Smartphone Version Research Articles

Comparing the Classic Paired Associates Learning Task with a new Smartphone‐Based Version of the Task

AbstractBackgroundPAL is a well‐known and trusted task with good sensitivity to deficiencies in memory capabilities as has been shown in hundreds of studies over the past two decades. There has been considerable interest in a smartphone version of PAL that can be used remotely, and Cambridge Cognition has now completed work on the first production version of this task. Here, we show how the task compares with classic PAL, in an online within‐subjects study. PAL may be used in repeated assessments, and one notable feature is that performance tends to improve most strongly between a first and second attempt at the task. We therefore included a first smartphone ‘Familiarisation’ session on Day One, before the Days Two and Three web and smartphone sessions.MethodWe obtained PAL scores from 76 adults (43m, 33f) aged 50+ (M = 56.3, SD = 5.46) using the Prolific online cognitive testing platform for this three‐day crossover‐design study. Participants were divided into two groups. In a first ‘Familiarisation’ session, all participants used their smartphones to complete a PAL assessment, then on Day Two, one group used the web‐based assessment, and the other used smartphone assessment, and on the last day each group changed device from the previous day’s session, as well as a questionnaire about their experience and comparison of the task in different devices.ResultWe found that test‐retest reliability between the tasks was very good (Pearson’s r > .7) between the first (‘Familiarisation’) session and Day Two, and then excellent (Pearson’s r > .8) between mobile and web devices on Day Two and Day Three of the study. Next, when comparing performance across the two groups (web‐first, and smartphone‐first), bias was not significant and numerically a very small 0.2 adjusted error points. A significant improvement was seen between Familiarisation and Day Two, but not second and third, supporting the value of a familiarisation session.ConclusionWe found that the new smartphone version is highly comparable to the classic version of the task, and that familiarisation using PAL on smartphone is effective, generalising across both task versions.

Comparing the Classic Paired Associates Learning Task with a new Smartphone‐Based Version of the Task

AbstractBackgroundPAL is a well‐known and trusted task with good sensitivity to deficiencies in memory capabilities as has been shown in hundreds of studies over the past two decades. There has been considerable interest in a smartphone version of PAL that can be used remotely, and Cambridge Cognition has now completed work on the first production version of this task. Here, we show how the task compares with classic PAL, in an online within‐subjects study. PAL may be used in repeated assessments, and one notable feature is that performance tends to improve most strongly between a first and second attempt at the task. We therefore included a first smartphone ‘Familiarisation’ session on Day One, before the Days Two and Three web and smartphone sessions.MethodWe obtained PAL scores from 76 adults (43m, 33f) aged 50+ (M = 56.3, SD = 5.46) using the Prolific online cognitive testing platform for this three‐day crossover‐design study. Participants were divided into two groups. In a first ‘Familiarisation’ session, all participants used their smartphones to complete a PAL assessment, then on Day Two, one group used the web‐based assessment, and the other used smartphone assessment, and on the last day each group changed device from the previous day’s session, as well as a questionnaire about their experience and comparison of the task in different devices.ResultsWe found that test‐retest reliability between the tasks was very good (Pearson’s r > .7) between the first (‘Familiarisation’) session and Day Two, and then excellent (Pearson’s r > .8) between mobile and web devices on Day Two and Day Three of the study. Next, when comparing performance across the two groups (web‐first, and smartphone‐first), bias was not significant and numerically a very small 0.2 adjusted error points. A significant improvement was seen between Familiarisation and Day Two, but not second and third, supporting the value of a familiarisation session.ConclusionWe found that the new smartphone version is highly comparable to the classic version of the task, and that familiarisation using PAL on smartphone is effective, generalising across both task versions.

Exploring the Behaviour, Reliability, and Usability of a new Smartphone Version of Paired Associates Learning

AbstractBackgroundPAL is a well‐known and trusted task with good sensitivity to deficiencies in memory capabilities. There has been considerable interest in a smartphone version of PAL, and Cambridge Cognition has now completed work on smartphone PAL. Parallel work has shown that this new version of PAL is of equivalent difficulty to the existing classic PAL, and this study addresses characteristics of the smartphone version alone, in a well‐powered within‐subjects study designed to assess test‐retest reliability, bias, and the usefulness of a familiarisation session, as well as exploring usability.MethodWe obtained three PAL scores over three consecutive days in 86 (31 m, 55 f) participants aged 55+ (M = 57.6, SD = 5.65) via the Prolific online platform. Each day participants used their own devices to complete the smartphone PAL task. We analysed adjusted error scores up to eight‐box problems, with participants showing extreme score fluctuations (M +/‐ 3xSD) excluded on the basis that the task was not taken under comparable conditions. We analysed test‐retest reliability using Pearson correlations of scores over the three days and analysed the effect of a familiarisation session by looking at mean scores over three days.ResultThere was some attrition of users due to technical issues in the prototype version of the task, but adherence was good, and participants reported high levels of task enjoyment and satisfaction. Test‐retest reliability between familiarisation and Day Two was good, r = .63, and very good between Day Two and Day Three, r = .7. Analysis of mean scores showed that the familiarisation session had a significant effect, with task learning between familiarisation and Day Two significantly greater than between Day Two and Day Three. Participants reported good enjoyment of the task, and overwhelmingly described usability characteristics in positive terms.ConclusionThis study highlights the value of a familiarisation session in reducing learning effects, and, like classic PAL, shows good to very good reliability. Moreover, PAL on a smartphone was well‐liked by these older participants, supporting its use in older populations.

Exploring the Behaviour, Reliability, and Usability of a new Smartphone Version of Paired Associates Learning

AbstractBackgroundPAL is a well‐known and trusted task with good sensitivity to deficiencies in memory capabilities. There has been considerable interest in a smartphone version of PAL, and Cambridge Cognition has now completed work on smartphone PAL. Parallel work has shown that this new version of PAL is of equivalent difficulty to the existing classic PAL, and this study addresses characteristics of the smartphone version alone, in a well‐powered within‐subjects study designed to assess test‐retest reliability, bias, and the usefulness of a familiarisation session, as well as exploring usability.MethodWe obtained three PAL scores over three consecutive days in 86 (31 m, 55 f) participants aged 55+ (M = 57.6, SD = 5.65) via the Prolific online platform. Each day participants used their own devices to complete the smartphone PAL task. We analysed adjusted error scores up to eight‐box problems, with participants showing extreme score fluctuations (M +/‐ 3xSD) excluded on the basis that the task was not taken under comparable conditions. We analysed test‐retest reliability using Pearson correlations of scores over the three days and analysed the effect of a familiarisation session by looking at mean scores over three days.ResultsThere was some attrition of users due to technical issues in the prototype version of the task, but adherence was good, and participants reported high levels of task enjoyment and satisfaction. Test‐retest reliability between familiarisation and Day Two was good, r = .63, and very good between Day Two and Day Three, r = .7. Analysis of mean scores showed that the familiarisation session had a significant effect, with task learning between familiarisation and Day Two significantly greater than between Day Two and Day Three. Participants reported good enjoyment of the task, and overwhelmingly described usability characteristics in positive terms.ConclusionThis study highlights the value of a familiarisation session in reducing learning effects, and, like classic PAL, shows good to very good reliability. Moreover, PAL on a smartphone was well‐liked by these older participants, supporting its use in older populations.

