Weight management with fitness trackers in CVD prevention v1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Investigating the impact of fitness trackers on the outcomes of a weight management intervention to prevent Cardiovascular Disease.

  • IRAS ID

    225481

  • Contact name

    Weronika Reed

  • Contact email

    weronika.reed@kick-it.org.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Thrive Tribe Ltd

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    This research will explore factors influencing the treatment outcomes of the weight management intervention that will utilise fitness trackers (FitBit-CE marked) in Cardiovascular Disease prevention. The existing intervention delivered by Local Authority funded Healthy Hearts company will be looked at.

    The research will examine differences between groups (intervention with fitness trackers vs intervention as usual), identifying predictors for successful intervention and exploring participants’ experience of using fitness trackers. The main predictors that will be tested will be: Health Beliefs within the Theory of Planned Behaviour, Locus of control, anxiety, depression, Patient Activation levels and motivation. The reduction in risk factors following the structured weight management intervention will be the outcome measures. The main research questions in the study will be:

    • Do fitness trackers impact upon the weight management intervention outcomes in those at risk of cardiovascular disease?
    • Will intervention with fitness trackers and intervention as usual groups have different weight management intervention outcomes e.g. weight?
    • Can health beliefs as defined by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, Locus of Control, anxiety, depression, Patient Activation levels and motivation predict weight loss outcomes in the weight management intervention that utilises fitness trackers?
    • What are service users and deliverers’ experiences of the weight management intervention utilising fitness trackers?

    A mixed methods design will be employed. One hundred participants will be recruited into each group (200 in total). Participants will be randomised into these groups and will complete a set of 3 questionnaires: at pre and post weight management intervention and at the Healthy Hearts sign off point (approx 6 months since the start). Fifteen service users will also take part in semi-structured interviews and six programme deliverers will be interviewed. Participants in the intervention with fitness trackers group will be required to wear the fitness tracking device.

  • REC name

    London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/LO/1932

  • Date of REC Opinion

    10 Feb 2018

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion