A digital game to help heart failure patients manage their health

Sensor-controlled digital game for heart failure self-management behavior adherence: A randomized controlled trial

NIH-funded research University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10983787

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas at Austin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Austin, United States)
Project IDNIH-10983787 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have heart failure or those who are unable to engage with digital technology may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Austin, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.