Adolescents' Health Through Mobile Apps, Wearables, and a Gamified TAC ( ActivA-App )

NCT06140225 | Unknown

• 2 other identifiers: Project ActivA-AppPID2022-140245OA-I00
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 480
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

A primary factor in preventing diseases in adulthood, as well as overweight and obesity, is the promotion of physical activity from childhood and adolescence. Although the recommendations for practicing physical activity at this stage are broad, low rates of practice that do not comply with the recommendations are reported. There is a high percentage of use of new technologies, particularly mobile applications, they have been used with some success to improve the health of similar populations, although its use for this purpose has certain limitations. Therefore, this project will investigate whether the use of various mobile and wearable applications can be an effective way to periodically increase physical activity levels and establish new healthy habits that improve the present and future health of adolescents. Several secondary education centers in the Region of Murcia will participate in this project. The objective is to obtain relevant results that can serve as a starting point for other interventions at a national or international level.

Conditions

Adolescent Behavior; Physical Activity; New Technologies

Keywords

Adolescents; Physical activity; New Technologies; Psychology

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (25)

• Physical Activity Level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents)

  The PAQ-A (Martínez-Gómez et al., 2009) will be used to establish the level of sports practice of the adolescents. This questionnaire includes eleven questions related to the practice of physical activity in school, after school, household chores and travel. The questionnaire makes it possible to classify adolescents as inactive or active (light, moderate or vigorous intensity). The questionnaire reports the time in hours and minutes that the participant performs physical activity. The longer the time, the better the result.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Physical activity level (accelerometry)

  In a subset of secondary school students (n=30), physical activity will be analyzed using accelerometry with the Actigraph GT3X+Tri-Axis Accelerometer Monitor (Actigraph, Pensacola, Florida). To do this, participants will be asked to wear the accelerometer on their non-dominant hand continuously for seven consecutive days and nights. They will be instructed not to move the accelerometer during the measurement period (Hjorth et al., 2012).

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Use of internet (CERI Questionnaire)

  To measure the frequency of Internet use through new communication technologies, the CERI questionnaire (Fargues et al. 2009) will be used, which includes 10 questions rated on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being "almost never" and 4 "almost always". The questionnaire reports a number from 10 to 40, with the higher value being more use.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Use of mobile phone (CERM Questionnaire)

  To measure the frequency of cell phone use, regardless of whether it is for social networks, video games, etc., the CERM questionnaire (Fargues et al. 2009) will be used, which includes 10 questions rated on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being "almost never" and 4 being "almost always". The questionnaire reports a number from 10 to 40, with the higher value being a more use.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Satisfaction with life (Life Satisfaction Scale)

  Life satisfaction is defined as a person's overall evaluation of his or her life. The person examines the tangible aspects of his or her life and compares them with a standard or criterion chosen by him or her, arriving at a judgment about satisfaction with his or her life (Pavot et al., 1991). Thus, judgments about satisfaction depend on the comparisons the subject makes between the circumstances of his or her life and a standard that he or she considers appropriate. The life satisfaction scale (Diener et al., 1985) provides information on feelings of happiness, feelings of loneliness and satisfaction in school among adolescents, obtaining an overall assessment of life satisfaction. The scale is composed of five questions that are answered on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being "strongly disagree" and 5 "strongly agree". The minimum score will be 5 and the maximum 25 points. A higher score indicates greater satisfaction with life.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Physical condition (Maximal oxygen consumption)

  The 20-m shuttle run test evaluates maximal aerobic capacity by means of an incremental 20-meter out-and-back test. The initial speed of the test is 8.5 km/h and is increased every minute by an audible signal. The test ends when the subject stops or fails to reach the reference line two consecutive times. The speed recorded is the speed reached in the last stage that the subject is able to complete. Through the equations of Leger, Mercier, Gadoury and Lambert (1988) the reference value of the subject's VO2 max. is obtained.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Physical condition (Handgrip Strength)

  The test will provide information about the isometric force (kg) that the participant is able to develop with the forearm musculature. For this purpose, a digital dynamometer with manual grip (5030J1, Jamar ®, Sammons Preston, United Kingdom) will be used. Prior to the execution, the instrument will be adjusted according to the age of the player and the length of his/her hand. Two measurements will be taken with each arm, with a one minute rest between them. The participant must hold the dynamometer with the executing hand and the arm extended along the torso, without contacting it, and produce the maximum force possible (Rojas, Vázquez, Sánchez, Banik, \& Argáez, 2012; Valdes \& Yanci, 2016). Manual grip strength determined by dynamometer is significantly associated with proper cardiovascular health in adolescents, so its analysis is of interest as part of an assessment of global physical fitness (García-Hermoso et al., 2019).

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Physical condition (Lower extremity muscle strength)

  The countermovement jump test (CMJ) will be used to measure this variable. This test provides information on the explosive strength of the lower body. The CMJ is a vertical jump that begins with the subject in a standing position, followed by knee flexion to a position of approximately 90 degrees, and a rapid extension of the knees to perform a jump in which the maximum height is reached. It should be noted that there is no stop in the knee flexion position since the intention is to take advantage of the explosive elastic reflex energy of the movement. The subjects will perform two repetitions of the jump 2 minutes apart. A MuscleLab force platform (Ergotest Innovation S.A., Norway) will be used to record the data, which will measure the time of flight from the time the subject takes off from the platform to the time the subject re-enters contact with the platform.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Physical condition (Hamstrings Flexibility)

