Sensor-controlled Digital Game for Heart Failure Selfmanagement Behavior Adherence: A Randomized Controlled Trial
University of Texas at Austin
Summary
This study evaluates a sensor-controlled digital game (SCDG) to motivate self-management behaviors of weight monitoring and physical activity in adults with heart failure (HF). Half of the participants will receive the SCDG app and weight monitoring and physical activity sensors and the other half will receive only the weight monitoring and physical activity sensors.
Description
The primary goal of this study is to obtain efficacy data through a randomized controlled trial of a SCDG intervention that synchronizes with a Bluetooth-enabled weight scale and activity tracker to activate game rewards and feedback based on real-time weight monitoring and exercise behaviors of adult heart failure (HF) participants who are older than 45 years. The SCDG involves a narrative, the goal of which is to help the avatar maintain good health and quality of life by using game points, earned via the participant's real-time behaviors, in game tasks that help maintain the avatar's optim…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 45+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 45 years or older * New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart failure classification of I to III that permits minimal physical activity without discomfort * have experienced HF hospitalization in the past 12 months * be fluent in English * Pass a mini-cognitive screen * Score of less than 2 (able to independently walk without using a cane or walker) on the Outcome and Assessment Information Set item for ambulation/locomotion Exclusion Criteria: * severe visual (e.g., legally blind) or tactile (e.g., severe arthritis) impairments that adversely prevent the use of a sm…
Interventions
- BehavioralSensor-controlled digital game (SCDG)
The SCDG will involve a narrative, the goal of which is to help an avatar in the game avoid rehospitalization by using game points, earned via the participant's real-time behaviors, in game tasks that help maintain the avatar's optimal HF health status. Real-time behaviors of weight-monitoring and physical activity will be tracked by an off-the-shelf sensors and app (Withings). The data from the Withings sensors will then be routed to our SCDG app. The digital game paired with sensors will enable objective tracking of real-time behaviors such as physical activity, and weight monitoring, and provide personalized, contextually relevant feedback (e.g., reduce fluid intake or call doctor for weight gain) to motivate engagement in and generate habit formation of heart failure related self-management behaviors.
- BehavioralSensor Only
Real-time behaviors of weight-monitoring and physical activity will be tracked by an off-the-shelf sensors and app (Withings). This group will also be provided with standardized evidence-based HF educational material.However, the data from the Withings sensors will not be routed to the SCDG.
Location
- The University of Texas AustinAustin, Texas