Fast In‑Bed Tracking (FIT) weight-loss program using a bed-integrated scale for wheelchair users

The Fast In-Bed Tracking (FIT) System Lifestyle Intervention

We will test whether giving overweight wheelchair users a bed-integrated smart scale alongside an adapted weight-loss program helps them lose more weight than the program alone.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 92 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• Trial ID: NCT07141342 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional project pairs the Fast In‑Bed Tracking (FIT) Internet-of-Things bed scale with an adapted Group Lifestyle Balance program for people who use wheelchairs. Participants who meet inclusion criteria will join the GLB-AIM weight-loss program, and approximately half will receive the FIT bed-scale device integrated into their bed to passively capture weight. The trial compares weight-loss outcomes between participants using the FIT system plus the program versus the program without the bed scale over the intervention period. Enrollment is limited to adults who primarily use a wheelchair, meet BMI guidelines, have smartphone and internet access, and live within the local recruitment area near Pittsburgh.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who use a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility, transfer in and out of bed most nights, have a BMI around 25–40 (with diagnosis-specific adjustments), own a smartphone with reliable internet, and live within roughly 75 miles of Pittsburgh.

Not a fit: Patients unlikely to benefit include those outside the BMI range or diagnosis-specific criteria, those who cannot transfer in/out of bed, those without a smartphone or reliable internet, or households exceeding the bed-scale combined weight limit (~600 pounds).

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help wheelchair users track weight more easily and achieve greater weight loss and related health benefits.

How similar studies have performed: Prior work has demonstrated FIT's technical feasibility and adapted lifestyle programs for people with mobility impairments have produced weight-loss benefits, but combining an in‑bed IoT scale with GLB-AIM is a novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age18 +
* Live within approximately 75 miles of Pittsburgh
* Uses a wheelchair as primary means of locomotion
* Currently transfers in and out of bed every night (or most nights)
* Has been diagnosed as obese or overweight
* Are interested in losing weight
* BMI in the range of approximately 25 to 40; BMI range will be determined from published evidence for the primary diagnosis of the participant. For example, spinal cord injury /quadriplegic BMI range of approximately 22 to 40; for amputees it will be based on location and level of amputation, or if no diagnosis specific evidence exists, a BMI of approximately 25 to 40 will be used as a general guideline.
* Own a smart phone, and have reliable internet and wifi connection
* Are comfortable using exercise equipment like resistance bands or hand pedal exercisers
* Are able and willing to engage in exercise of moderate intensity
* Weight in bed including sleep partner is an estimated combined weight of 600 pounds or less
* Does not have a regular way to weigh themselves, such as a roll-on scale in the home or gym, or have regular access to a device to weigh themselves regularly and are willing to avoid weighing themselves during the trial.
* Indication that the participant has autonomy in decision-making as determined by the "Everyday Autonomy Self-Determination Scale."
* Indication that their current bedroom setup is compatible with the FIT bed scales as determined by the "Bed Determination Survey."

Due to the medical complexity of this population, inclusion of this study based on BMI, in-bed transfer frequency, or geographic location will be at the discretion of the expert members of our study team and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Extended vacations or absences planned in the next year (more that 2 - 4 weeks) or plans to move approximately 75 miles or greater from the Pittsburgh region
* BMI outside of the desired range as based on condition and as determined by the study team.
* Currently taking weight loss medication, medications that affect appetite, or have had weight loss surgery in the last 2 years.
* History disordered eating in the last 2 years, such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder
* Currently pregnant or intend to become pregnant in the next 12 months
* Regularly have 4 or more alcoholic drinks a day
* Have any cognitive conditions that limit decision making or self-governing.
* Indication that the participant does not have autonomy in decision-making as determined by the "Everyday Autonomy Self-Determination Scale."
* Indication that their current bedroom setup is not compatible with the FIT bed scales as determined by the "Bed Determination Survey."

Due to the medical complexity of this population, exclusion from this study based on BMI, geographic location, and what is considered a "medication that affects appetite" will be at the discretion of the expert members of our study team and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• University of Pittsburgh, Bakery Square, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jonathan Pearlman, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Daniel Rusnak, MS

Conditions Disability Physical; Wheelchair; Obesity; Overweight; Wheelchair Users; Weigh loss; Weight loss device; Weight loss program