Digital Health Platforms for Physical Activity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if digital health tools can help newly retired adults increase their levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity over a year. Researchers are testing three different approaches: one focuses on identity and habits (Identity Digital Health Online Platform), another on self-regulation skills (Self Regulation Digital Health Online Platform), and a control group receives general health education (Control Digital Health Online Platform). The trial also examines how these methods might enhance physical and mental well-being. Adults aged 60-70 who are recently retired and not meeting recommended activity levels may find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative digital health strategies to improve well-being.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that these digital health platforms are safe for increasing physical activity?
Research has shown that digital health platforms, such as the Identity Digital Health Online Platform, are generally safe. One study examined how these platforms assist individuals in following exercise guidelines, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and found no major safety issues (source: PMC7857525). Another study discovered that digital health tools can enhance activity levels without causing significant problems (source: diva-portal.org).
For the Self Regulation Digital Health Online Platform, evidence suggests that digital tools effectively and safely manage exercise routines. A review found these tools increase physical activity without notable side effects (source: frontiersin.org).
Overall, both platforms are well-tolerated, with no significant reports of negative effects, indicating they are safe for most people to use to increase physical activity.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Digital Health Platforms for Physical Activity trial because it explores how digital tools can help people stay active, especially during life transitions like retirement. Unlike traditional fitness programs that might emphasize in-person sessions or generic online advice, these platforms are tailored to individuals' needs and behaviors. The Identity Intervention focuses on building a personal connection to physical activity, while the Self Regulation Intervention supports managing behavior through planning and goal-setting. The Control Education Group provides foundational knowledge, making sure participants receive consistent support. This trial hopes to uncover how personalized digital health interventions can effectively promote long-term physical activity.
What evidence suggests that this trial's digital health platforms could be effective for increasing physical activity?
Research has shown that digital health tools can help people become more active. In this trial, participants will use different digital health platforms. Studies have found that the Identity Digital Health Online Platform encourages activity by helping people build healthy habits. For example, digital tools have effectively promoted exercise among college students and older adults.
The Self Regulation Digital Health Online Platform, another platform tested in this trial, is supported by evidence suggesting that self-guided digital tools can also boost physical activity. These platforms often help users set goals and track their progress, which has increased activity levels. Both platforms use digital tools to support and motivate movement, potentially leading to better health.23467Who Is on the Research Team?
Ryan Rhodes, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Victoria
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 60-70 who have retired within the past 1.5 years, are not currently meeting physical activity guidelines, can use a computer or smartphone with internet access, and are able to exercise on their own.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Initial Intervention
Participants engage in a 6-week intervention with modules focusing on identity, habit, and self-regulation, depending on group assignment.
Support/Booster Check-ins
Participants receive support and booster check-ins at 3, 6, and 12 weeks to reinforce intervention material.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for physical activity levels and health outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention.
End-of-Trial Assessment
Participants complete an end-of-trial semi-structured interview and final assessments.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Control Digital Health Online Platform
- Identity Digital Health Online Platform
- Self Regulation Digital Health Online Platform
Trial Overview
The study compares three online programs over 12 months: one focuses on building healthy habits and self-regulation skills, another just on self-regulation skills, and a control group receives only education. Participants are randomly assigned to one of these groups.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Self Regulation Intervention Condition will have access to modules 1 through 6 (reflective and regulatory processes). 4 additional modules will be included to ensure equivalence of dose across conditions. \& focus on general retirement considerations such as travel, socializing, and financial planning with the same style and formatting as the PA modules. Participants will be provided with an accelerometer to wear for a week. Participants will complete online survey \& attend fitness testing @ the lab. All groups receive support/booster check-ins on the same material as their intervention designation at 3-,6-, and 12 weeks and 6-months. After the initial 6-week intervention period, participants will be given follow-up online questionnaires and accelerometers. This will follow a similar protocol for the 3-, 6- and 12-month time period (6-month assessment will include fitness testing). All participants will be asked to participate in a 6 month exit interview.
The ID condition will be comprised of a 6-week, 10 module format (1-2 modules released per week), covering all reflective, regulatory, and reflexive processes. Modules 8-10 cover behavior change techniques targeting habit and identity that correspond to PA during the transition to retirement. * Participants will be provided with an accelerometer to wear for a week. * Participants will then complete an online questionnaire and attend the laboratory for fitness testing. * All groups will receive support/booster check-ins on the same material as their intervention designation at 3-,6-, and 12 weeks and 6-months. * After the initial 6-week intervention period, participants will be given follow-up online questionnaires and accelerometers. * This will follow a similar protocol for the 3-, 6- and 12-month time period (6-month assessment will include fitness testing). * In addition, all participants will be asked to participate in an exit interview (at 6-months).
Control Group will have access to education lessons 1 to 3 (reflective processes). 7 additional education lessons are included in the Control Education group to ensure equivalence of dose across conditions. * Participants will be provided with an accelerometer-mailed or delivered-to wear for seven consecutive days. * Following accelerometer wear, participants will complete an online questionnaire and attend the laboratory for fitness testing. * All groups will receive support/booster check-ins on the same material as their intervention designation at 3-,6-, and 12 weeks and 6-months. - After the initial 6-week intervention period, participants will be given follow-up online questionnaires and accelerometers. - This will follow a similar protocol for the 3-, 6- and 12-month time period (6-month assessment will include fitness testing). - In addition, all participants will be asked to participate in an end-of-trial semi-structured interview (at 6-months).
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Victoria
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions in Promoting ...
This study aims to examine the impact of digital health interventions on physical activity behaviors among college students, using objective measures as outcome ...
Digital Tools' Effectiveness on Physical Activity Outcomes in ...
It offers evidence-based insights for practitioners, educators, and policymakers, helping to identify digital tools most likely to successfully ...
The effectiveness of digital tools to maintain physical activity ...
This review provides preliminary evidence that interventions incorporating digital tools may be more effective than minimal controls at supporting people with ...
Empowering Physical Activity through eHealth: Web-Based ...
Effectiveness and feasibility. Web-based exercise programs provide significant health benefits for older adults and individuals with ID. These programs ...
The use of digital platforms and physical activity practice in ...
Using digital platforms for physical activity was associated with a higher mean daily physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Use of Digital Platforms for Adults' and Adolescents ... - PMC
This study aimed to examine associations between the use of digital platforms and adherence to the physical activity guidelines among Australian adults and ...
AI and Digital Health: Personalizing Physical Activity to ...
More is better: harnessing artificial intelligence and big data for enhanced cardiovascular risk prediction, European Journal of Preventive ...
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