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Cooney E, Toomey E, Ryan K, Meade O, McSharry J. What's different about digital? A qualitative interview study exploring experiences of adapting in-person behaviour change interventions for digital delivery. Br J Health Psychol 2024. [PMID: 39075024 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Digital health behaviour change interventions may be adapted from in-person interventions, without appropriate consideration of how the digital context might differ. Drawing on the wider literature on behaviour change intervention development, this research aims to explore the digital adaptation process of health behaviour change interventions and the specific considerations for digital modes of delivery. DESIGN A qualitative interview study. METHODS Interviews with 15 intervention developers/facilitators were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Findings highlight a continuum of digitalization, where variation in technology available and human support influences considerations for digital adaptation. 'What vs how: "trying to do the impossible"' describes the balance between retaining the intervention's active ingredients while modifying for digital delivery. Through 'Trial and error', participants described an iterative process based on experience of delivery. 'Creating connection and engagement' emphasizes the importance of social support and the challenges of replicating this. CONCLUSIONS Several considerations for digital adaptations are proposed including the involvement of end-users (facilitators and recipients) during adaptation, the need to understand the original intervention and new context for use, and the different motivational needs of digital intervention recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Cooney
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- S3 Connected Health, Dublin, Ireland
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Elaine Toomey
- Health Behaviour Change Research Group, School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Centre for Health Research Methods, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Kathleen Ryan
- School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Galway, Ireland
| | - Oonagh Meade
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- S3 Connected Health, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jenny McSharry
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- S3 Connected Health, Dublin, Ireland
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Asbjørnsen RA, Hjelmesæth J, Smedsrød ML, Wentzel J, Clark MM, Kelders SM, van Gemert-Pijnen JEWC, Solberg Nes L. Implementation of a digital behavior change intervention (eCHANGE) for weight loss maintenance support: a service design and technology transfer approach. Front Digit Health 2024; 6:1394599. [PMID: 39015479 PMCID: PMC11249862 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2024.1394599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease, and while weight loss is achievable, long-term weight loss maintenance is difficult and relapse common for people living with obesity. Aiming to meet the need for innovative approaches, digital behavior change interventions show promise in supporting health behavior change to maintain weight after initial weight loss. Implementation of such interventions should however be part of the design and development processes from project initiation to facilitate uptake and impact. Based on the development and implementation process of eCHANGE, an evidence-informed application-based self-management intervention for weight loss maintenance, this manuscript provides suggestions and guidance into; (1) How a service design approach can be used from initiation to implementation of digital interventions, and (2) How a technology transfer process can accelerate implementation of research-based innovation from idea to market.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. A. Asbjørnsen
- Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Section of Psychology, Health & Technology, Department of Technology, Human and Institutional Behaviour, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Research and Innovation Department, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - J. Hjelmesæth
- Department of Endocrinology, Obesity and Nutrition, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - M. L. Smedsrød
- Collaborative Care Unit, Sørlandet Hospital Trust, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - J. Wentzel
- Research Group IT Innovations in Health Care, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, Netherlands
| | - M. M. Clark
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, College of Medicine & Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - S. M. Kelders
- Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Section of Psychology, Health & Technology, Department of Technology, Human and Institutional Behaviour, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - J. E. W. C. van Gemert-Pijnen
- Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Section of Psychology, Health & Technology, Department of Technology, Human and Institutional Behaviour, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
| | - L. Solberg Nes
- Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, College of Medicine & Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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Moorthy P, Weinert L, Schüttler C, Svensson L, Sedlmayr B, Müller J, Nagel T. Attributes, Methods, and Frameworks Used to Evaluate Wearables and Their Companion mHealth Apps: Scoping Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e52179. [PMID: 38578671 PMCID: PMC11031706 DOI: 10.2196/52179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wearable devices, mobile technologies, and their combination have been accepted into clinical use to better assess the physical fitness and quality of life of patients and as preventive measures. Usability is pivotal for overcoming constraints and gaining users' acceptance of technology such as wearables and their companion mobile health (mHealth) apps. However, owing to limitations in design and evaluation, interactive wearables and mHealth apps have often been restricted from their full potential. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify studies that have incorporated wearable devices and determine their frequency of use in conjunction with mHealth apps or their combination. Specifically, this study aims to understand the attributes and evaluation techniques used to evaluate usability in the health care domain for these technologies and their combinations. METHODS We conducted an extensive search across 4 electronic databases, spanning the last 30 years up to December 2021. Studies including the keywords "wearable devices," "mobile apps," "mHealth apps," "physiological data," "usability," "user experience," and "user evaluation" were considered for inclusion. A team of 5 reviewers screened the collected publications and charted the features based on the research questions. Subsequently, we categorized these characteristics following existing usability and wearable taxonomies. We applied a methodological framework for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. RESULTS A total of 382 reports were identified from the search strategy, and 68 articles were included. Most of the studies (57/68, 84%) involved the simultaneous use of wearables and connected mobile apps. Wrist-worn commercial consumer devices such as wristbands were the most prevalent, accounting for 66% (45/68) of the wearables identified in our review. Approximately half of the data from the medical domain (32/68, 47%) focused on studies involving participants with chronic illnesses or disorders. Overall, 29 usability attributes were identified, and 5 attributes were frequently used for evaluation: satisfaction (34/68, 50%), ease of use (27/68, 40%), user experience (16/68, 24%), perceived usefulness (18/68, 26%), and effectiveness (15/68, 22%). Only 10% (7/68) of the studies used a user- or human-centered design paradigm for usability evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Our scoping review identified the types and categories of wearable devices and mHealth apps, their frequency of use in studies, and their implementation in the medical context. In addition, we examined the usability evaluation of these technologies: methods, attributes, and frameworks. Within the array of available wearables and mHealth apps, health care providers encounter the challenge of selecting devices and companion apps that are effective, user-friendly, and compatible with user interactions. The current gap in usability and user experience in health care research limits our understanding of the strengths and limitations of wearable technologies and their companion apps. Additional research is necessary to overcome these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetha Moorthy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lina Weinert
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Section for Oral Health, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christina Schüttler
- Medical Center for Information and Communication Technology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Laura Svensson
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Brita Sedlmayr
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry, Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Müller
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Nagel
- Human Data Interaction Lab, Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
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Blacket CT, Fuller JT, Bennett H, Crozier AJ, Dziano JK, Arnold JB. Just Run: Development of a theory-based motivational online intervention for promoting ongoing running participation. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2024; 71:102581. [PMID: 38061406 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Running is a popular form of physical activity yet discontinuation is common. Interventions targeting physical activity adoption have shown modest effects, often with little translation into long-term participation, which may limit the health benefits available to the wider community. This paper details the development of a new online running intervention (Just Run) aimed at improving continuation of running activity in new runners through a motivational and psychological lens, including aspects of design, content, refinement, and usability testing. A six-step intervention mapping process was used to develop a theory-based online intervention using a mix of research designs. Key stakeholders including runners, coaches and relevant experts in physical activity and behavior change provided valuable insight, feedback and refinement of the education to be delivered. The final Just Run intervention included ten modules delivered online over twelve weeks to promote ongoing running participation through videos, testimonials, and activities. Key themes identified through the literature and stakeholder engagement process related to goal setting, self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, social support and overcoming barriers to running participation. Usability testing confirmed the quality and suitability of the education to the target population. Just Run has been developed with a range of stakeholders to address an area of unmet need in the adoption and promotion of running. Just Run is a robust online intervention that has been designed and pre-tested with positive feedback and unique insights from key stakeholders. Further investigation is required to support its implementation to the wider community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe T Blacket
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Australia.
| | - Joel T Fuller
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hunter Bennett
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Alyson J Crozier
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Jenelle K Dziano
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - John B Arnold
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Australia
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Palmeira AL, Marques MM, Sánchez-Oliva D, Encantado J, Santos I, Duarte C, Matos M, Carneiro-Barrera A, Larsen SC, Horgan G, Sniehotta FF, Teixeira PJ, Stubbs RJ, Heitmann BL. Are motivational and self-regulation factors associated with 12 months' weight regain prevention in the NoHoW study? An analysis of European adults. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:128. [PMID: 37891654 PMCID: PMC10605649 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01529-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Preventing weight regain can only be achieved by sustained changes in energy balance-related behaviors that are associated with weight, such as diet and physical activity. Changes in motivation and self-regulatory skills can support long-term behavioral changes in the context of weight loss maintenance. We propose that experiencing a supportive climate care is associated with enhanced satisfaction of basic psychological needs, intrinsic goals, and autonomous motivation. These factors are expected to be associate with the utilization of self-regulation skills, leading to more sustained behavior changes and ultimately preventing weight regain. This hypothesis was tested in this ancillary analysis of the NoHoW trial, where the study arms were pooled and followed for 12 months. METHODS The NoHoW was a three-center, large-scale weight regain prevention full factorial trial. In this longitudinal study, data were collected in adults who lost > 5% weight in the past year (N = 870, complete data only, 68.7% female, 44.10 ± 11.86 years, 84.47 ± 17.03 kg) during their participation in a 12-month digital behavior change intervention. Weight and validated measures of motivational- and self-regulatory skills-related variables were collected at baseline, six- and 12 months. Change variables were used in Mplus' path analytical models informed by NoHoW's logic model. RESULTS The bivariate correlations confirmed key mediators' potential effect on weight outcomes in the expected causal direction. The primary analysis showed that a quarter of the variance (r2 = 23.5%) of weight regain prevention was achieved via the mechanisms of action predicted in the logic model. Specifically, our results show that supportive climate care is associated with needs satisfaction and intrinsic goal content leading to better weight regain prevention via improvements in self-regulatory skills and exercise-controlled motivation. The secondary analysis showed that more mechanisms of action are significant in participants who regained or maintained their weight. CONCLUSIONS These results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of action leading to behavior change in weight regain prevention. The most successful participants used only a few intrinsic motivation-related mechanisms of action, suggesting that habits may have been learned. While developing a digital behavior change intervention, researchers and practitioners should consider creating supportive climate care to improve needs satisfaction and intrinsic goal contents. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN88405328 , registered 12/22/2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- António L Palmeira
- CIDEFES, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Marta M Marques
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School | Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Sánchez-Oliva
- Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Body Expression, Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Inês Santos
- CIDEFES, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande, 376, 1749-024, Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Centro Académico de Medicina de Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Duarte
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Group, School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - Marcela Matos
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Sofus C Larsen
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Falko F Sniehotta
- Department of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - R James Stubbs
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Group, School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - Berit L Heitmann
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section for General Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Dakin CA, Finlayson G, Horgan G, Palmeira AL, Heitmann BL, Larsen SC, Sniehotta FF, Stubbs RJ. Exploratory analysis of reflective, reactive, and homeostatic eating behaviour traits on weight change during the 18-month NoHoW weight maintenance trial. Appetite 2023; 189:106980. [PMID: 37495176 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Behaviour change interventions for weight management have found varied effect sizes and frequent weight re-gain after weight loss. There is interest in exploring whether differences in eating behaviour can be used to develop tailored weight management programs. This secondary analysis of an 18-month weight maintenance randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to investigate the association between individual variability in weight maintenance success and change in eating behaviour traits (EBT). Data was analysed from the NoHoW trial (Scott et al., 2019), which was designed to measure processes of