A digital game to help heart failure patients manage their health
Official title: Sensor-controlled digital game for heart failure self-management behavior adherence: A randomized controlled trial
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10983787 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun digital game that uses sensors to help heart failure patients manage their health better by giving them personalized feedback and rewards for keeping track of their weight and staying active.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | December 29, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,309 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL160692-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983787 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with heart failure who are 21 years or older and are looking for innovative ways to manage their health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have heart failure or those who are unable to engage with digital technology may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a sensor-controlled digital game designed to improve self-management behaviors in patients with heart failure. By integrating data from weight scales and activity trackers, the game provides personalized feedback and rewards to encourage adherence to health-promoting behaviors like weight monitoring and physical activity. Participants will engage in a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this innovative approach compared to a standard sensor-only intervention. The goal is to make self-management more enjoyable and effective for heart failure patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the ability of heart failure patients to manage their condition, leading to better health outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital interventions for health management, indicating that this approach could be effective, although the specific use of sensor-controlled games is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Radhakrishnan, Kavita — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Radhakrishnan, Kavita
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.