Randomized Controlled Trial of a Physical Activity Program for Teenagers

Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School311 enrolled

Overview

The study aims: 1. To test the effect of providing social comparison information on increasing physical activity among Singaporean adolescents. 2. To test whether providing social comparison information increases physical activity more when it is provided publicly compared to when it is provided anonymously.

Childhood and adolescent obesity represents a major public health challenge worldwide. Singapore is no exception as the prevalence of obesity among children was estimated at 12%. Overweight and obese children are more likely to become obese adults, to develop non-communicable diseases at a younger age, and to have a shorter life expectancy. One of the main reasons behind the growing obesity epidemic is low levels of physical activity. Previous literature shows evidence of a steep decline in physical activity among boys after the primary school years and low levels of activity among girls throughout the primary and high school years in Singapore. Daily step counts are found to be up to 35% short of the recommended daily steps for adolescents. Low levels of physical activity are also associated with lower psychological well-being among adolescents. Thus, it is important that interventions aimed at increasing physical activity target adolescent years. In this study, the investigators propose to test the effectiveness of providing social comparison information on increasing physical activity among adolescents. Participating adolescents will be randomized into a group and groups will be randomized into one of two study arms in a 4-month walking program: Private arm: At the end of each week, participants will be provided with the number of steps logged by the participants in their group. The number of steps will be ranked from highest to the lowest without any identifiable information about the participants. Public arm: At the end of each week, participants in this arm will be provided with the same information as in the other arm plus the names of the participants corresponding to the number of steps logged. Social comparison information will be provided to the study participants via SMS. We will conduct a 4-month two-arm RCT to test whether social comparison information increases physical activity more when it is disclosed publicly compared to when it is provided anonymously. The primary outcome is the average number of steps taken per week by participants. Study outcomes relating to physical activity and health-related quality of life for participants will be evaluated at baseline and 4 months. Step activity will be tracked in real time via Fitbit wireless pedometers throughout the study.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

311

Conditions

Physical Activity

Interventions

Social informationBEHAVIORAL

Social comparison information will be provided to the study participants weekly via SMS

FitbitDEVICE

Fitbit is a wireless pedometer that tracks steps of participants and will be offered in conjunction with a tailored website with customised information for participants.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 13 YearsMax age: 16 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * The study's target population is adolescents aged 13-16 years. Participants should be Singaporean citizens or permanent residents. Participants should be English-speaking. Participants should be willing to wear a pedometer for 4 months. Only participants who provide at least 8 (out of 14 days) valid days of pedometer data including at least 2 days of the weekend at baseline will be included. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants will be asked to complete a short screener questionnaire to ensure that they are healthy enough to participate. Participants reporting the following will be excluded: * Having any medical condition that may limit their ability to walk as a means of physical activity * Are unwilling to wear a wireless pedometer for 4 months Participants will also be screened with a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q). Those who answer 'YES' to any PAR-Q question will be permitted to enroll only if they provide written approval from a medical doctor.

Locations (1)

Duke-NUS Medical School

Singapore, Singapore

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

The average number of steps taken per week by participants

These will be assessed through Fitbit pedometers at baseline and at the last 2 weeks of the trial. All participants will be issued a step counter, the Fitbit Flex™ for use during the entire 4-month RCT.

Time frame: 4 months

Secondary Outcomes

Health Outcomes: Quality of life index

The quality of life will be assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for adolescents. These measures will be taken twice; at baseline and at the end of the study.

Time frame: 4 months

Health Outcomes: Depression

Depression will be measured using Asian Adolescent Depression Scale (AADS) which is validated for Singaporean adolescents.These measures will be taken twice; at baseline and at the end of the study.

Time frame: 4 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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