PA4Health Physical Activity App for African American Women

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: City University of New York, School of Public Health

Disqualifiers: Physical limitations, Heart failure, Surgery, Pregnancy

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether the PA4Health Physical Activity App can help African American women increase their physical activity. The goal is to determine if the app is user-friendly and effective for those who currently exercise less than 90 minutes a week. Participants must be African American women who own a smartphone and have received medical clearance to exercise. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance health outcomes for African American women.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on physical activity, so it's best to ask the trial organizers for more details.

What prior data suggests that the PA4Health Physical Activity App is safe for use?

Research shows that the PA4Health Physical Activity App helps African American women become more active. Tests have assessed its ease of use and enjoyment. In past studies, most participants found the app both easy to use and practical.

The studies focused on user-friendliness, not safety, so no harmful effects have been reported. As a digital tool, the app lacks side effects associated with medications. Participants have not reported any major problems while using it.

Overall, the app appears to be a safe way for African American women to increase their physical activity. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the PA4Health Physical Activity App because it offers a tailored approach to promoting physical activity among African American women, a group that often faces unique barriers to exercise. Unlike standard treatments that might include generalized fitness programs or gym memberships, this app provides personalized recommendations and motivational tools specifically designed for this demographic. The app leverages technology to deliver a convenient, user-friendly experience, making it easier for users to integrate physical activity into their daily lives. By focusing on culturally relevant content and support, the app aims to effectively engage users, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

What evidence suggests that the PA4Health Physical Activity App is effective for increasing physical activity in African American women?

Research shows that the PA4Health Physical Activity App aims to help African American women become more active. Studies have found that similar health apps can increase physical activity and help reduce obesity in this group. A small study with 15 participants found the app easy to use in daily life. By customizing its content to fit the user's surroundings, the app encourages exercise and keeps users engaged and motivated. Although data on its long-term effectiveness remains limited, early signs suggest the app could be a helpful tool for promoting healthier habits. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for African American women aged 18-64 who own a smartphone and do not regularly exercise (less than 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week). They must be medically cleared for physical activity, have an email address, and cannot have participated in the study before. Those with significant medical conditions, upcoming surgeries, or pregnancy plans within six months are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

Eligible participants must be able to provide consent

Eligible participants must be ages 18-64

Eligible participants must identify as AA and female

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals will be excluded if they have significant medical conditions (e.g., heart failure)

Individuals will be excluded if they have planned surgery in the next 6 months

Individuals will be excluded if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next 6 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use the PA4Health app and wear a Fitbit tracker to monitor physical activity

8 weeks

Participants engage with the app daily

Follow-up

Participants complete self-report measures and a semi-structured interview to provide feedback on the app

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• PA4Health Physical Activity App

Trial Overview The study is examining the usability and acceptability of a new smartphone app designed to encourage physical activity among African American women. The goal is to see if this targeted app can effectively engage participants in increasing their levels of physical activity.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

City University of New York, School of Public Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials

27

Recruited

36,200+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials

473

Recruited

1,374,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07114900

Randomized Controlled Physical Activity App Intervention ... The goal of this study is test whether a physical activity app intervention compared to wellness text messaging intervention is more acceptable/engaging among ...

2. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/NCT05714280/pa4health-physical-activity-app-open-pilot-study-for-african-american-women?state=NJ&city=Cliffside%20Park

PA4Health Physical Activity App Open Pilot Study for ... Fifteen physically inactive AA women will participate in a 12-week study examining the feasibility, acceptability, and usage of the PA4Health ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9446149/

The Impact of a Place-Tailored Digital Health App ... A place-tailored digital health app promoting exercise classes on African American women's physical activity and obesity: simulation study.

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-test-acceptabilityusability-of-a-physical-activity-app-developed-for-african-american-women-1-2023-acfe4

PA4Health Physical Activity App for African American Women This trial is for African American women aged 18-64 who own a smartphone and do not regularly exercise (less than 90 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity ...

5. mhealth.jmir.org mhealth.jmir.org/2020/3/e15346

Development and Initial Usability Tests of Smart Walk Despite the health benefits of PA, many African American (AA) women are insufficiently active (ie, do not achieve the US aerobic PA guidelines ...

6. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/190756?per_page=20&recruiting=1&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0

PA4Health Physical Activity App Open Pilot Study for Afri... Fifteen physically inactive AA women will participate in a 12-week study examining the feasibility, acceptability, and usage of the PA4Health ...