The primary objective of this protocol is to test whether an activity monitor with an online motivational rewards component will increase physical activity levels of middle school-aged students. The secondary objective is to learn about the functionality and utilization of the activity meter device among this age group.
The goal of this pilot study is to find out whether an activity meter linked to web-based rewards will increase physical activity levels in middle school aged students who use it over 6 weeks. To test this, students who participate in the study will be assigned to 1 of 3 groups: the meter with web-based rewards group, the Dance Dance Revolution group, or the control group. The physical activity of participants in all 3 groups will be tracked using the an activity meter that participants will be asked to carry daily for the 6 weeks of the study. Participants given the activity meter with web-based rewards or Dance Dance Revolution will be instructed to use them at their own will, as much or as little as they like. Before beginning the study, all participating students will be asked background questions about themselves (such as their gender, age, and ethnic group) and about the kinds of computer and video game consoles they have access to at home. All participants will also complete short questionnaires at enrollment, week 1, week 3 and week 6. These questions will ask participants about their experiences using the assigned devices, their physical activity levels, and their thoughts about their ability to be physically active. At the end of 6 weeks, all participants will finish the study and return their assigned devices to the study coordinator. Height and weight will be measured at baseline and at the end of the study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
182
The activity meter linked to a motivational website is designed to motivate middle school-aged children to increase their rates of physical activity by providing feedback on the amount of activity, and rewards based on the amount and duration of activity.
The active video game, Dance Dance Revolution, requires physical movement as part of game play and may motivate users to engage in more activity. The same activity meter used in the Intervention Group is provided to this group to track physical activity but does not link to the motivational website nor does it provide any feedback on levels or duration of activity.
Crittenden Middle School
Mountain View, California, United States
Vista Middle School
Vista, California, United States
West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia, United States
Physical Activity
The amount and intensity of physical activity is recorded continuously every study day that participants wear the provided activity meter for the 6 weeks study. The primary outcome reported will be rates of "moderate to vigorous" physical activity.
Time frame: 6 weeks
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Participants are provided the same activity meter used in the other study groups to track physical activity but it does not link to the motivational website nor does it provide any feedback on levels or duration of activity. Participants are asked to go about their normal activities.