Caregiver Praise + Gamification for Healthy Nutrition
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Enhancing Child Dietary Self-monitoring?
Research shows that using gamification (adding game-like elements) can help children eat more fruits and vegetables and improve their knowledge about healthy eating. Studies found that children who participated in game-based interventions increased their fruit and vegetable intake and were more willing to try new foods.12345
Is the Caregiver Praise + Gamification for Healthy Nutrition treatment safe for humans?
How does the treatment 'Enhancing Child Dietary Self-monitoring' differ from other treatments for improving child nutrition?
This treatment is unique because it combines caregiver praise with gamification, using a phone app to encourage children to monitor their own eating habits. Unlike traditional methods, it leverages technology and positive reinforcement to make healthy eating more engaging and self-directed for children.17101112
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the usability, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a digital dietary self-monitoring (dDSM) log that uses positive reinforcement strategies (caregiver praise and gamification) to improve child engagement in DSM. The main aims are to:* Examine the usability of a dDSM log that uses positive reinforcement (praise and gamification) among children 8-12 years and their adult caregivers.* Examine the acceptability of a dDSM log that uses positive reinforcement (praise and gamification) among children 8-12 years and their adult caregivers* Conduct a proof-of-concept trial that examines the effects of positive reinforcement on child DSM behaviors.* Explore differences in children's intrinsic motivation.Participating children will be instructed to self-monitor their daily intake of targeted food groups (fruits, vegetables, sweet and salty snack foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages) for 4 weeks using a personal web-based DSM log. Each child-caregiver dyad will be randomly assigned to 1 of 4 conditions: BASIC, PRAISE, GAME, or PRAISE+GAME. For PRAISE and PRAISE+GAME conditions, caregivers will be instructed to provide daily process praise to their child related to DSM behaviors. For GAME and PRAISE+GAME conditions, logs will integrate three game mechanics: points, levels, and a virtual pet. Points will be accumulated for engaging in DSM behaviors, and accrual of points will evolve a virtual pet over time.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for families with children aged 8-12 who are overweight or obese and regularly consume foods from at least two of the following groups: fruits, vegetables, sweet/salty snacks, and sugary drinks. They must have reliable internet access and an adult caregiver willing to participate.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Orientation and Baseline Assessment
Families attend an orientation session, complete consent/assent, and baseline assessment measures
Treatment
Children self-monitor their dietary intake using a digital log with positive reinforcement strategies for 4 weeks
Follow-up
Participants complete follow-up assessments and receive feedback on dietary intake
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Enhancing Child Dietary Self-monitoring
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Lead Sponsor