Use of a smartphone app combined with gamification to increase the level of physical activity of adults and older adults: protocol of a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial

Author(s)

Morais Pereira Simoes, Maria do Socorro ^[1] ; Gonze, Barbara de Barros ^[1] ; Proenca, Neli Leite ^[1] ; Lauria, Vinicius Tonon ^[1] ; Silva Terra, Vinicius Demarchi ^[1] ; Padovani, Ricardo da Costa ^[2] ; Dourado, Victor Zuniga ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Saude & Soc, Dept Ciencias Movimento Humano, 136 Silva Jardim St, Room 338, BR-11015020 Santos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Inst Saude & Soc, Dept Saude Educ & Soc, 136 Silva Jardim St, Room 215, BR-11015020 Santos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Trials; v. 20, n. 1 DEC 27 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background There is scientific evidence suggesting that app-based interventions targeted to increase the level of physical activity might be effective, although multicomponent interventions appear to be more effective than app-based interventions alone. Despite the motivating results, it remains unclear whether or not app-based interventions can increase the level of physical activity and cardiovascular health. Our study aims to investigate the effect of a smartphone app combined with gamification on the level of physical activity of adults and older adults. The specific aims are (1) to verify the effects of the intervention on cardiometabolic and cardiovascular health, lung function, and cardiorespiratory fitness; and (2) to verify the relationship between age group and the response rate. Methods/design We will conduct a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART). The adaptive intervention protocol will last 6 months. After baseline assessments, participants will be randomized into one of three groups (group 1: app + tailored messages; group 2: app + tailored messages + gamification I; control group: physical activity counseling). For 12 weeks, we will record the average number of steps per day of participants from groups 1 and 2. At 6 weeks from initiation of recording, participants will be classified into responders and non-responders according to their increase in the average number of daily steps; all those considered as non-responders will be re-randomized, with the chance to participate in a third group - group 3: app + tailored messages + gamification II. Finally, at 12 weeks, participants will continue using the app but will no longer receive direct intervention from investigators. All participants will be reassessed at 3 and 6 months from baseline. Our pilot SMART will require 42 participants (14 per arm). Following the SMART pilot, we will calculate the sample size for the trial based on the variation of the average number of steps/day, including an up to 40% loss to follow-up and a less optimistic nonresponse rate of 65%. Discussion To our knowledge, this will be the first trial with adaptive intervention to test the effectiveness of using a smartphone app to increase the level of physical activity of adults and older adults. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/50249-3 - Playful data-driven active urban living
• Grantee: Victor Zuniga Dourado
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/11817-1 - Utilization of an app for smartphone combined with beacons and gamification to increase the level of physical activity of adults and older adults: a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial
• Grantee: Maria Do Socorro Morais Pereira Simões
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training