Effectiveness of the Nutritional App “MyNutriCart” on Food Choices Related to Purchase and Dietary Behavior: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To pilot test the effectiveness of “MyNutriCart”, a smartphone application (app) that generates healthy grocery lists, on diet and weight. Methods: A pilot randomized trial was conducted to test the efficacy of using the “MyNutriCart” app compared to one face-to-face counseling session (Traditional group) in Hispanic overweight and obese adults. Household food purchasing behavior, three 24-h food recalls, Tucker’s semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and weight were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. Statistical analyses included t tests, a Poisson regression model, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) using STATA. Results: 24 participants in the Traditional group and 27 in the App group completed the study. Most participants were women (>88%), with a mean age of 35.3 years, more than a high school education (>80%), a family composition of at least three members, and a mean baseline body mass index (BMI) of 34.5 kg/m2. There were significant improvements in household purchasing of vegetables and whole grains, in individual intakes of refined grains, healthy proteins, whole-fat dairies, legumes, 100% fruit juices, and sweets and snacks; and in the individual frequency of intake of fruits and cold cuts/cured meats within the intervention group (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between groups. No changes were detected in weight. Conclusions: “MyNutriCart” app use led to significant improvements in food-related behaviors compared to baseline, with no significant differences when compared to the Traditional group. Cost and resource savings of using the app compared to face-to-face counseling may make it a good option for interventionists.

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Efficacy of a Multi-Component m-Health Diet, Physical Activity, and Sleep Intervention on Dietary Intake in Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072468 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2468

Author(s):

Sasha Fenton ◽

Tracy L. Burrows ◽

Clare E. Collins ◽

Anna T. Rayward ◽

Beatrice Murawski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Weight Loss Intervention ◽

Traditional Group ◽

Traditional Diet ◽

Randomised Controlled

This three-arm randomised controlled trial evaluated whether (1) a multi-component weight loss intervention targeting diet, physical activity (PA), and sleep was effective at improving dietary intake over six months and 12 months, compared with a control, and (2) the enhanced diet, PA, and sleep intervention was more effective at improving dietary intake than the traditional diet and PA intervention. A total of 116 adults (70% female, 44.5 years, BMI 31.7 kg/m2) were randomised to either traditional diet and PA intervention; enhanced diet, PA, and sleep intervention; or wait-list control. To examine between-group differences, intervention groups were pooled and compared with the control. Then, the two intervention groups were compared. At six months, the pooled intervention group consumed 1011 fewer kilojoules/day (95% CI −1922, −101), less sodium (−313.2 mg/day; 95% CI −591.3, −35.0), and higher %EI from fruit (+2.1%EI; 95% CI 0.1, 4.1) than the controls. There were no differences in intake between the enhanced and traditional groups at six months. At 12 months, the pooled intervention and control groups reported no significant differences. However, compared to the traditional group, the enhanced reported higher %EI from nutrient-dense foods (+7.4%EI; 95% CI 1.3, 13.5) and protein (+2.4%EI; 95% CI 0.1, 4.6), and reduced %EI from fried/takeaway foods (−3.6%EI; 95% CI −6.5, −0.7), baked sweet products (−2.0%EI; 95% CI −3.6, −0.4), and packaged snacks (−1.1%EI; 95% CI −2.2, −0.3). This weight loss intervention reduced total energy and sodium intakes as well as increased fruit intake in adults at six months. The enhanced intervention group reported improved dietary intake relative to the traditional group at 12 months.

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A 6-Month Randomized Trial of a Smartphone Application, UControlDrink, in Aiding Recovery in Alcohol Use Disorder

European Addiction Research ◽

10.1159/000519945 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-12

Author(s):

Conor Farren ◽

Aoife Farrell ◽

Aisling Hagerty ◽

Cliodhna McHugh

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Use ◽

Text Messaging ◽

Alcohol Use Disorder ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Heavy Drinking ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Smartphone App ◽

Control Group

Background and Aims: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a substantial problem, causing early death and great economic burden. Research has highlighted the potential positive impact of technological interventions, such as smartphone applications (app) in treatment of AUD. The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a smartphone app, incorporating computerized cognitive behavioural therapy and text messaging support, on alcohol outcomes over 6 months in a post-rehabilitation setting. Methods: A total of 111 participants with AUD were recruited into this randomized controlled trial, following completion of a 30-day rehabilitation programme. The intervention group (n = 54) used the smartphone app “UControlDrink” (UCD) over 6 months with treatment as usual (TAU), and the control group (n = 57) received TAU. All subjects suffered from AUD as the primary disorder, with other major psychiatric disorders excluded. All intervention subjects used the UCD smartphone app in the treatment trial, and all subjects underwent TAU consisting of outpatient weekly support groups. Drinking history in the previous 90 days was measured at baseline and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Additional measurements were made to assess mood, anxiety, craving, and motivation. Results were analysed using intention-to-treat analyses. Results: Retention in the study was 72% at 3 months and 52% at 6 months. There was a significant reduction in heavy drinking days in the intervention group relative to TAU over the 6 months, p < 0.02. Conclusions: The UCD smartphone app demonstrates a significant benefit to reducing heavy drinking days over a 6-month post-rehabilitation period in AUD.

