A smartphone app to help African American men stay active
Official title: Smartphone App to Increase and Maintain Physical Activity in African American Men (FitBrothers)
Funded at Klein Buendel, INC. · NIH-10691385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a smartphone app that helps African American men stay active and healthy by making it easy to set goals, track progress, and learn about fitness and nutrition, all while using features they’re familiar with, like texting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Klein Buendel, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Golden, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $692,438 |
| NIH project number | 5R42MD014947-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10691385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American men who are looking to increase their physical activity levels and improve their overall health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in using smartphone technology or who do not own a smartphone may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops a smartphone app designed to increase and maintain physical activity among African American men, addressing significant health disparities related to chronic diseases. The app incorporates features such as self-monitoring, goal-setting, and behavioral lessons, tailored specifically to the needs and preferences of this demographic. By leveraging mobile health technology, the intervention aims to engage participants effectively, utilizing their familiarity with smartphones and text messaging. The app will also include personalized components, chronic disease information, dietary guidance, and incentives to enhance user engagement and success.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical health and reduced chronic disease risk for African American men.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with mobile health interventions targeting physical activity, particularly among African American populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Klein Buendel, INC.
Golden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newton, Robert Lee — Klein Buendel, INC.
- Study coordinator: Newton, Robert Lee
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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.