Trial of a Patient-Directed eHealth Program to Ameliorate Perinatal Depression: The MomMoodBooster2 Practical Effectiveness Study

ABSTRACT Perinatal depression and postpartum depression represent a significant burden for those who experience them and are associated with preterm birth, low birth weight, postpartum hospitalization, diminished mother-child relationships, offspring developmental delay, and other important markers of health and well-being. Perinatal depression, in particular, is underidentified and thus undertreated. This study was designed to assess the MMB eHealth program (MomMoodBooster2 [MMB2]), which is targeted toward perinatal depression, with an aim to assess the effectiveness of the smartphone version of this tool. Primary outcomes were targeted toward analyzing the extent to which MMB2 relieved the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms in general (using both perinatal and postpartum tools); secondary outcomes focused on usage trends along with ratings of usability and helpfulness. Participants were recruited from the Perinatal Depression Program (PDP) in the NorthShore University HealthSystem. Eligibility criteria included pregnant women and women less than a year postpartum, age older than 18 years, no active suicidal ideation, access to internet, and English language proficiency. REDCap (Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tenn) was used for onboarding and randomization. Final analyses included 191 patients randomized into 2 groups, one with MMB2 and the PDP protocol and one with only PDP. After program completion, 93% of patients completed an associated posttest. Primary screenings were not significantly different between groups, and baseline characteristics were likewise consistent. Controlling for perinatal status, posttests showed a significant decrease in depression severity, anxiety, stress, and automatic thoughts (P ≤ 0.001), as well as an increase in behavioral activation and self-efficacy. Further analysis showed that the MMB2 group showed greater decreases from baseline to posttest in both stress (P = 0.019) and depression severity (P = 0.003). No other significant effects were found when comparing the 2 groups. Usage of MMB2 varied, but generally showed that patients visited the program shortly after receiving the first invitation and then periodically on multiple distinct days between their first and last visit to their health care provider (mean [SD] visits, 49.4 [30.2] distinct days). Perinatal tools were used by 41% of participants, and 43% used postpartum tools, with 10% using both tools because of being pregnant at initial recruitment but delivering over the course of the study. The program included text messages for the first 12 weeks, and impact of these was not directly assessed. Of ratings provided, 96% rated the program as “somewhat” to “extremely” easy to use, and 83% of participants rated it as “somewhat” to “extremely” helpful. Many participants in both groups reported using other management strategies such as medication, therapy sessions, and physician advice, but use of these interventions did not differ between groups. These results indicate that MMB2 is effective at reducing anxiety and depression severity, as well as improving self-efficacy. Clinically, this eHealth tool may be an appropriate way to subsidize care for women where in-person options are limited or other options are unavailable. It could also be used to augment in-person options for management of depressive symptoms. Further research should focus on larger and more diverse populations, to understand if the findings are generalizable beyond this small population. In addition, the sustainability and adoption strategies should be optimized to allow this program to be as far reaching as possible. More research could also examine long-term follow-up and durability of the effects of this treatment.

Design, development and randomised controlled trial protocol of a smartphone-delivered version of ‘SOLAR’ for emergency service workers to manage stress and trauma

IntroductionEmergency service workers are routinely exposed to stress and trauma, and there is a need to address mental health symptoms early to prevent chronic impairment and/or psychiatric disorder. Digital health...

Comparing Smartphone Virtual Reality Exposure Preparation to Care as Usual in Children Aged 6 to 14 Years Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Protocol for a Multicenter, Observer-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure can cause preprocedural and periprocedural anxiety in children. Psychosocial interventions are used to prepare children for the procedure to alleviate anxiety, but these interventions are time-consuming and costly, limiting their clinical use. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising way to overcome these limitations in the preparation of children before an MRI scan. The objective of this study is (1) to develop a VR smartphone intervention to prepare children at home for an MRI procedure; and (2) to examine the effect of the VR intervention in a randomized controlled trial, in which the VR intervention will be compared to care as usual (CAU). CAU involves an information letter about an MRI examination. The primary outcome is the child's procedural anxiety during the MRI procedure. Secondary outcomes include preprocedural anxiety and parental anxiety. We hypothesize that the VR preparation will result in a higher reduction of the periprocedural anxiety of both parents and children as compared to CAU. The VR intervention provides a highly realistic and child-friendly representation of an MRI environment. In this randomized controlled trial, 128 children (aged 6 to 14 years) undergoing an MRI scan will be randomly allocated to the VR intervention or CAU. Children in the VR intervention will receive a log-in code for the VR app and are sent cardboard VR glasses. The VR smartphone preparation app was developed in 2020. The recruitment of participants is expected to be completed in December 2022. Data will be analyzed, and scientific papers will be submitted for publication in 2023. The VR smartphone app is expected to significantly reduce pre- and periprocedural anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing an MRI scan. The VR app offers a realistic and child-friendly experience that can contribute to modern care. A smartphone version of the VR app has the advantage that children, and potentially their parents, can get habituated to the VR environment and noises in their own home environment and can do this VR MRI preparation as often and as long as needed. ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN20976625; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN20976625. DERR1-10.2196/41080.

