feasible means of improving self-efficacy and health-related behaviors. Although our sample size is too small to draw conclusions about the differential impact of specific forms of trigger messages, our findings suggest that spark triggers may have the ability to cue engagement in mobile tools. This was demonstrated with the increased use of capABILITY at the beginning and conclusion of the study depending on spark timing. Our results suggest that theory-driven personalization of mobile tools is a viable form of intervention. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04132089; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT004122089

scholarly journals Log2Lose: Development and Lessons Learned From a Mobile Technology Weight Loss Intervention

10.2196/11972 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e11972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Shaw ◽  
Erica Levine ◽  
Martin Streicher ◽  
Elizabeth Strawbridge ◽  
Jennifer Gierisch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention

scholarly journals A randomized feasibility pilot trial of a financial incentives intervention for dietary self-monitoring and weight loss in adults with obesity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corrine I Voils ◽  
Jane Pendergast ◽  
Sarah L Hale ◽  
Jennifer M Gierisch ◽  
Elizabeth M Strawbridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Minority Representation ◽  
Retention Strategies ◽  
Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Low Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Low Carbohydrate

Abstract Financial incentives could be used to improve adherence to behavioral weight loss interventions, increasing their effectiveness. This Phase IIb randomized pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a study protocol for providing financial incentives for dietary self-monitoring and/or weight loss. Community-dwelling adults with obesity were enrolled in a 24 week, group-based weight loss program. Participants were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive financial incentives for both dietary self-monitoring and weekly weight loss, just one, or neither. Participants could earn up to $300, evolving from fixed weekly payments to intermittent, variable payments. The notice of reward was provided by text message. The study was conducted in three successive cohorts to evaluate study procedure changes, including dietary approach, recruitment and retention strategies, text messaging, and incentives. Descriptive statistics calculated separately for each cohort described study performance relative to predefined targets for recruitment, including minority representation; retention; adherence; and weight loss. Acceptability was assessed via postintervention qualitative interviews. In Cohort 1 (n = 34), a low-carbohydrate diet was used. Recruitment, retention, adherence, and weight loss were adequate, but minority representation was not. For Cohort 2 (n = 31), employing an additional recruitment method and switching to a reduced-calorie diet yielded adequate recruitment, minority representation, retention, and adherence but less weight loss. Returning to a low-carbohydrate diet in Cohort 3 (n = 28) yielded recruitment, minority representation, retention, adherence, and weight loss similar to Cohort 2. Participant feedback informed changes to text message timing and content and incentive amount. Through successive cohorts, we optimized recruitment and retention strategies and text messaging. An adequately powered trial is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of these incentive structures for reducing weight. The trial registration number is NCT02691260.

scholarly journals Self-monitoring diabetes with multiple mobile health devices

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 667-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan J Shaw ◽  
Q Yang ◽  
A Barnes ◽  
D Hatch ◽  
M J Crowley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Health ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Patients With Diabetes

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the use of multiple mobile health technologies to generate and transmit data from diverse patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in between clinic visits. We examined the data to identify patterns that describe characteristics of patients for clinical insights. Methods We enrolled 60 adults with T2DM from a US healthcare system to participate in a 6-month longitudinal feasibility trial. Patient weight, physical activity, and blood glucose were self-monitored via devices provided at baseline. Patients also responded to biweekly medication adherence text message surveys. Data were aggregated in near real-time. Measures of feasibility assessing total engagement in device submissions and survey completion over the 6 months of observation were calculated. Results It was feasible for participants from different socioeconomic, educational, and racial backgrounds to use and track relevant diabetes-related data from multiple mobile health devices for at least 6 months. Both the transmission and engagement of the data revealed notable patterns and varied by patient characteristics. Discussion Using multiple mobile health tools allowed us to derive clinical insights from diverse patients with diabetes. The ubiquitous adoption of smartphones across racial, educational, and socioeconomic populations and the integration of data from mobile health devices into electronic health records present an opportunity to develop new models of care delivery for patients with T2DM that may promote equity as well.

Can Mobile Technology Improve Weight Loss in Overweight Adults? A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. 747-759 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Wang ◽  
Kathleen Abrahamson ◽  
Pi Ju Liu ◽  
Azza Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Wearable Devices ◽  
Monitoring Methods ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Overweight Adults

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify evidence concerning the effectiveness of mobile applications and wearable devices for weight loss in overweight adults. A database search of PubMed and CINAHL yielded 12 eligible articles following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies primarily pertaining to obesity, inclusion of adult population only (18 years and older), use of experimental study designs only, use of mobile apps or wearable devices as intervention(s), and primary outcome of weight loss. Overall, the research evidence suggests that mobile apps and wearables are effective self-regulating tools for weight loss. Although study design concerns, such as lack of non-intervention comparator groups, prevent a definitive conclusion regarding the relative power of mobile apps and wearables over other self-monitoring methods, evidence indicates that mobile technology can be used as integral tools within overarching weight loss strategies recommended in the primary care setting.