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Effects of individualized follow-up with a smartphone-application after cardiac rehabilitation: protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation ◽

10.1186/s13102-019-0148-2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Pernille Lunde ◽

Asta Bye ◽

Astrid Bergland ◽

Birgitta Blakstad Nilsson

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Cardiac Rehabilitation ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Control Group ◽

Power Calculation ◽

Large Sample Size ◽

Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are evidence-based and widely recommended. However, benefits from CR are likely lost among individuals who discontinue their regular exercise routines and healthy habits. One possible approach to enhance adherence to lifestyle advice after completion of CR, may be individualized follow-up enabled by a smartphone application (app). Methods A protocol of a single-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. The study will take place in the eastern part of Norway, and will include heart patients who have completed CR. Participants will be recruited from two CR centers. Based on power calculation, 113 participants will be included. The intervention group will receive individualized follow-up through an app on a weekly basis throughout a year. The app will be set up with the participant’s own goals, and the follow-up will be based on these individual goals. The control group will receive usual care, including general advice regarding physical activity, exercise and diet. The participants will be assessed at baseline (at completion of CR) and 12 months after baseline. Primary outcome of the study will be peak oxygen uptake. Secondary outcomes include exercise performance, quality of life, health status, health literacy, self-perceived goal achievement, exercise habits, body weight, blood pressure as well as lipids and triglycerides. Discussion To our knowledge, this will be the first study to examine the effects of individualized follow-up with an app for one year, in patients completing CR. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that the study may be groundbreaking. Due to the large sample size and the theoretically based intervention, the study has the potential to generate new knowledge that may improve the design of future technology-based follow-up interventions of patients that have completed rehabilitation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03174106. First registration, 19/05/2017.

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A Randomized Controlled Trial Study of Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) Policy Experiment in South Korea

Research on Social Work Practice ◽

10.1177/1049731519894647 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 587-596 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Philip Young P. Hong ◽

Sangmi Choi ◽

Rana Hong

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

South Korea ◽

Low Income ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Self Sufficiency

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study examined the efficacy of the Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) program for low-income, low-skilled jobseekers in the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP) in South Korea. Method: A total of 169 participants in SSP regional centers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (104 participants) and the wait-list control group (65 participants). Employment hope, perceived employment barriers, economic self-sufficiency (ESS), self-esteem and self-efficacy were measured at two time points, and data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The TIP intervention group showed statistically significant increase in employment hope, ESS, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. The ANCOVA result indicated significant pre–post score differences in these variables between the TIP and the control groups. Discussion: TIP program can be effective in increasing psychological capital for low-income and low-skilled jobseekers. Further research ought to replicate the current RCT study to determine its application to other populations.

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P2684Blood pressure lowering by using a self-care focused smartphone application for patients after myocardial infarction

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.1002 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M Leosdottir ◽

I Sjolin ◽

C Sandberg ◽

A Olsson ◽

M Back ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Positive Feedback ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Self Care ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Self Control ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Number Of Visits

Abstract Background We have previously shown that complementing traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) with a web-based smartphone application designed to support self-control of risk factors can improve secondary prevention outcomes, including lower blood pressure (BP). Purpose To explore possible explanations for better BP control among patients with myocardial infarction (MI) receiving access to a smartphone application as a complement to traditional CR, compared to patients receiving traditional CR alone. Methods Data from a multi-centre randomized controlled trial that included 150 patients with MI (81% men, 60.4±8.8 years) was used. All patients participated in traditional CR. In addition, patients in the intervention group (APP, n=101) had access to the application. Patients received automated positive feedback on normal values and all registered data was viewed by CR nurses twice weekly. As previously reported, APP patients achieved a 9 mmHg larger reduction in systolic BP than usual care (UC) patients at 2-months follow-up (p=0.02). In the current analysis we assessed differences between APP and UC patients in the number of visits and telephone contacts with the CR clinic, number of reported BP measurements and number and type of interventions on account of out-of-range BP during the first 6 months of follow-up, using Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests. Results There was no difference in the median (IQR) number of visits to a CR nurse or physician (APP 2 (2–3) vs UC 2 (2–3), p=0.8) or telephone contacts ((APP 2 (1–4) vs UC 2 (1–4), p=0.8) between the groups. Approximately one in ten telephone contacts were initiated because of BP, with no difference between the groups (p=0.8). Out of 101 APP patients 75 reported BP values through the application, ranging from 1–175 BP values/patient (median 6 (IQR 0–34)). Most measurements (90%) were normal. Grouping clinic visits, telephone contacts due to BP and BP reports through the application as a composite for the number of BP measurements the CR personnel were exposed to during follow-up, there was a significant difference between the groups (APP 9 (4–36) vs UC 3 (2–3), p<0.0001). There was a small non-significant difference between the groups in the proportion of patients where an intervention was performed by the CR nurse on account of out-of-range BP (i.e. medication adjustments, new measurement scheduled) (APP 22% vs UC 12%, p=0.1). Conclusion While CR personnel were exposed to significantly more BP measurements from patients using a self-care focused smartphone application as a complement to traditional CR, most BP measurements reported through the application were normal and there was no difference in the number of interventions performed on account of out-of-range BP values. Automated positive feedback on in-range BP measurements, increased patient responsibility with better adherence to BP lowering medication could be possible explanations to improved BP control. Acknowledgement/Funding The faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