Smartphone thermal imaging for stressed people classification using CNN+MobileNetV2

Stress as a mental and physical imbalance is the experience of every human being. It can have a positive effect on human motivation and performance, as well as negatively contributing to the formation of chronic diseases. So far, stress is most often detected using EEG, ECG, GSR, BVP. A minority of researchers undertake stress detection from thermal images or video. The author, seeing the great potential in this area and looking for low-budget solutions that are more easily accessible to the average person, conducted a stress study using smartphone thermal imaging. The faces of the study participants were recorded by a low-cost thermographic camera in the smartphone version (external connection) – FLIR ONE Pro. As a stressor, arithmetic tasks with a time limit were used. The subjects additionally supplemented the MiniCOPE test to assess the level of coping with stress. These data were additional parameters that were taken into account during stress classification using CNN+MobileNetV2. The final results indicated high accuracy of stress classification based on thermal image sequences, confirming the thermal potential in stress detection.

Rapid, reliable mobile assessment of affect-related motor processing

Mobile technologies can be used for behavioral assessments to associate changes in behavior with environmental context and its influence on mental health and disease. Research on real-time motor control with a joystick, analyzed using a computational proportion-derivative (PD) modeling approach, has shown that model parameters can be estimated with high reliability and are related both to self-reported fear and to brain structures important for affective regulation, such as the anterior cingulate cortex. Here we introduce a mobile version of this paradigm, the rapid assessment of motor processing (RAMP) paradigm, and show that it provides robust, reliable, and accessible behavioral measurements relevant to mental health. A smartphone version of a previous joystick sensorimotor task was developed in which participants control a virtual car to a stop sign and stop. A sample of 89 adults performed the task, with 66 completing a second retest session. A PD modeling approach was applied to compute Kp (drive) and Kd (damping) parameters. Both Kp and Kd exhibited high test-retest reliabilities (ICC .81 and .78, respectively). Replicating a previous finding from a different sample with the joystick version of the task, both Kp and Kd were negatively associated with self-reported fear. The RAMP paradigm, a mobile sensorimotor assessment, can be used to assess drive and damping during motor control, which is robustly associated with subjective affect. This paradigm could be useful for examining dynamic contextual modulation of affect-related processing, which could improve assessment of the effects of interventions for psychiatric disorders in a real-world context.

Developing an Android-Based Mobile App to Solve Transportation Issues

Transportation is extremely important in society's day-to-day operations. A major portion of the working class in most cities go to work and school regularly. Commuting can be used for a variety of reasons, including relaxation, dining out, and other activities. Land transportation, which includes the use of both individual and commercial cars, is the most frequent mode of transportation in North Cyprus, particularly in emerging cities... Commercial transportation, on the other hand, has a significant cost benefit over having a personal vehicle. Taxis are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the cities of Nicosia, Famagusta, and Karenina. Before, the institutions providing such services were unable to reach as many people as they would have liked, particularly in rural areas. Given the widespread use of smartphones in this area, there is an urgency to reach more customers while taking care of the existing ones. Some businesses in North Cyprus have implemented mobile applications to be used by their consumers, but North Cab Taxi is still a work in progress. Instead, the company uses a Web-based cab reservation system. North Cab has realized the necessity for a smartphone version of its cab booking service for it to keep a competitive step above its competition.

Alert plan-application “MySolutions” - lived experiences of users with a serious mental illness

IntroductionIn daily life an alert or relaps prevention plan can be a helpful tool in preventing patients with severe mental illness (SMI) from relapse. However, patients often find it hard to keep the paper version close by. A smartphone version could be a solution. “MySolutions” is a webapplication providing the possibility to add e.g. pictures or music to the alert plan, which could be helping in time of need.ObjectivesTo describe the lived experiences of patients with (SMI) with the webapplication ‘MySolutions’ and get insight in the helping and hindering characteristics of the application.MethodsQualitative research in a fenomenological framework. Eight interviews were held with outpatients with SMI. All interviews where methodically analyzed using the steps of Colaizzi (1978).ResultsIn general, users were enthousiastic about the look and feel of the application. Using the application was considerd easy. Lived experiences of participants displayed the following themes: Autonomy, Acceptance, Frustration, Self confidence, and Reassurance. By practicing and adding photos and music, they perceived the webapplication to be a personal aid tool for experienced problems related to mental vulnerability in daily life. Participants also reported more difficulties in using the application in times of dysregulation.ConclusionsThe webapplication can be a valuable addition to the alert plan for people with SMI due to the possibility of personalization and the fact it is always available on a mobile phone. The application seems particularly suiting for people in a stabile phase. Future research should focus on phase of recovery in relation to use of the application.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Determinants of adoption of latest version smartphones: Theory and evidence

Technology has revolutionized the way we all use smartphones and has paved the way for devices with multiple functions like smart appliances, smartphones, smartwatches, and many more gadgets resulting from such a revolution. The in-built operating system (platform) on which these devices/ systems function is most vital. Many people use operating system (OS) based smartphones; the most popular is Android. The Android version keeps changing with the advancement in the OS platform and as per the changing needs of consumers. Consumers want to upgrade their mobile or buy the latest version of Android phones if given an opportunity. This paper seeks to examine the factors influencing consumers to buy the newest/latest version of Android-based smartphones. The proposed model amalgamates factors from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Diffusion of Innovation (DoI), and extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theories. The study investigated ten factors by collecting data through a field survey (questionnaire) from 362 participants. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was applied, showing that all ten factors were responsible for positive intention towards the latest Android versions. Path analysis results showed that performance expectancy, compatibility, price value, effort expectancy, and observability have a crucial role in consumers' intention to adopt upgraded (latest) versions of Android smartphones.

Learning device in the “STEMpedia” mobile learning application

Access to the results of the audience and the use of innovative mobile learning with the aim of innovation, skills in technology, and media information are indispensable. The implementation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning as innovative learning in elementary school must be accessible to the teacher in real life. STEMpedia’s mobile learning application was developed using Design-Based Research model Reeves, which consists of four stages: 1) identification and analysis of the problem; 2) Development of solutions based on information obtained; 3) Perform repeated processes to test and repair; 4) Reflections. The results of this research in the form of mobile learning application in STEM learning in elementary school that contains learning device and video of STEM learning implementation, this mobile learning application can be accessed on Android smartphone version. The product is accessed by the teacher as a medium to learn STEM learning so that the real picture of the condition in its implementation.

The effect of slider design and length on user performance and preference of smartphone versions of the visual analogue scale

This study aims to investigate the effect of slider design and length on user performance and preference of smartphone versions of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Twenty-eight participants performed a task to set random target values with 8 smartphone versions of VAS: 2 slider designs (traditional design, modern design) × 4 slider lengths (4.3 cm, 5.8 cm, 10 cm landscape, 10 cm portrait). Experimental results showed that both slider design and length significantly affected the accuracy, task completion time and subject preference. Compared with the traditional slider design, the modern slider design showed significantly smaller bias in setting values, shorter task completion time, and higher subject preference. The slider length significantly affected all measures, and 5.8 cm was recommended due to small bias, short task completion time, dominant preference and excellent ability to closely fit the width of smartphone display with the portrait mode. These findings could provide mobile VAS and slider designers with useful references.

ScEd-ALS as ubiquitous learning in science

The use of technology in education can be carried out through various telematics networks. The use of hypermedia or web (e-learning) and computing on mobile allows the subject matter to be distributed to students quickly, not limited by space and time. Independent learning is possible to occur. This paper aims to inform the framework of curriculum development at the Science Education Adaptive Learning System (ScEd-ALS) version of the smartphone that supports Ubiquitous learning. The research method used is development research. The research instruments included: observation sheets, checklist sheets, and VARK questionnaire. The results of the study: The ScEd-ALS curriculum development framework that accommodates the VARK Flemming learning style preferences of students. This curriculum framework is the foundation for the development of the smartphone version of the ScEd-ALS media prototype. This research was validated by material experts and media experts and was declared worthy of being tested. The curriculum development framework in this media has provided the right teaching materials, and it is easier to create a new environment that adapts to the learning style preferences of students.

Pelatihan Pembuatan Media Pembelajaran Berbasis E-Learning bagi Pengajar di Lembaga Pendidikan Luar Sekolah

The rapid development of information and communication technology or what is known as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has penetrated various fields of life, including education and teaching. With regard to learning, the use of information technology, in this case, e-learning, is needed not only for educators who are skilled at utilizing technology and technology for the manufacture of teaching materials, but a design is needed to carry out learning effectively. In a learning design (instructional design) there is a process to guide actors (actors) to design, develop, implement e-learning content by utilizing the available e-learning infrastructure and applications. At the next stage in the implementation of e-learning, there is an evaluation stage which is used to revise or adjust to the previous stages. A good educational institution must develop teachers by providing various facilities to support the teaching and learning process. Teachers can replace it with a new method in the form of video or audio that has been combined with the teaching material they want to convey. As technology develops, mobile or smartphone versions of e-Learning can be compatible with the features available in conventional learning so that the quality of content in the form of subject matter can be accessed properly.

McDonald’s Japan and Pokémon GO: IoT Gamification

In July 2016, McDonald’s Japan launched a gamification campaign using the new smartphone version of the popular game Pokémon GO. The results for the company were immediate and significant, driven by the community of 3.4 million game subscribers in Japan: it received 1.5–2 million daily visits across its 3000 locations, enjoyed an estimated sales increase of 22%, and earned an increase in market capitalization of 9.8%. Even though the immediate results exceeded all expectations, one of the new Chief Marketing Officers’ major concerns was the project’s sustainability.[Formula: see text] Given the dynamic nature of gaming, Pokémon GO may or may not be relevant in the next few years. As such, it was key to assess the short-term versus long-term benefits and the major risks involved in the Pokémon GO gamification project and the potential negative outcomes for the business. This evaluation would allow McDonald’s Japan’s CMO to also determine the future actions of the strategic alliance between McDonald’s and Niantic, the game developers, and hence change the course of McDonald’s marketing strategy in Japan.

Perancangan Aplikasi Desain Bangunan 3D Menggunakan Virtual Reality dan Google Cardboard di Tjantik Kost Yogyakarta

Architectural presentations have evolved over time. Which starts from using hand drawings then continues to develop into visuals created by computers, the more advanced the technology, the presentation produced will be more interesting because the visual results are closer to the object of the original design. Therefore, researchers develop architectural presentations by applying Virtual Reality technology to Tjantik Kost Yogyakarta so that the architectural development and presentation process will be more interactive and interesting. Virtual Reality is a technology that can make users interact in a Virtual environment with computer media that is simulated in real time. The purpose of this study is to make it easier for clients to see the presentation of the building directly with results that are close to reality without having to go to the construction site and not waste time. The research methodology used is Rapid Application Development. The results of the study were in the form of a three-dimensional design of the Tjantik Kost Yogyakarta building which was designed using the Unity 3D game engine and the Android SDK plugin which was built for android-based smartphone version 9.0 pie which has an Accelerometer sensor and a gyroscope. The results and testing are proven by validation in the form of question and answer interviews of client owners from Tjantik Kost Yogyakarta.

