Gamification for Improving Mobility After Hospitalization

(MOVE_ON Trial)

Overseen By Ryan Greysen, MD, MHS, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

Disqualifiers: Informed consent, Smartphone access, Low mobility, Hospice, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

350 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The objective of this study is to test the feasibility of using behavioral economic interventions (gamification with social incentives) to increase physical activity after hospital discharge to reduce incident mobility disability among older adults.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

How does the Social Support Gamification treatment improve mobility after hospitalization?

Social Support Gamification is unique because it uses game-like elements to encourage physical and cognitive activity, making recovery more engaging and enjoyable for patients. Unlike traditional treatments, it focuses on increasing patient motivation and adherence through interactive and fun activities, which can lead to better mobility and overall recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Social Support Gamification for improving mobility after hospitalization?

Research shows that gamification, which uses game-like elements to motivate people, has been effective in healthcare settings. For example, it has helped clinicians improve care for sepsis (a severe infection) and supported self-management in chronic illnesses, suggesting it could also help patients improve mobility after hospitalization. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Ryan Greysen, MD, MHS, MA

Principal Investigator

University of Pennsylvania

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 50 or older who can walk on their own and were recently in the hospital for conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, or mobility issues. They must be able to use a smartphone with a wearable device daily and not be part of another physical activity study.

Inclusion Criteria

Admitted to the University of Pennsylvania Health System acute care hospital (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Pennsylvania Hospital, Lancaster General Health, Chester County Hospital, or Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center) and discharged to home

I am 50 years old or older.

I can walk on my own without help.

Exclusion Criteria

Inability to provide informed consent

Already enrolled in another physical activity study

I cannot walk more than 1000 steps a day on my own.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive a wearable device and engage in a gamification intervention with a virtual health coach to increase physical activity

26 weeks

Virtual interactions with health coach

Follow-up

Participants continue passive data collection of step counts and complete assessments and surveys

26 weeks

Assessments at 6 and 12 months, surveys at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social Support Gamification

Trial Overview The study tests if adding game-like elements with social rewards can help older adults stay active after leaving the hospital. The goal is to see if this approach prevents them from losing their ability to move around easily.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Social Support Gamification Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Intervention participants will receive a wearable device (e.g. FitBit) and will enter a game designed with behavioral economics concepts to address predictable barriers to behavior change during a 26-week intervention period. Participants will also work with a virtual health coach throughout the intervention period to increase their physical activity. At the end of the 26 week intervention period, participants will enter a 26 week follow-up period during which interventions will cease but passive data collection of step counts will continue. Participants will also complete milestones within the study, such as the Function assessment during the 6, and 12-month timepoints in the study. They will also complete a series of surveys during the 3, 6, 9, and 12-month timepoints in the study. Participants will complete an end-of-study questionnaire on their experience with the wearable device and time in the study.

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a wearable device (e.g. FitBit) but no other interventions during the intervention or follow-up periods.Participants will complete milestones within the study, such as the Function assessment during the 6, and 12-month timepoints in the study. They will also complete a series of surveys during the 3, 6, 9, and 12-month timepoints in the study. Participants will complete an end-of-study questionnaire on their experience with the wearable device and time in the study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pennsylvania

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,118

Recruited

45,270,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Citations

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identified opportunities for gamification in the elective primary fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty journey: Secondary analysis of healthcare professionals' interviews. [2020]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamification as a strategy to engage and motivate clinicians to improve care. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A gamified mobile health intervention for children in day surgery care: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. [2022]

4. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamifying Self-Management of Chronic Illnesses: A Mixed-Methods Study. [2020]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gamified Design for Health Workshop. [2017]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Feasibility Study for Implementation "Health Arcade": A Study Protocol for Prototype of Multidomain Intervention Based on Gamification Technologies in Acutely Hospitalized Older Patients. [2020]

7. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Applying Game Thinking to Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention. [2018]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Use of Gamification in Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: Scoping Review. [2021]