A focus group study among insufficiently physically active African American adults regarding technology-delivered team-based gamification for physical activity promotion

Background

Gamification represents a promising approach for facilitating positive social interactions among groups of individuals and is increasingly being leveraged in physical activity (PA) interventions to promote enhanced intervention engagement and PA outcomes. Although African American (AA) adults experience disparities associated with health conditions that can be ameliorated with increased PA, little is known about how best to culturally target PA gamification strategies for this population. The purpose of this study was to gather perspectives from AA adults residing in the Southeast United States and subsequently identify themes to help inform the cultural adaptation of an existing electronic and mobile health (e/mHealth) gamification- and theory-based PA intervention for teams of insufficiently active AA adults.

Methods

An AA moderator facilitated six online focus groups among AA adults (n=42; 93% female; 45.09±9.77 years; 34.40±57.38 minutes/week of reported moderate-intensity equivalent PA), using a semi-structured focus group guide. Drawing from a content analysis approach, transcripts were coded and salient themes were identified.

Results

The focus groups revealed the following seven themes: (I) motivation (team-based gamification motivating); (II) accountability (team-based gamification promotes accountability); (III) competition (competitive elements attractive); (IV) weekly challenges (prefer to choose weekly PA challenges); (V) leaderboard feedback (preference for viewing steps and active minutes via a leaderboard); (VI) cultural relevancy (prefer elements reflective of their race and culture that promote team unity); (VII) teammate characteristics (mixed preferences regarding ideal sociodemographic characteristics and starting PA level of teammates).

Conclusions

Integrating team-based gamification in an e/mHealth-based PA intervention may be acceptable among AA adults. The identification of specific design preferences and perceptions of the value of the social environment points to the need to consider surface-level and deep structure cultural targeting when developing and further exploring best practices regarding gamified PA interventions for insufficiently active AAs.

How Societal Forces of Change Are Transforming Youth Physical Activity Promotion in North America

BACKGROUND

Climate change, increasing recognition of institutionalized discrimination, and the COVID-19 pandemic are large-scale, societal events (ie, forces of change) that affect the timing, settings, and modes of youth physical activity. Despite the impact that forces of change have on youth physical activity and physical activity environments, few studies consider how they affect physical activity promotion.

METHODS

The authors use 2 established frameworks, the ecological model of physical activity and the youth physical activity timing, how, and setting framework, to highlight changes in physical activity patterns of youth in North America that have resulted from contemporary forces of change.

RESULTS

North American countries-Canada, Mexico, and the United States-have faced similar but contextually different challenges for promoting physical activity in response to climate change, increasing recognition of institutionalized discrimination, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Innovative applications of implementation science, digital health technologies, and community-based participatory research methodologies may be practical for increasing and sustaining youth physical activity in response to these forces of change.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoughtful synthesis of existing physical activity frameworks can help to guide the design and evaluation of new and existing physical activity initiatives. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are encouraged to carefully consider the intended and unintended consequences of actions designed to respond to forces of change.

Harnessing technology and gamification to increase adult physical activity: a cluster randomized controlled trial of the Columbia Moves pilot

BACKGROUND

The use of health technologies and gamification to promote physical activity has increasingly been examined, representing an opportunistic method for harnessing social support inherent within existing social ties. However, these prior studies have yielded mixed findings and lacked long-term follow-up periods. Thus, a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to gauge the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a digital gamification-based physical activity promotion approach among teams of insufficiently active adults with existing social ties.

METHODS

Teams (N = 24; 116 total participants) were randomized to either a 12-week intervention (Fitbit, step goals, app, feedback; TECH) or the same program plus gamification (TECH + Gamification). Mixed effects models were used to compare group differences in treatment adherence, and changes in social support, steps, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at 12 weeks and 52 weeks from baseline, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and team size.

RESULTS

TECH had a lower mean number of days of Fitbit self-monitoring versus TECH + Gamification during the intervention (adjusted difference: -.30; 95% CI, -.54 to -.07; P = .01). Post-intervention, TECH had 47% lower odds of self-monitoring 7 days per week versus TECH + Gamification (.53; 95% CI, .31 to .89; P = .02). No differences were observed between TECH + Gamification and TECH in increases in social support (0.04; 95% CI, -.21 to .29; P = .76), ActiGraph-measured daily steps (-425; 95% CI, -1065 to 215; P = .19), or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity minutes (-3.36; 95% CI, -8.62 to 1.91; P = .21) from baseline to 12 weeks or in the regression of these improvements by 1 year (Ps > .05). Although not significant in the adjusted models (Ps > .05), clinically meaningful differences in Fitbit-measured daily steps (TECH, 7041 ± 2520; TECH + Gamification, 7988 ± 2707) and active minutes (TECH, 29.90 ± 29.76; TECH + Gamification, 36.38 ± 29.83) were found during the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

A gamified physical activity intervention targeting teams of adults with existing social ties was feasible and facilitated favorable, clinically meaningful additive physical activity effects while in place but did not drive enhanced, long-term physical activity participation. Future investigations should explore optimal team dynamics and more direct ways of leveraging social support (training teams; gamifying social support).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT03509129 , April 26, 2018).

Randomized controlled trial of financial incentives during weight-loss induction and maintenance in online group weight control

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the impact of a financial incentive scheme integrating process and outcome incentives across weight-loss induction and weight maintenance on 18-month weight outcomes.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial. Participants with overweight or obesity (n = 418; 91% female; 28% racial/ethnic minority) were randomized to an 18-month, online, group-based behavioral weight-control program (Internet-Only) or the same program with financial incentives provided for 12 months, contingent on self-regulatory weight-control behaviors (self-weighing, dietary self-monitoring, and physical activity) and weight-outcome benchmarks (Internet+Incentives). No financial incentives were provided from Months 13 to 18 to examine the durability of weight-control behaviors and outcomes without incentives.

RESULTS

Weight-loss induction at Month 6 was significantly greater for Internet+Incentives than Internet-Only (6.8% vs. 4.9%, respectively, p = 0.01). Individuals receiving incentives were significantly more likely to maintain weight loss ≥ 5% at Month 12 (45% in Internet+Incentives vs. 32% in Internet-Only, p < 0.02) and remain weight stable (39% vs. 27%, respectively, p < 0.01). Internet+Incentives participants also reported significantly greater behavioral engagement through Month 12. However, once incentives ceased, there were no differences in sustained weight outcomes (Month 18), and engagement declined dramatically.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite promoting greater treatment engagement and initial weight loss, financial incentives as offered in this study did not promote better extended weight control.

Evaluating a Technology-Mediated HPV Vaccination Awareness Intervention: A Controlled, Quasi-Experimental, Mixed Methods Study

College-aged women and men are an important catch-up population for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination interventions. Limited research has explored technology-mediated HPV vaccination awareness interventions aimed at college students. The purpose was to evaluate a novel, technology-mediated, social media-based intervention to promote HPV vaccination among college students. A controlled, quasi-experimental, mixed methods study examined the feasibility of a technology-based intervention among two undergraduate classes (n = 58) at a public university in the southeastern United States of America. Classes were randomized to receive one of two cancer prevention programs (i.e., HPV vaccination (intervention) or healthy weight (control)). Both programs contained eight technology-mediated sessions, including weekly emails and private Facebook group posts. Participants completed pre-/post-test surveys and submitted weekly qualitative reflections. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic review for qualitative data. Knowledge improved among participants in the HPV vaccination intervention relative to those in the control condition. Participants (97%) interacted on Facebook by "liking" a post or comment or posting a comment. Participants demonstrated robust engagement and high treatment satisfaction. Results suggests that social media is an effective platform to reach college students with health promotion interventions and increase HPV vaccination awareness in this important catch-up population.

An interdisciplinary intensive outpatient pain program is associated with improved patient activation and key outcomes

Aim: To examine the change in the Patient Activation Measure and physical and psychosocial outcome measures in a military interdisciplinary intensive outpatient program for persistent pain. Materials & methods: Pre- and post-intervention measures, which were also stratified by gender and baseline activation, included patient-reported outcomes and physical function assessment, obtained from 2017 to 2018 program database. Results: The majority of the participants were male (70.9%), with an average age of 29.18 years and pain duration of 4.78 years (n = 103). Patient activation, majority of the patient reported outcomes and functional assessments improved in the overall sample with fewer changes in females on the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale. Conclusion: Improvements were noted on the Patient Activation Measure and majority of the other outcome measures suggesting that service members with persistent pain at any level of patient activation or baseline function, may benefit from an intensive outpatient program.

College Freshmen Students' Perspectives on Weight Gain Prevention in the Digital Age: Web-Based Survey

BACKGROUND

College freshmen are highly vulnerable to experiencing weight gain, and this phenomenon is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality in older adulthood. Technology offers an attractive and scalable way to deliver behavioral weight gain prevention interventions for this population. Weight gain prevention programs that harness the appeal and widespread reach of Web-based technologies (electronic health or eHealth) are increasingly being evaluated in college students. Yet, few of these interventions are informed by college students' perspectives on weight gain prevention and related lifestyle behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess college freshmen students' concern about weight gain and associated topics, as well as their interest in and delivery medium preferences for eHealth programs focused on these topics.

METHODS

Web-based surveys that addressed college freshmen students' (convenience sample of N=50) perspectives on weight gain prevention were administered at the beginning and end of the fall 2015 semester as part of a longitudinal investigation of health-related issues and experiences in first semester college freshmen. Data on weight gain prevention-related concerns and corresponding interest in eHealth programs targeting topics of potential concern, as well as preferred program delivery medium and current technology use were gathered and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A considerable proportion of the freshmen sample expressed concern about weight gain (74%, 37/50) and both traditional (healthy diet: 86%, 43/50; physical activity: 64%, 32/50) and less frequently addressed (stress: 82%, 41/50; sleep: 74%, 37/50; anxiety and depression: 60%, 30/50) associated topics within the context of behavioral weight gain prevention. The proportion of students who reported interest in eHealth promotion programs targeting these topics was also generally high (ranging from 52% [26/50] for stress management to 70% [35/50] for eating a healthy diet and staying physically active). Email was the most frequently used electronic platform, with 96% (48/50) of students reporting current use of it. Email was also the most frequently cited preferred eHealth delivery platform, with 86% (43/50) of students selecting it. Facebook was preferred by the second greatest proportion of students (40%, 20/50).

CONCLUSIONS

Most college freshmen have concerns about an array of weight gain prevention topics and are generally open to the possibility of receiving eHealth interventions designed to address their concerns, preferably via email compared with popular social media platforms. These preliminary findings offer a foundation to build upon when it comes to future descriptive investigations focused on behavioral weight gain prevention among college freshmen in the digital age.

Evidence-based lifestyle interventions for obesity and Type 2 diabetes: The Look AHEAD intensive lifestyle intervention as exemplar

The majority of individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) are overweight or obese, and this excess adiposity negatively impacts cardiovascular risk and contributes to challenges in disease management. Treatment of obesity by behavioral lifestyle intervention, within the context of diabetes, produces broad and clinically meaningful health improvements, and recent studies demonstrate long-term sustained weight management success with behavioral lifestyle interventions. Details of the Look AHEAD intensive lifestyle intervention are provided as an exemplar approach to the secondary prevention of T2D and obesity. The presence of behavior change expertise in the development and delivery of evidence-based behavioral weight control is discussed, and issues of adaptation and dissemination are raised, with a model to guide these important steps provided. (PsycINFO Database Record

Effect of Adding Online Social Support Tools to an Adult Walking Program: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This pilot study examined the efficacy of providing access to online social support tools on adults' step counts during a technology-mediated walking intervention. Sixty-three insufficiently active adults were randomized to a 12-week walking intervention with (SUPPORT) or without (NO SUPPORT) access to online social support tools. Both groups received a pedometer, step goals, and access to relevant websites. The SUPPORT group also received access to online social support tools. A mixed-factor analysis of variance was conducted to examine within- and between-group differences in measures of daily steps, psychosocial indicators, and health. Both groups significantly (p < .05) increased their daily steps over time from baseline by 1,401 (SUPPORT) and 2,461 (NO SUPPORT), with no significant differences between groups. Psychosocial and health improvements were no greater for SUPPORT versus NO SUPPORT. The SUPPORT group's use of the online social support tools was low. Results suggest that giving adults access to online social support tools during a technology-mediated walking program did not lead to an enhanced increase in daily steps versus an identical program without these tools; however, the low use of these tools may have weakened their effect. Future studies should examine SUPPORT versus NO SUPPORT among groups with preexisting social ties.

