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Full-scale Intervention Study: Genetic Risk Communication and Wearables

Not Applicable
Active, not recruiting
Conditions
Exercise
Fitness Trackers
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Physical Activity
Type 2 Diabetes
Interventions
Genetic: Genetic Risk Estimate
Device: Genetic Risk Estimate + Fitbit Functions
Registration Number
NCT05524909
Lead Sponsor
The University of Hong Kong
Brief Summary

Background: Communication of information about risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) alone has not been associated with changes in habitual behaviors among individuals of European ancestry. In contrast, the use of wearable devices that monitor physical activity (PA) has been associated with changes in behavior in some studies. It is uncertain whether risk communication might enhance the effects of wearable devices. We aim to assess the effects on wearable-device-measured PA of communicating genetic risk for T2D alone or in combination with goal setting and activity prompts from a wearable device among overweight or obese East Asians.

Methods: In a parallel group, randomized controlled trial, a total of 355 overweight or obese East Asian individuals aged 40-60 years will be allocated into one of three groups: 1 control and 2 intervention groups. Blood samples will be used for estimation of T2D genetic risk and analysis of metabolic risk markers. Genetic risk of T2D will be estimated based on 113 SNPs associated with T2D among East Asians using an established method. All three groups will receive a Fitbit device. Both intervention groups will be given T2D genetic risk estimates along with lifestyle advice, but one of the intervention groups will additionally use Fitbit's step-goal setting and prompt functions. Questionnaires and physical measurements will be administered at baseline, immediately after intervention delivery, and 6 and 12-month post-intervention following standard operating procedures. The primary outcome is time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA measured through the Fitbit. Secondary outcomes include other parameters of wearable-device-measured PA, sedentary time, and sleep, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, five intermediate metabolic risk markers, hand grip strength, self-reported PA, self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption and smoking status, and a list of psychological variables.

Discussion: This study will be the first randomized controlled trial using the combination of communication of T2D genetic risk with standard functions of wearable devices in any population. Findings will inform strategies to prevent T2D through lifestyle modification.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
355
Inclusion Criteria
  • East Asian ancestry
  • Aged 40-60 years
  • overweight or obese (i.e. measured BMI ≥23 kilograms/meters2 according to the WHO BMI-defined cut-offs for Asians)
  • Able to perform daily-living physical activity
  • using English/Chinese and a smartphone in Hong Kong
Exclusion Criteria
  • have been diagnosed with any type of diabetes
  • pregnant or lactating
  • unable to perform daily-life physical activities (determined through Physical activity Readiness Questionnaire [PAR-Q])
  • participating in another research study or exercise programs
  • had experience of genetic testing
  • and/or cannot comprehend English/Chinese (i.e., sole language medium for the study).

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Intervention Group - Genetic Risk EstimateGenetic Risk EstimateThis intervention group will receive an estimated genetic risk and e-leaflet of type 2 diabetes in addition to the Fitbit .
Intervention Group - Genetic Risk Estimate + Fitbit FunctionsGenetic Risk Estimate + Fitbit FunctionsThis intervention group will receive a Fitbit device, but have a Fitbit step goal set 10% higher than their baseline step count, and use its prompt functions, in addition to the genetic risk estimate and e-leaflet.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Minutes between baseline and Immediate post-intervention, between baseline and 12-month post-intervention, and between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline, 12-month post-intervention, 6-month follow-up

Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity Minutes (per day) will be objectively measured by the Fitbit tracker.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in diastolic blood pressure between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Diastolic blood pressure (mm Hg) will be measured using the OMRON HEM-907 Digital Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor.

Changes in body mass index (BMI) between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Measured height (in meters) and body weight (in kilograms) will be combined to report BMI in kg/m\^2

Changes in systolic blood pressure between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) will be measured using the OMRON HEM-907 Digital Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor.

Changes in hand grip strength between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Hand grip strength (in kilograms) will be measured using the Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer, which has good reliability and reproducibility.

Changes in Triglycerides between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Blood samples will be collected to test the five key biochemical markers of T2D and cardiovascular disease, including Triglycerides (mmol/L).

Changes in Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Blood samples will be collected to test the five key biochemical markers of T2D and cardiovascular disease, including HbA1c (%).

Changes in Total cholesterol between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Blood samples will be collected to test the five key biochemical markers of T2D and cardiovascular disease, including Total cholesterol (mmol/L).

Changes in High-density lipoproteins (HDL) between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Blood samples will be collected to test the five key biochemical markers of T2D and cardiovascular disease, including HDL (mmol/L).

Changes in Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline and 6-month follow-up

Blood samples will be collected to test the five key biochemical markers of T2D and cardiovascular disease, including LDL (mmol/L).

Changes in Self-reported Physical Activity between baseline and Immediate post-intervention, between baseline and 12-month post-intervention, and between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline, Immediate post-intervention, 12-month post-intervention, 6-month follow-up

This outcome will be assessed using an assessment questionnaire.

Changes in Self-reported Smoking Status between baseline and Immediate post-intervention, between baseline and 12-month post-intervention, and between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline, Immediate post-intervention, 12-month post-intervention, 6-month follow-up

This outcome will be assessed using an assessment questionnaire.

Changes in Self-reported Psychological Status between baseline and Immediate post-intervention, between baseline and 12-month post-intervention, and between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline, Immediate post-intervention, 12-month post-intervention, 6-month follow-up

This outcome will be assessed using an assessment questionnaire.

Changes in five activity indicators (steps, 'sedentary minutes', 'lightly active minutes', calories burn, and sleep time)Baseline, 12-month post-intervention, 6-month follow-up

steps, sedentary minutes, lightly active minutes, calories burn, and sleep time will be objectively measured by the Fitbit tracker.

Changes in Self-reported Fruit and Vegetable Consumption between baseline and Immediate post-intervention, between baseline and 12-month post-intervention, and between baseline and 6-month follow-upBaseline, Immediate post-intervention, 12-month post-intervention, 6-month follow-up

This outcome will be assessed using an assessment questionnaire.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Exercise Physiology Lab, The University of Hong Kong

🇭🇰

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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