Fit 24 Technology Intervention YOUTH

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a goal-setting intervention that utilizes a Fitbit device and text messaging to improve physical activity and sleep in Hispanic adolescents with obesity.

Hispanic adolescents are disproportionately burdened by obesity and type 2 diabetes compared to non-Hispanic white youth. Disparities in T2D emerge early in life and are driven in part by unhealthy lifestyle behaviors including low levels of physical activity, excessive time spent in sedentary behaviors and short sleep durations. Given that Hispanic youth are the fastest growing pediatric subgroup in the U.S., developing strategies to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and addressing T2D disparities is a public health imperative. Wearable activity monitoring devices like Fitbits are designed to continuously monitor both wake time and sleep behaviors. Therefore the purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week technology-based intervention that uses a Fitbit and text messages grounded in the Self-Determination Theory to promote healthy lifestyle habits and reduce risk for type 2 diabetes among a Hispanic adolescents with obesity.

Informational flyer of evidence-based strategies on engaging in healthy physical activity and sleep lifestyle habits.

This 12-week goal-setting intervention will test the feasibility of using a Fitbit watch and motivational text messaging to improve physical activity and sleep in Hispanic youth (14-16 years of age) with obesity. Youth will be prompted to set weekly steps per day and hours of sleep per night goals. Text messages will be grounded in the Self-Determination Theory and will provide evidence-based strategies, support, and motivation to encourage youth to meet their goals.

We will record the number participants recruited, screened, and enrolled in the study. We will also record the percentage of participants that complete data collection.

We will use a survey to assess the % of participants that are satisfied with participation in the study.

Physical activity will be assessed using accelerometry to assess average minutes/day using a 24-hour, 7-day accelerometer protocol.

Sleep will be assessed using accelerometry to assess average minutes/night using a 24-hour, 7-day accelerometer protocol.

Height and weight will be measured to the nearest 0.1cm and 0.1 kg, using a portable stadiometer and research scale to calculate BMI percentile.

Psychological need fulfillment as assessed using Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (PNSE)

The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise Scale (18-items) will be used to assess psychological needs fulfillment. The total possible scores in the PNSE are 6-108 with higher scores reflect greater perceptions of psychological need fulfillment.

Autonomous motivation for physical activity as assessed using Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (BREQ-2)

The Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 (23-items) will be used to assess autonomous motivation for physical activity. The total possible scores on the BREQ-2 are -24 to 24, with a higher score indicating reflect more self-determined motivation whereas negative scores indicate less self-determined motivation.

Inclusion Criteria: Self identify as Hispanic or Latino obese, defined as body mass index percentile (BMI%) ≥ 95th percentile Ages of 14-16 years Own his or her own cellphone. Exclusion Criteria: Taking a medication(Steroids) or diagnosed with a condition (i.e. sleep (i.e. sleep apnea) that influences activity, sleep, and/or cognition Recent hospitalization or injury that prevents normal physical activity pregnant currently enrolled in an exercise program or currently using a personal activity monitoring device like Fitbit.

Soltero EG, Lopez C, Hernandez E, O'Connor TM, Thompson D. Technology-Based Obesity Prevention Interventions Among Hispanic Adolescents in the United States: Scoping Review. JMIR Pediatr Parent. 2022 Nov 4;5(4):e39261. doi: 10.2196/39261.