Consumer perspectives on mHealth for weight loss: a review of qualitative studies

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 290-302 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynnette N Lyzwinski ◽  
Liam J Caffery ◽  
Matthew Bambling ◽  
Sisira Edirippulige
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Message Delivery ◽  
Consumer Experience ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Mhealth Intervention ◽  
High Preference

Introduction With increasing development and use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions for weight loss in overweight and obese populations, it is timely to gain greater insight into consumer experience with these technologies. The aims of this review were to identify common themes across studies that included user preferences for mHealth intervention for weight loss. Methods The databases PubMed (Medline), CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for relevant qualitative studies on mHealth for weight loss. Searches were conducted in May 2016. Results Several common high preference themes were identified relating to simple and attractive apps that allowed for self-monitoring with feedback. The five key themes concerning text messages for weight loss involved a careful consideration of personalization, message tone, structure, frequency and content. Key optimization themes for weight loss apps were personalization, simplicity with appeal and engagement/entertainment. Common identified benefits of mHealth for weight loss included self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback, ability to motivate, educate, and remind. Common barriers users identified were related to technological and psychological issues as well as message overload/inappropriate timing of messages. Conclusion When planning an mHealth weight loss intervention, critical factors are the message tone, structure and the frequency of message delivery. Personalization also seems to be important. Designing simple apps while still ensuring that they engage the user is also essential. Additionally, it seems important to tailor the content in accordance with different target group demographic preferences. The successful reach and adoption of mHealth interventions requires minimizing perceived barriers and maximizing perceived benefits.

scholarly journals Feasibility of implementing a behavioral economics mobile health platform for individuals with behavioral health conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-510
Author(s):  
Barry Granek ◽  
Aja Evans ◽  
Jorge Petit ◽  
Mary Crawford James ◽  
Yixuan (Matt) Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Theory ◽  
Behavioral Economics ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Health Habits ◽  
Behavioral Economic ◽  
Behavioral Economic Theory

AbstractCoordinated Behavioral Care’s (CBC) Pathway Home™ (PH) program partnered with Wellth, Inc., a mobile health platform grounded in behavioral economics theory, to help individuals with behavioral health conditions build and reinforce health habits by providing daily reminders to take medication, requiring tasks (photos demonstrating remembrance), and providing financial incentives tied to behaviors. CBC made Wellth, Inc. available to individuals enrolling in its PH program for the purpose of demonstrating the feasibility of implementing a novel mobile technology grounded in behavioral economic theory to increase habits of health activities, such as taking medication, among adults with behavioral health conditions.

scholarly journals Incorporating Behavioral Trigger Messages Into a Mobile Health App for Chronic Disease Management: Randomized Clinical Feasibility Trial in Diabetes (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Sittig ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Sriram Iyengar ◽  
Sahiti Myneni ◽  
Amy Franklin
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Chronic Disease Management ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Within Subjects ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Although there is a rise in the use of mobile health (mHealth) tools to support chronic disease management, evidence derived from theory-driven design is lacking. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an mHealth app that incorporated theory-driven trigger messages. These messages took different forms following the Fogg behavior model (FBM) and targeted self-efficacy, knowledge, and self-care. We assess the feasibility of our app in modifying these behaviors in a pilot study involving individuals with diabetes. METHODS The pilot randomized unblinded study comprised two cohorts recruited as employees from within a health care system. In total, 20 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited for the study and a within-subjects design was utilized. Each participant interacted with an app called capABILITY. capABILITY and its affiliated trigger (text) messages integrate components from social cognitive theory (SCT), FBM, and persuasive technology into the interactive health communications framework. In this within-subjects design, participants interacted with the capABILITY app and received (or did not receive) text messages in alternative blocks. The capABILITY app alone was the control condition along with trigger messages including spark and facilitator messages. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare adherence with behavioral measures and engagement with the mobile app across conditions. A paired sample <i>t</i> test was utilized on each health outcome to determine changes related to capABILITY intervention, as well as participants’ classified usage of capABILITY. RESULTS Pre- and postintervention results indicated statistical significance on 3 of the 7 health survey measures (general diet: <i>P</i>=.03; exercise: <i>P</i>=.005; and blood glucose: <i>P</i>=.02). When only analyzing the high and midusers (n=14) of capABILITY, we found a statistically significant difference in both self-efficacy (<i>P</i>=.008) and exercise (<i>P</i>=.01). Although the ANOVA did not reveal any statistically significant differences across groups, there is a trend among spark conditions to respond more quickly (ie, shorter log-in lag) following the receipt of the message. CONCLUSIONS Our theory-driven mHealth app appears to be a feasible means of improving self-efficacy and health-related behaviors. Although our sample size is too small to draw conclusions about the differential impact of specific forms of trigger messages, our findings suggest that spark triggers may have the ability to cue engagement in mobile tools. This was demonstrated with the increased use of capABILITY at the beginning and conclusion of the study depending on spark timing. Our results suggest that theory-driven personalization of mobile tools is a viable form of intervention. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04132089; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT004122089

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