change after weight loss of ≥5% body weight in the previous year. The sample included 1627 participants (mean age = 44.0 years, SD = 11.9, mean body mass index (BMI) = 29.7 kg/m2, SD = 5.4, gender = 68.7% women/31.3% men). Measurements of weight (kg) and 7 EBTs belonging to domains of reflective, reactive, or homeostatic eating were taken at 4 time points up to 18-months. Increases in measures of 'reactive eating' (binge eating, p < .001), decreases in 'reflective eating' (restraint, p < .001) and changes in 'homeostatic eating' (unlimited permission to eat, p < .001 and reliance on hunger and satiety cues, p < .05) were significantly and independently associated with concomitant weight change. Differences in EBT change were observed between participants who lost, maintained, or re-gained weight for all EBTs (p < .001) except for one subscale of intuitive eating (eating for physical reasons, p = .715). Participants who lost weight (n = 322) exhibited lower levels of reactive eating and higher levels of reflective eating than participants who re-gained weight (n = 668). EBT domains can identify individuals who need greater support to progress in weight management interventions. Increasing reflective eating and reducing reactive eating may enhance weight management success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa A Dakin
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Research Group (ACEB), School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Graham Finlayson
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Research Group (ACEB), School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Graham Horgan
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Berit L Heitmann
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, Denmark; The Boden Initiative, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Australia; Section for General Practise, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sofus C Larsen
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, Denmark; The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Falko F Sniehotta
- NIHR Policy Research Unit Behavioural Science, Faculty of Medical Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK; Department of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Centre for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - R James Stubbs
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Research Group (ACEB), School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Johannessen E, Johansson J, Hartvigsen G, Horsch A, Årsand E, Henriksen A. Collecting health-related research data using consumer-based wireless smart scales. Int J Med Inform 2023; 173:105043. [PMID: 36934610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serious public-health concerns such as overweight and obesity are in many cases caused by excess intake of food combined with decreases in physical activity. Smart scales with wireless data transfer can, together with smart watches and trackers, observe changes in the population's health. They can present us with a picture of our metabolism, body health, and disease risks. Combining body composition data with physical activity measurements from devices such as smart watches could contribute to building a human digital twin. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the evolution of smart scales in the last decade, (2) map status and supported sensors of smart scales, (3) get an overview of how smart scales have been used in research, and (4) identify smart scales for current and future research. METHOD We searched for devices through web shops and smart scale tests/reviews, extracting data from the manufacturer's official website, user manuals when available, and data from web shops. We also searched scientific literature databases for smart scale usage in scientific papers. RESULT We identified 165 smart scales with a wireless connection from 72 different manufacturers, released between 2009 and end of 2021. Of these devices, 49 (28%) had been discontinued by end of 2021. We found that the use of major variables such as fat and muscle mass have been as good as constant over the years, and that minor variables such as visceral fat and protein mass have increased since 2015. The main contribution is a representative overview of consumer grade smart scales between 2009 and 2021. CONCLUSION The last six years have seen a distinct increase of these devices in the marketplace, measuring body composition with bone mass, muscle mass, fat mass, and water mass, in addition to weight. Still, the number of research projects featuring connected smart scales are few. One reason could be the lack of professionally accurate measurements, though trend analysis might be a more feasible usage scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erlend Johannessen
- Department of Computer Science, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Jonas Johansson
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gunnar Hartvigsen
- Department of Computer Science, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Health and Nursing Science, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
| | - Alexander Horsch
- Department of Computer Science, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eirik Årsand
- Department of Computer Science, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - André Henriksen
- Department of Computer Science, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Encantado J, Marques MM, Gouveia MJ, Santos I, Sánchez-Oliva D, O'Driscoll R, Turicchi J, Larsen SC, Horgan G, Teixeira PJ, Stubbs RJ, Heitmann BL, Palmeira AL. Testing motivational and self-regulatory mechanisms of action on device-measured physical activity in the context of a weight loss maintenance digital intervention: A secondary analysis of the NoHoW trial. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 64:102314. [PMID: 37665806 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, few digital behavior change interventions for weight loss maintenance focusing on long-term physical activity promotion have used a sound intervention design grounded on a logic model underpinned by behavior change theories. The current study is a secondary analysis of the weight loss maintenance NoHoW trial and investigated putative mediators of device-measured long-term physical activity levels (six to 12 months) in the context of a digital intervention. METHODS A subsample of 766 participants (Age = 46.2 ± 11.4 years; 69.1% female; original NoHoW sample: 1627 participants) completed all questionnaires on motivational and self-regulatory variables and had all device-measured physical activity data available for zero, six and 12 months. We examined the direct and indirect effects of Virtual Care Climate on post intervention changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and number of steps (six to 12 months) through changes in the theory-driven motivational and self-regulatory mechanisms of action during the intervention period (zero to six months), as conceptualized in the logic model. RESULTS Model 1 tested the mediation processes on Steps and presented a poor fit to the data. Model 2 tested mediation processes on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and presented poor fit to the data. Simplified models were also tested considering the autonomous motivation and the controlled motivation variables independently. These changes yielded good results and both models presented very good fit to the data for both outcome variables. Percentage of explained variance was negligible for all models. No direct or indirect effects were found from Virtual Care Climate to long term change in outcomes. Indirect effects occurred only between the sequential paths of the theory-driven mediators. CONCLUSION This was one of the first attempts to test a serial mediation model considering psychological mechanisms of change and device-measured physical activity in a 12-month longitudinal trial. The model explained a small proportion of variance in post intervention changes in physical activity. We found different pathways of influence on theory-driven motivational and self-regulatory mechanisms but limited evidence that these constructs impacted on actual behavior change. New approaches to test these relationships are needed. Challenges and several alternatives are discussed. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN88405328. Registered December 16, 2016, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN88405328.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Encantado
- Centro Interdisciplinar para o Estudo da Performance Humana (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada, Lisbon, Portugal; Applied Psychology Research Center Capabilities & Inclusion (APPsyCI), ISPA, Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Marta M Marques
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation & ADAPT Centre, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Comprehensive Health Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Gouveia
- Applied Psychology Research Center Capabilities & Inclusion (APPsyCI), ISPA, Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Santos
- Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física, Exercício e Saúde (CIDEFES), Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal; Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Ruairi O'Driscoll
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jake Turicchi
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sofus C Larsen
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Graham Horgan
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland (James Hutton Institute), Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro J Teixeira
- Centro Interdisciplinar para o Estudo da Performance Humana (CIPER), Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Cruz Quebrada, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - R James Stubbs
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Berit Lilienthal Heitmann
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, Denmark; The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Section for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - António L Palmeira
- Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física, Exercício e Saúde (CIDEFES), Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, Portugal
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Palmeira AL, Sánchez‐Oliva D, Encantado J, Marques MM, Santos I, Duarte C, Matos M, Larsen SC, Horgan G, Teixeira PJ, Heitmann BL, Stubbs RJ. Motivational and self‐efficacy reciprocal effects during a 12‐month' weight regain prevention program. Br J Health Psychol 2022; 28:467-481. [PMID: 36404726 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Weight regain prevention is a critical public health challenge. Digital behaviour change interventions provide a scalable platform for applying and testing behaviour change theories in this challenging context. This study's goal was to analyse reciprocal effects between psychosocial variables (i.e., needs satisfaction, eating regulation, self-efficacy) and weight over 12 months using data from a large sample of participants engaged in a weight regain prevention trial. METHODS The NoHoW study is a three-centre, large-scale weight regain prevention trial. Adults who lost >5% of their weight in the past year (N = 1627, 68.7% female, 44.10 ± 11.86 years, 84.47 ± 17.03 kg) participated