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Effect of a smartphone application (Perx) on medication adherence and clinical outcomes: a 12-month randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047041 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e047041

Author(s):

Ang Li ◽

M Gail Del Olmo ◽

Mackenzie Fong ◽

Kyra Sim ◽

Sharyn J Lymer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medication Adherence ◽

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Behavioural Change ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Endocrine Disorders ◽

Haemoglobin A1c ◽

Randomised Controlled

ObjectiveTo determine whether the Perx app improves medication adherence and clinical outcomes over 12 months compared with standard care in patients requiring polypharmacy.DesignRandomised controlled trial with 12-month follow-up.SettingOutpatient clinics in three tertiary hospitals in Sydney, Australia.ParticipantsEligible participants were aged 18–75 years, with at least one chronic condition, taking ≥3 different medications (oral medications or injections), with smartphone accessibility. Participants were randomised in a 1:1 ratio.InterventionsThe intervention group used the Perx app that contained customised reminders and gamified interactions to reward verified medication adherence.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was medication adherence over 12 months measured using pill counts. Secondary outcomes included clinical outcomes (haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), cholesterol, blood glucose, triglycerides, creatinine, thyroid function, blood pressure and weight).ResultsOf 1412 participants screened for eligibility, 124 participants were randomised; 45 in the Perx arm and 40 in the control arm completed the study. The average age was 59.5, 58.9% were women, chronic conditions were cardiovascular disease (78%), type 2 diabetes (75%), obesity (65%) or other endocrine disorders (18%). On average, participants were taking six medications daily. The Perx group had greater improvements in adherence at month 2 (Coef. 8%; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.15), month 3 (Coef. 7%; 95% CI 0.00 to 0.14) and month 12 (Coef. 7%; 95% CI 0.00 to 0.13). The probability of HbA1c ≤6.5% was greater in the Perx group at months 9 and 12 and cholesterol (total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) was lower in the Perx group at month 3. The intervention was particularly effective for those with obesity, taking medications for diabetes and taking ≤4 medications.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that app-based behavioural change interventions can increase medication adherence and produce longer-term improvements in some clinical outcomes in adults managing multimorbidity. More trials are needed to build the evidence base.Trial registration numberACTRN12617001285347.

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Rehabilitation in Survivors of COVID-19 (RE2SCUE): a nonrandomized, controlled, and open protocol

10.1101/2021.09.06.21262986 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Cristine Campos ◽

Tatyana Nery ◽

Ana Cristina de Bem Alves ◽

Ana Elisa Speck ◽

Danielle Soares Rocha Vieira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Handgrip Strength ◽

Functional Limitation ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Knee Extensor ◽

Analysis Of Covariance ◽

Control Group ◽

Significance Level ◽

Face To Face ◽

Intent To Treat ◽

And Control

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of physical rehabilitation for adults with sequelae after COVID-19. Methods: This clinical, nonrandomized, controlled, and open study will examine 82 participants who have met the inclusion criteria and who will be divided into treatment and control groups according to participant preference. The intervention group will receive face-to-face care; the control group will receive remote educational guidance for 8 weeks, with pre-post evaluations. The primary outcomes are dyspnea, fatigue, and exercise capacity; the secondary outcomes are lung function, heart rate variability, handgrip strength, knee extensor strength and electrical activity, physical activity, functional limitation, cognitive function, depression and anxiety, and biochemical measures of hypoxia, inflammation, oxidative stress, blood glucose, and lactate blood tests. The survey will follow the Standard Protocol Items for Randomized Trials guidelines, and the results will be reported according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines. Effects will be assessed based on the intent-to-treat data collected. Analysis of covariance will be used for the initial and final evaluations, with a significance level of 5%. Results and Conclusions: The results will show the effectiveness of rehabilitation in adults with post-COVID-19 sequelae.

