Smart Gaming for Obesity: A Randomized Trial
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Enrollment
- 200
- Primary Endpoint
- Weight change
Study Overview
Brief Summary
Obesity (Body Mass Index ≥ 30 kg/m2) is associated with diminished executive functioning. The primary objective of this randomized, controlled trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a behavioral weight loss program coupled with enhanced executive functioning training via serious gaming on weight loss and weight loss maintenance in adults with obesity and executive functioning deficits compared to adults undergoing standard behavioral treatment alone (N = 200). Serious gaming interventions that target the specific cognitive functions needed for weight-loss maintenance may improve long-term weight-loss success.
Detailed Description
This randomized, controlled study will evaluate the efficacy of a behavioral weight loss program coupled with enhanced executive functioning training via serious gaming (BWL+GAMING) on weight loss and maintenance in adults with obesity and executive functioning deficits compared to standard behavioral treatment alone (BWL) at two urban Philadelphia university-based clinics (PCOM [Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine] and Temple University). Participants will be recruited from the community. All participants (N = 200) will complete 12 weeks of behavioral weight loss treatment. Intervention participants will also complete 30-minutes (5 days per week for 8 weeks) of a serious gaming program, which will feature online games developed specifically to enhance executive functions. The primary outcomes are weight change and weight change maintenance, which will be measured at 12 and 52 weeks, respectively. Neuropsychological testing will evaluate the proposed mechanism of action, changes in executive functioning, before and after treatment (12 and 52 weeks).
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 65 Years (Adult, Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •Executive functioning deficits
- •Internet access
Exclusion Criteria
- •Under 18 years of age
- •Over 65 years of age
- •Taking weight loss medication
Arms & Interventions
Behavioral Weight Loss + Gaming
Treatment will consist of 12-weekly, one-hour group sessions of approximately 15 participants per group. Participants will provide logs of serious gaming (intervention).
Intervention: Cognitive enhancement program (Behavioral)
Behavioral Weight Loss + Health Segments
Control participants will be asked to spend 30 minutes watching health segments online, five days per week, for 8 weeks. Participants will provide logs of video segment watching (control).
Intervention: Behavioral Weight Loss + Health Segments (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Weight change
Time Frame: 52 weeks
Weight change maintenance of at least 5%
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported