Using activity trackers and therapy to promote healthy behaviors in obese adults
ACTonHEALTH Study Protocol: Promoting Psychological Flexibility With Activity Tracker and mHealth Tools to Foster Healthy Lifestyle for Obesity and Other Chronic Health Conditions
This study is testing whether using activity trackers along with therapy can help obese adults develop healthier habits that last longer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istituto Auxologico Italiano Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Verbania) |
| Trial ID | NCT03351712 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to address the growing obesity epidemic by combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with wearable technology to create an effective and sustainable intervention. The study will involve various groups receiving different combinations of ACT-based interventions and activity trackers, some with feedback and others without. The goal is to promote long-lasting healthy habits by providing continuous feedback and individualized objectives that focus on lifestyle changes rather than just weight loss. By integrating systematic measurements and reinforcement in daily life, the intervention seeks to improve health behaviors among participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with a BMI of 30 or higher who are tech-friendly and can engage with feedback through digital devices.
Not a fit: Patients with severe psychiatric disturbances, significant visual impairments, or other medical conditions unrelated to obesity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to sustainable weight management and improved overall health for obese individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using behavioral interventions and technology for obesity management, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age between 18 and 70 years; * obesity according to the WHO criteria (BMI ≥ 30); ù * written and informed consent to participate, 4) tech-friendly to receive feedback through smartphone, mail and wearable devices Exclusion Criteria: * other severe psychiatric disturbance diagnosed by DSM-V criteria; * severe visual difficulties, * important limitations of movement, in particular subjects for which it is not recommended physical activity, * concurrent medical condition not related to obesity. DSM-V (Thomas et al., 2014) will be used as screening tools for psychiatric disorders.
Where this trial is running
Verbania
- San Giuseppe Hospital, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCSS — Verbania, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gian Luca Castelnuovo, PhD, PsyD — Istituto Auxologico Italiano
- Study coordinator: Gian Luca Castelnuovo, PhD, PsyD
- Email: gianluca.castelnuovo@unicatt.it
- Phone: 0039323514339
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.