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Personality Moderates Intervention Effects on Cognitive Function: A 6-Week Conversation-Based Intervention

The Gerontologist ◽

10.1093/geront/gnz063 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 60 (5) ◽

pp. 958-967 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Eric S Cerino ◽

Karen Hooker ◽

Elena Goodrich ◽

Hiroko H Dodge

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Function ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Neuropsychological Battery ◽

Intervention Effects ◽

Opposite Pattern ◽

Face To Face ◽

Design And Methods

Abstract Background and Objectives Social isolation is associated with a higher risk of dementia. We previously conducted and showed the efficacy of an intervention which uses conversation (the core component of social interactions) as a tool to enhance cognitive function. We now explore whether cognitive improvements through conversation-based intervention depend on an individual’s personality. Research Design and Methods We reexamined data from a 6-week randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Number: NCT01571427) to determine whether conversation-based intervention effects were moderated by personality traits in 83 older adults (mean age = 80.51 years, 49 cognitively intact, 34 individuals with mild cognitive impairment). The intervention group participated in daily 30-min face-to-face semi-structured conversations with trained interviewers through a web-enabled system for 6 weeks. At baseline, psychosocial questionnaires and a neuropsychological battery were completed. Results Intervention group participants with high agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion exhibited significant improvements in language-based executive function tasks beyond changes in the control group (ps < .05). An opposite pattern for delayed recall memory and working memory tasks emerged among highly extraverted participants (ps < .05). Discussion and Implications Our exploratory findings suggest the adaptive role of personality traits in conversation-based cognitive interventions may be limited to tasks incorporating a language component, and offer initial evidence for personalized approaches to cognitive health in late life.

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A smartphone application to facilitate adherence to home-based exercise after flexor tendon repair: A randomised controlled trial

Clinical Rehabilitation ◽

10.1177/0269215520962287 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 026921552096228

Author(s):

Jonas Svingen ◽

Jenny Rosengren ◽

Christina Turesson ◽

Marianne Arner

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Smartphone Application ◽

Injury Rehabilitation ◽

Rehabilitation Adherence ◽

Adherence Scale ◽

Randomised Controlled

Objective: Evaluate the effect of a smartphone application on exercise adherence, range of motion and self-efficacy compared to standard rehabilitation after repair of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon. Design: Prospective multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Setting: Four hand surgery departments in Sweden. Subjects: A total of 101 patients (35 women) (mean age 37.5 ± 12.8) were randomised to control ( n = 49) or intervention group ( n = 52). Intervention: A smartphone application to facilitate rehabilitation. Main outcome measures: Adherence assessed with the Sport Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scale at two and six weeks (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes were self-reported adherence in three domains assessed at two and six weeks, self-efficacy assessed with Athlete Injury Self-Efficacy Questionnaire at baseline, two and six weeks. Range of motion and perceived satisfaction with rehabilitation and information were assessed at 12 weeks. Results: Twenty-five patients were lost to follow-up. There was no significant between group difference in Sport Injury Rehabilitation Adherence Scale at two or six weeks, mean scores (confidence interval, CI 95%) 12.5 (CI 11.8–13.3), 11.8 (CI 11.0–12.8) for the intervention group, and 13.3 (CI 12.6–14.0), 12.8 (CI 12.0–13.7) for the control group. Self-reported adherence for exercise frequency at six weeks was significantly better for the intervention group, 93.2 (CI 86.9–99.5) compared to the controls 82.9 (CI 76.9–88.8) ( P = 0.02). There were no differences in range of motion, self-efficacy or satisfaction. Conclusion: The smartphone application used in this study did not improve adherence, self-efficacy or range of motion compared to standard rehabilitation for flexor tendon injuries. Further research regarding smartphone applications is needed. Level of evidence: I. Randomised controlled trial

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Nursing students’ knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy in blended e-learning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomized controlled trial

10.21203/rs.2.10864/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Hyunjung Moon ◽

Hye Sun Hyun

Keyword(s):

Nursing Students ◽

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽

Online Education ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Control Group ◽

Face To Face ◽

Before And After ◽

E Learning

Abstract Background: Although various forms of online education are on the rise worldwide, effects of such innovative approach are yet to be validated. This study analyzes whether blended e-learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education that integrates e-learning and face-to-face education is effective in improving nursing students’ knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Methods: The participants of this study were 120 nursing students randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 60) or the control (n = 60). Differences before and after the education of each group were analyzed with a paired t-test, and the differences between the two groups were analyzed with ANCOVA with knowledge as the covariate. Results: The findings indicated that the intervention group had significantly higher knowledge, F(1,117) =595.78, p <.001, and emotional attitude, F(1,117) = 9.61, p = .002, about CPR than the control group. Conclusions: Blended e-learning CPR programs could be used as effective supplemental CPR education for nursing students.

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