A Systematic, Multi-domain Review of Mobile Smartphone Apps for Evidence-Based Stress Management

CONTEX

Chronic stress presents a growing, pervasive burden in healthcare, and mobile smartphone applications (apps) have the potential to deliver evidence-based stress management strategies. This review identified and evaluated stress management apps across domains of (1) evidence-based content; (2) transparency in app development; and (3) functionality of the app interface.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The iOS App Store was systematically searched. Apps with descriptions indicating that they targeted the intended audience and included evidence-related terminology, at least one evidence-based stress management strategy, and behavior change components were downloaded and evaluated by two independent raters across the three domains of evidence-based content, transparency, and functionality.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 902 apps were identified based on 21 searches. Of these, 60 met study criteria and were downloaded and evaluated between April and June 2015. Twenty (33%) ultimately did not deliver an evidence-based strategy. Of the delivered strategies, the most common were mindfulness and meditation (73%) and diaphragmatic breathing (25%). On average, apps addressed half of the transparency criteria, and nearly all (85%) were acceptable across usability criteria. A total of 32 apps included both evidence-based content and exhibited no problems with usability or functionality; apps affiliated with a non-profit, research-engaged institution comprised 31% of these.

CONCLUSIONS

This review evaluated 60 iOS apps for stress management across domains of evidence-based content, transparency, and functionality; these apps have the potential to effectively supplement medical care. Findings further indicate that a comprehensive, multi-domain approach can distinguish apps that use evidence-based strategies from those that do not.

A Technology-Mediated Behavioral Weight Gain Prevention Intervention for College Students: Controlled, Quasi-Experimental Study

BACKGROUND

Both men and women are vulnerable to weight gain during the college years, and this phenomenon is linked to an increased risk of several chronic diseases and mortality. Technology represents an attractive medium for the delivery of weight control interventions focused on college students, given its reach and appeal among this population. However, few technology-mediated weight gain prevention interventions have been evaluated for college students.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined a new technology-based, social media-facilitated weight gain prevention intervention for college students.

METHODS

Undergraduates (n =58) in two sections of a public university course were allocated to either a behavioral weight gain prevention intervention (Healthy Weight, HW; N=29) or a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination awareness intervention (control; N=29). All students were enrolled, regardless of initial body weight or expressed interest in weight management. The interventions delivered 8 lessons via electronic newsletters and Facebook postings over 9 weeks, which were designed to foster social support and introduce relevant educational content. The HW intervention targeted behavioral strategies to prevent weight gain and provided participants with a Wi-Fi-enabled scale and an electronic physical activity tracker to facilitate weight regulation. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to examine within- and between-group differences in measures of self-reported weight control practices and objectively measured weight. Use of each intervention medium and device was objectively tracked, and intervention satisfaction measures were obtained.

RESULTS

Students remained weight stable (HW: -0.48+1.9 kg; control: -0.45+1.4 kg), with no significant difference between groups over 9 weeks (P =.94). However, HW students reported a significantly greater increase in the number of appropriate weight control strategies than did controls (2.1+4.5 vs -1.1+3.4, respectively; P =.003) and there was no increase in inappropriate weight control behaviors (P =.11). More than 90% of students in the HW arm opened the electronic newsletters each week, and the average number of Facebook interactions (comments and likes) per student each week was 3.3+1.4. Each self-monitoring device was initialized by 90% of HW students. On average, they used their physical activity tracker for 23.7+15.2 days and their Wi-Fi scale for 14.1+13.1 days over the 9 weeks. HW students rated the intervention favorably.

CONCLUSIONS

The short-term effect of this technology-based weight gain prevention intervention for college students is promising and merits evaluation over a longer duration to determine whether engagement and behavioral improvements positively affect weight outcomes and can be maintained.

Relation of college students' self-perceived and measured health-related physical fitness

This study examined the relation of college students' self-perceived and measured physical fitness. Students (30 men, 30 women; M age = 20.1 yr., SD = 1.4) completed the Physical Self-description Questionnaire and four fitness tests: air displacement plethysmography, submaximal treadmill test, curl-up test, and sit-and-reach test. Significant correlations were obtained for self-perceived physical fitness with measured body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, and flexibility (r = .33-.62). Significant correlations were also found between self-perceived overall fitness and actual body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, and muscular endurance (|r| = .26-.55). These findings suggest that college students can gauge their own fitness in terms of four distinct health-related components with some accuracy.