in a 12-month' digital behaviour change-based intervention. Weight and validated measures of basic psychological needs satisfaction, eating regulation and self-efficacy were collected at baseline, six- and 12 months. Correlational, latent growth models and cross-lagged analysis were used to identify potential reciprocal effects. RESULTS Baseline higher scores of needs satisfaction and self-efficacy were associated with six- and 12-month' weight loss. Baseline weight was linked to all psychosocial variables at six months, and six-months weight was associated with needs satisfaction and self-efficacy at 12 months. During the 12 months, increases in eating regulation, needs satisfaction and self-efficacy were associated with weight loss over the same period, and reciprocal effects were observed between the variables, suggesting the existence of Weight Management Cycles. CONCLUSIONS While further studies are needed, during long-term weight regain prevention, weight decrease, needs satisfaction and self-efficacy may lead to Weight Management Cycles, which, if recurrent, may provide sustained prevention of weight regain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Sánchez‐Oliva
- Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Body Expression, Faculty of Sports Sciences University of Extremadura Cáceres Spain
| | | | - Marta M. Marques
- CIPER‐FMH University of Lisbon Lisbon Portugal
- Trinity College Dublin ADAPT SFI Research Centre & Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, College Green Dublin 2 Ireland
| | | | - Cristiana Duarte
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Group, School of Psychology University of Leeds Leeds UK
| | - Marcela Matos
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive‐Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC) University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Sofus C. Larsen
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital The Capital Region Copenhagen Denmark
| | | | | | - Berit L. Heitmann
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital The Capital Region Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section for General Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - R. James Stubbs
- Appetite Control and Energy Balance Group, School of Psychology University of Leeds Leeds UK
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10
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Asbjørnsen RA, Hjelmesæth J, Smedsrød ML, Wentzel J, Ollivier M, Clark MM, van Gemert-Pijnen JEWC, Solberg Nes L. Combining Persuasive System Design Principles and Behavior Change Techniques in Digital Interventions Supporting Long-term Weight Loss Maintenance: Design and Development of eCHANGE. JMIR Hum Factors 2022; 9:e37372. [PMID: 35622394 PMCID: PMC9187967 DOI: 10.2196/37372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term weight maintenance after weight loss is challenging, and innovative solutions are required. Digital technologies can support behavior change and, therefore, have the potential to be an effective tool for weight loss maintenance. However, to create meaningful and effective digital behavior change interventions that support end user values and needs, a combination of persuasive system design (PSD) principles and behavior change techniques (BCTs) might be needed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate how an evidence-informed digital behavior change intervention can be designed and developed by combining PSD principles and BCTs into design features to support end user values and needs for long-term weight loss maintenance. METHODS This study presents a concept for how PSD principles and BCTs can be translated into design features by combining design thinking and Agile methods to develop and deliver an evidence-informed digital behavior change intervention aimed at supporting weight maintenance. Overall, 45 stakeholders participated in the systematic and iterative development process comprising co-design workshops, prototyping, Agile development, and usability testing. This included prospective end users (n=17, 38%; ie, people with obesity who had lost ≥8% of their weight), health care providers (n=9, 20%), healthy volunteers (n=4, 9%), a service designer (n=1, 2%), and stakeholders from the multidisciplinary research and development team (n=14, 31%; ie, software developers; digital designers; and eHealth, behavior change, and obesity experts). Stakeholder input on how to operationalize the design features and optimize the technology was examined through formative evaluation and qualitative analyses using rapid and in-depth analysis approaches. RESULTS A total of 17 design features combining PSD principles and BCTs were identified as important to support end user values and needs based on stakeholder input during the design and development of eCHANGE, a digital intervention to support long-term weight loss maintenance. The design features were combined into 4 main intervention components: Week Plan, My Overview, Knowledge and Skills, and Virtual Coach and Smart Feedback System. To support a healthy lifestyle and continued behavior change to maintain weight, PSD principles such as tailoring, personalization, self-monitoring, reminders, rewards, rehearsal, praise, and suggestions were combined and implemented into the design features together with BCTs from the clusters of goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, social support, repetition and substitution, shaping knowledge, natural consequences, associations, antecedents, identity, and self-belief. CONCLUSIONS Combining and implementing PSD principles and BCTs in digital interventions aimed at supporting sustainable behavior change may contribute to the design of engaging and motivating interventions in line with end user values and needs. As such, the design and development of the eCHANGE intervention can provide valuable input for future design and tailoring of evidence-informed digital interventions, even beyond digital interventions in support of health behavior change and long-term weight loss maintenance. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04537988; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04537988.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Aune Asbjørnsen
