Digital game to help Native Americans manage hypertension

A Sensor-controlled Digital Game-based Approach to Improve Self-care Behaviors Among Adults Diagnosed With Hypertension in a Native American Community

Not applicable Interventional University of Texas at Austin · NCT05671406

This study tests a fun digital game to see if it can help Native American adults with high blood pressure be more active and improve their health.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment220 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas at Austin Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05671406 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates a sensor-controlled digital game designed to motivate physical activity self-management in Native American adults with hypertension. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the digital game and physical activity sensors, and the other receiving only the sensors. The study aims to assess improvements in physical activity behaviors, hypertension knowledge, self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, motivation, and quality of life, as well as reductions in blood pressure and cardiac hospitalizations over a six-month period. The intervention is culturally adapted to better engage the Lumbee tribal community.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Native American adults aged 18 and older with hypertension who can independently walk and use smartphone technology.

Not a fit: Patients with severe visual or tactile impairments, chronic kidney disease stage 4-5, or terminal illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve hypertension management and overall health outcomes for Native American patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of digital games for health management is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting Native American communities is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults in a Native American tribal community in southeastern U.S.
* Age 18 years or older
* Systolic BP ≥140mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥90mm Hg on 2 separate measurements or who are on antihypertensive medication will be included.
* Pass a mini-cognitive screen
* Able to independently walk without using a walker or requiring human assistance (ambulation/locomotion item on the Outcome and Assessment Information).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe visual (e.g., legal blindness) or tactile (e.g., severe arthritis) impairments that adversely prevent use of a smart phone or sensor devices;
* Chronic kidney disease stage 4-5,
* Diagnosis of end stage or terminal illness (e.g., cancer or heart failure)
* Prior heart transplantation or implantation of a durable mechanical circulatory support device (e.g., left ventricular assist devise) due to unique self-care needs.

Where this trial is running

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hypertensionhypertensionself-caredigital gameNative American
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.