T99. HARNESSING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO ASSESS AND TREAT COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

BackgroundCognitive impairments are a core feature of schizophrenia. Although cognitive impairments have consistently shown to have negative impacts on functional outcomes among individuals with schizophrenia, assessing and treating these symptoms in clinical settings remains a difficult challenge. Interestingly, the growing potential of new digital technologies, such as smartphone applications and virtual reality, hold great promise in alleviating these impairments.MethodsThis presentation will introduce results from two recent studies using digital technologies to assess and treat cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia. In the first study, smartphone versions of the pen-and-paper Trail Making Tests A and B were developed. These cognitive tests measure speed of processing and cognitive flexibility. We assessed the validity of the smartphone versions of both Trail Making Tests in measuring these cognitive domains in in 37 healthy controls and 26 individuals with schizophrenia. Following the initial assessment, participants were asked to complete the two smartphone cognitive tests once a week for three months. This served as a measure of cognitive performance over timeResultsResults showed that it was feasible to measure cognition using a smartphone application in schizophrenia. Performances on both smartphone cognitive tests were significantly and positively correlated with the pen-and-paper versions (Parts A: r = 0.65, p < .001; Parts B: r= 0.44, p= .01). Additionally, significant differences were observed between controls and individuals with schizophrenia on both smartphone tests (Part A: t = -3.88, p = .004; Part B: t = -3.29, p = .002). Moreover, longitudinal results showed no significant effect of practice over time on the smartphone cognitive tests.DiscussionDigital technologies have the potential to optimize cognitive assessments, monitoring, and care in schizophrenia. Our findings support the feasibility and efficacy of using digital technologies to measure and treat cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Our research also highlights the importance of including scientists, clinicians, and content experts with schizophrenia in the development of these tools to ensure their validity and facilitate clinical implementation.

A Mobile Health Coaching Intervention for Controlling Hypertension: Single-Arm Pilot Pre-Post Study.

BackgroundThe seminal Dietary Approaches to Stopping Hypertension (DASH) study demonstrated the effectiveness of diet to control hypertension; however, the effective implementation and dissemination of its principles have been limited.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a DASH mobile health intervention. We hypothesized that combining Bluetooth-enabled data collection, social networks, and a human coach with a smartphone DASH app (DASH Mobile) would be an effective medium for the delivery of the DASH program.MethodsWe conducted a single-arm pilot study from August 2015 through August 2016, using a pre-post evaluation design to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a smartphone version of DASH that incorporated a human health coach. Participants were recruited both online and offline.ResultsA total of 17 patients participated in this study; they had a mean age of 59 years (SD 6) and 10 (60%) were women. Participants were engaged with the app; in the 120 days of the study, the mean number of logged blood pressure measurements was 63 (SD 46), the mean number of recorded weight measurements was 52 (SD 45), and participants recorded a mean of 55 step counts (SD 36). Coaching phone calls had a high completion rate (74/102, 73%). The mean number of servings documented per patient for the dietary assessment was 709 (SD 541), and patients set a mean number of 5 (SD 2) goals. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, weight, body mass index, and step count did not significantly change over time (P>.10 for all parameters).ConclusionsIn this pilot study, we found that participants were engaged with an interactive mobile app that promoted healthy behaviors to treat hypertension. We did not find a difference in the physiological outcomes, but were underpowered to identify such changes.