FITTLESenior: A Personalized Health Behavior System
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
The objectives of this study are to examine the usability and efficacy, for diverse older adults, of a new tablet-based dynamic system: the Fittle Senior System (FSS) that will provide: (1) personalized behavior-change programs for improved diet and increased physical activity and (2) online social interaction and support from small teams pursuing similar goals.
The proposed study involves a two group randomized trial where participants will be randomized to the Fittle Senior System or to a paper-based psycho-educational control condition following a baseline assessment. The duration of the intervention phase will involve an active 12-week intervention phase followed by a 12-week maintenance phase. We will recruit and randomize 180 community dwelling adults aged 65+ years, who live alone and are at risk for social isolation. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 3 months post active intervention and 3 months post maintenance (6 months following active intervention) on measures of health and health behaviors, and indices of social support.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
Detailed Description
The proposed study will evaluate a new tablet-based dynamic system: the Fittle Senior System (FSS) that will provide: (1) personalized, goal-directed behavior-change programs for improved diet and increased physical activity and (2) online social interaction and support from small teams pursuing similar goals. The system builds on two technology-based systems developed by the investigative team: (1) the computer-based PRISM system (Czaja et al., 2015), designed for older populations to support social connectivity and well-being, and (2) the Fittle mobile platform (PARC) designed to support positive health behavior change through integrated online social support and personalized coaching based on artificial intelligence (AI). The Fittle program is based on Self-efficacy and Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1998, 2001), Goal Setting (Locke & Latham, 2002) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991). Fittle provides support for individuals and teams to progress through lifestyle challenges (e.g., poor eating habits, sedentary behavior), helping individuals master one health improving habit after another in a way that builds on previous achievements. Individuals choose from a variety of challenges to accomplish goals via an intelligent coaching agent and personalized, engaging user experiences. The objective is to maintain and reinforce perceived self-efficacy with daily goals that are perceived as being achievable, and to improve motivation and ability with goals that are perceived as not too easy. The program provides encouragement and social support through a team component. Thus, Fittle is designed to reinforce and build self-efficacy and positive attitudes.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Experimental: Intervention condition - Fittle Senior Participants will have access to the Fittle Senior System which will provide guided exercises and social support. |
Behavioral: Intervention Condition
Participants will have access to Fittle Senior which will provide guided exercises and social support from other participants of the study.
|
| Placebo Comparator: Control condition - paper and pencil Participants will have a written booklet with exercises that they may do it on their own. |
Behavioral: Control Condition
Participants will have a paper booklet with suggested exercises that they may choose to complete for the duration of the study.
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Change in VO2 max [Baseline, 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up]
Higher score of VO2 max indicates more oxygen consumption during incremental exercise. Range (10+)
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Change in Timed Up and Go [Baseline, 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up]
Measure of fall risk. A faster time indicates a better functional performance. Range (1+)
Other Outcome Measures
- Change in functional health and well-being as measured by modified SF-36 [Baseline, 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up]
Higher score means better functional health and well-being. Range (0-1400)
- Change in loneliness as measured by Loneliness scale [Baseline, 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up]
Higher score indicates a greater degree of loneliness. Range (0-80)
- Change in social isolation as measured by Friendship Scale [Baseline, 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up]
Measures the level of social isolation. Lower score indicates less social isolation. Range (0-24)
- Change in social support as measured by Interpersonal Support Evaluation List - ISEL [Baseline, 3 month follow-up and 6 month follow-up]
Measures the level of functional social support. Higher scores indicates better and more social support
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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At least 60 years old
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Speak English
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Able to read at the 6th grade
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Plans to remain in the area for the study duration
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Pass TICS (Telephone Screen for Cognitive Status)
Exclusion Criteria:
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Cognitively impaired
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Visual or hearing impairment
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Actively engaged in structured physical exercise regularly
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Health conditions/illness that would affect participation
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Miami Miller School of Medicine | Miami | Florida | United States | 33136 |
| 2 | Weill Cornell Medicine | New York | New York | United States | 10065 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Sara J. Czaja, PhD, Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 1806019352
- R01AG053163