- Center for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Research and Innovation Department, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jøran Hjelmesæth
- Morbid Obesity Center, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
- Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jobke Wentzel
- Center for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- Research Group IT Innovations in Health Care, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Zwolle, Netherlands
| | - Marianne Ollivier
- Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Matthew M Clark
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, College of Medicine & Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Julia E W C van Gemert-Pijnen
- Center for eHealth and Wellbeing Research, Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, Netherlands
- University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Lise Solberg Nes
- Department of Digital Health Research, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, College of Medicine & Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Mattila E, Horgan G, Palmeira AL, O'Driscoll R, Stubbs RJ, Heitmann BL, Marques MM. Evaluation of the Immediate Effects of Web-Based Intervention Modules for Goals, Planning, and Coping Planning on Physical Activity: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial on Weight Loss Maintenance. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e35614. [PMID: 35436232 PMCID: PMC9052022 DOI: 10.2196/35614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of digital interventions can be accurately monitored via log files. However, monitoring engagement with intervention goals or enactment of the actual behaviors targeted by the intervention is more difficult and is usually evaluated based on pre-post measurements in a controlled trial. OBJECTIVE The objective of this paper is to evaluate if engaging with 2 digital intervention modules focusing on (1) physical activity goals and action plans and (2) coping with barriers has immediate effects on the actual physical activity behavior. METHODS The NoHoW Toolkit (TK), a digital intervention developed to support long-term weight loss maintenance, was evaluated in a 2 x 2 factorial randomized controlled trial. The TK contained various modules based on behavioral self-regulation and motivation theories, as well as contextual emotion regulation approaches, and involved continuous tracking of weight and physical activity through connected commercial devices (Fitbit Aria and Charge 2). Of the 4 trial arms, 2 had access to 2 modules directly targeting physical activity: a module for goal setting and action planning (Goal) and a module for identifying barriers and coping planning (Barriers). Module visits and completion were determined based on TK log files and time spent in the module web page. Seven physical activity metrics (steps; activity; energy expenditure; fairly active, very active and total active minutes; and distance) were compared before and after visiting and completing the modules to examine whether the modules had immediate or sustained effects on physical activity. Immediate effect was determined based on 7-day windows before and after the visit, and sustained effects were evaluated for 1 to 8 weeks after module completion. RESULTS Out of the 811 participants, 498 (61.4%) visited the Goal module and 406 (50.1%) visited the Barriers module. The Barriers module had an immediate effect on very active and total active minutes (very active minutes: before median 24.2, IQR 10.4-43.0 vs after median 24.9, IQR 10.0-46.3; P=.047; total active minutes: before median 45.1, IQR 22.9-74.9 vs after median 46.9, IQR 22.4-78.4; P=.03). The differences were larger when only completed Barriers modules were considered. The Barriers module completion was also associated with sustained effects in fairly active and total active minutes for most of the 8 weeks following module completion and for 3 weeks in very active minutes. CONCLUSIONS The Barriers module had small, significant, immediate, and sustained effects on active minutes measured by a wrist-worn activity tracker. Future interventions should pay attention to assessing barriers and planning coping mechanisms to overcome them. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN88405328; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN88405328.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Mattila
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd, Tampere, Finland
| | - Graham Horgan
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - António L Palmeira
- Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física, Exercício e Saúde, Faculdade de Educação Física e Desporto, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ruairi O'Driscoll
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - R James Stubbs
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Berit L Heitmann
- Research Unit for Dietary Studies, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section for General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marta M Marques
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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