Abstract
BackgroundThere 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/designWe 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%.DiscussionTo 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.Trial registrationBrazilian Clinical Trials Registry: RBR-8xtc9c. Registered on 3 August 2018, http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br; UTN number: U1111–1218-1092.
Highlights
There is scientific evidence suggesting that app-based interventions targeted to increase the level of physical activity might be effective, multicomponent interventions appear to be more effective than appbased interventions alone
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
Aims and design The primary aim of our study is to investigate the effect of a smartphone app combined with game elements on the level of physical activity of adults and older adults, measured by the average number of daily steps
Summary
This will be the first trial with an adaptive intervention to test the effectiveness of using a smartphone app to increase the level of physical activity of adults and older adults. One of the major challenges of the present study will be to engage Brazilians to track their daily steps using technology. Despite the large number of smartphones in use in Brazil, whether the proposed application will be effective in this population needs more clarification. Another challenge will be the lack of security to carry out outdoors physical activities in Brazil, regardless of the neighborhood. Protocol version and date: Version number 4, 23 October 2019
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
