Combining biosensors with social media for weight loss intervention

Abstract

Introduction: The integration of biosensor technology with activity promotion and weight management solutions is an emerging area. Advancement of bio-sensing technology, cellphone platforms, and social media provide the potential tools to integrate scalable wellness solutions more effectively and efficiently.Methods: 21 women age 47 + 8 years old with a Body Mass Index 35 + 5 kg/m2 were recruited into a 5 week protocol (1 week of baseline measurement and 4 weeks of intervention). We developed an interface whereby biosensor data could be integrated with a social media platform and a remote expert Health Trainer. The biosensor provided continuous daytime monitoring of physical activity using a tri-axial accelerometer; subjects also had access to their own data display pages through a computer interface. Activity data were consolidated so that the user and trainer could access a participant's progress. We measured the effectiveness of the intervention using a mobile laboratory that contained: equipment for anthropometry measures, satellite data connection (for setting up and validating the biosensors), confidential medical record systems and private assessment space. Week 1 and Week 5 measurements include height, weight, blood pressure and waist/hip circumference were measured on day 1 and at the end of the study. After a week of baseline measurement, the four week intervention began. The Health Trainer opened a private Facebook Group to disseminate educational material, and promote nutritional change and physical activity through group interaction, blogging and positive behavioral feedbackResults: We addressed the primary hypothesis that the integrated intervention increased daily physical activity at four weeks. From baseline to 4-weeks post intervention, participant activity increased 53% 3.03 × 106 AU at baseline, to 4.43 × 106 at 5 weeks (p < 0.0001). Activity also increased in light, moderate, and intense activity levels by 34 + 58 min/day (p < 0.01), 15 + 14 min/day (p < 0.0001), and 32 + 23 min/day (p < 0.0001) respectively. Sedentary time decreased by, 81 + 73 min/day (p < 0.0001). Weight decreased on average 2.1 + 1.7 kg (p < 0.0001). Waist circumference decreased 2.1 + 4.0 cm. Diastolic blood pressure decreased 3.9 + 8.4 mmHg.Discussion: Here we demonstrate that it is feasible to deliver scalable, high quality, and effective health promoting material efficiently through popular social media networks by integrating biosensing technology, a skilled health care professional. In addition, using a mobile health care facility is an effective means to obtaining biometric data. Introduction: The integration of biosensor technology with activity promotion and weight management solutions is an emerging area. Advancement of bio-sensing technology, cellphone platforms, and social media provide the potential tools to integrate scalable wellness solutions more effectively and efficiently. Methods: 21 women age 47 + 8 years old with a Body Mass Index 35 + 5 kg/m2 were recruited into a 5 week protocol (1 week of baseline measurement and 4 weeks of intervention). We developed an interface whereby biosensor data could be integrated with a social media platform and a remote expert Health Trainer. The biosensor provided continuous daytime monitoring of physical activity using a tri-axial accelerometer; subjects also had access to their own data display pages through a computer interface. Activity data were consolidated so that the user and trainer could access a participant's progress. We measured the effectiveness of the intervention using a mobile laboratory that contained: equipment for anthropometry measures, satellite data connection (for setting up and validating the biosensors), confidential medical record systems and private assessment space. Week 1 and Week 5 measurements include height, weight, blood pressure and waist/hip circumference were measured on day 1 and at the end of the study. After a week of baseline measurement, the four week intervention began. The Health Trainer opened a private Facebook Group to disseminate educational material, and promote nutritional change and physical activity through group interaction, blogging and positive behavioral feedback Results: We addressed the primary hypothesis that the integrated intervention increased daily physical activity at four weeks. From baseline to 4-weeks post intervention, participant activity increased 53% 3.03 × 106 AU at baseline, to 4.43 × 106 at 5 weeks (p < 0.0001). Activity also increased in light, moderate, and intense activity levels by 34 + 58 min/day (p < 0.01), 15 + 14 min/day (p < 0.0001), and 32 + 23 min/day (p < 0.0001) respectively. Sedentary time decreased by, 81 + 73 min/day (p < 0.0001). Weight decreased on average 2.1 + 1.7 kg (p < 0.0001). Waist circumference decreased 2.1 + 4.0 cm. Diastolic blood pressure decreased 3.9 + 8.4 mmHg. Discussion: Here we demonstrate that it is feasible to deliver scalable, high quality, and effective health promoting material efficiently through popular social media networks by integrating biosensing technology, a skilled health care professional. In addition, using a mobile health care facility is an effective means to obtaining biometric data.