  The sit-and-reach test will be used. A 30-centimeter measuring box (Finder Flex-Tester, Novel Products, USA) with a millimeter ruler is required. In the initial position, the subject should be in a seated position, with knees fully extended feet hip-width apart and soles of the feet perpendicular to the floor and in contact with the box. The subject will be asked to place one hand on top of the other, with the palms of the hands facing downward and the fingers stretched out. The subject will perform a neck flexion to bring the chin to the chest and a trunk flexion with the knees fully stretched and without ballistic movements, trying to reach the greatest possible distance and maintaining the posture for 3 seconds. The distance will be measured in centimeters and the value 0 will correspond to the tangent of the soles of the feet, the values being positive when this distance is exceeded, and negative when it is not reached.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Physical condition (horizontal jump)

  Upper lower body strength is measured form a standing position with feet approximately shoulder´s width apart. Participant jump as far forward as possible. The test is performance twice. The longest distance achieved was recorded in centimeters20.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.]

• Anthropometric Variables (Height)

  To measure height, a SECA measuring rod should be used. Adolescents should stand barefoot with their backs against the measuring rod, heels of their feet together and their gaze straight ahead. Measurements will be obtained in centimeters and will be repeated 2 times for each subject. A third measurement will only be taken if the difference between the first and second measurement is greater than 1%.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Anthropometric Variables (Weight)

  A Tanita BC 418-MA Segmental scale (Tanita, Tokyo) will be used to measure body weight. The subject will step on the scale with both feet inside the scale and looking straight ahead, without leaning the body. Values will be obtained in kilograms and two measurements will be carried out on each subject. If the difference between both measurements is greater than 1%, a third measurement will be taken

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.]

• Anthropometric Variables (Fat mass)

  To obtain the fat mass, it will be necessary to previously measure the triceps, thigh and leg folds, and the waist, hip, relaxed arm, thigh and leg perimeters. For these previous measurements, two measurements will be taken in each subject, and a third measurement will be necessary if the difference between the first two is greater than 5%. Once the values of the previous measurements have been obtained, the fat mass can be calculated using the formula of Slaughter et al. (1988)

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Anthropometric Variables (Fat-free mass)

  To obtain the fat-free mass, it will be necessary to previously measure the triceps, thigh and leg folds, and the perimeters of the waist, hip, relaxed arm, thigh and leg. For these previous measurements, two measurements will be taken in each subject, and a third measurement will be necessary if the difference between the first two is greater than 5%. Once the values of the previous measurements have been obtained, the-fat free mass can be calculated using the formula of Poortmans et al. (2005)

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Physical condition (upper limb strength)

  To assess upper limb strength will be used Push-up test. The subject will perform as many repetitions as possible in one minute, or until reaching exhaustion (Castro-Piñero et al., 2010).

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Physical condition (Curl-up)

  To assess abdominal muscle endurance will be use Curl-up. The highest number of repetitions the subject completes in one minute will be recorded (García-Pastor et al., 2016).

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Physical condition (Maximum speed)

  To assess maximum speed will be used 20-m sprint. A maximum speed sprint over 20 meters will be performed, following the protocol of previous research (García-Manso et al., 1996). Photocells placed at hip height will be used for timing quantification (Altmann et al., 2017).

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Anthropometric Variables (BMI)

  Previously obtained height and weight measurements will be used to establish the BMI. The formula used will be weight/height\^2, and the result will be obtained in kg/m\^2. This index is commonly used and is related to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in adolescents and adults.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs

  This questionnaire is made up of 24 items grouped into six factors and analyze different basic psychological needs, as described in the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), developed by Deci and Ryan. Autonomy is evaluated by four items, relatedness is evaluated by four items, and competence by four items. The frustration of each of the basic psychological needs, in turn, is evaluated by four elements each. The 14 items will be evaluated through a five-point Likert-type scale, ranging from 1 (completely false) to 5 (completely true). All factors values range 4 and 20 points. Higher scores report a better score in the factor.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Motivation in Physical Education Classes

  To assess motivation towards physical education classes, the Perceived Locus of Causality Scale (PLOC) has been used. This scale is made up of 20 items on a 7-point Liker scale from completely agree to completely disagree. These items evaluate 5 factors: intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation and amotivation. All factors values range 1 and 7 points. Higher scores report a better score in the factor.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Fat percentage

  It will assessed by bioimpedance in percentage, following the recommendations of Brantlov et al. (2017) for proper execution.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Hydration percentage

  It will assessed by bioimpedance in percentage, following the recommendations of Brantlov et al. (2017) for proper execution.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Muscle mass

  It will assessed by bioimpedance in kilogramers, following the recommendations of Brantlov et al. (2017) for proper execution.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Bone weight

  It will assessed by bioimpedance, in kilogramers, following the recommendations of Brantlov et al. (2017) for proper execution.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Visceral fat

  It will assessed by bioimpedance in kilogramers, following the recommendations of Brantlov et al. (2017) for proper execution.

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Healthy lifestyle habits (Survey on Healthy Habits in Adolescents)

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

• Evaluation of ICTs (User version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale)

  week 10

• Biological maturation

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24.

• Academic performance

  Week 10, week 20 and week 24.]

• Mediterranean Diet Quality (KIDMED Questionnaire)

  Pre-test, week 10, week 20 and week 24

Study Arms (8)

"PACER" Application

EXPERIMENTAL

It is an application that allows the recording of the sports activities performed. It includes alerts and reminders that allow the participant to plan his/her sports practice in advance, as well as a weekly record of the activities and kilometers run, and a comparative analysis with the previous week.

Behavioral: "PACER" Application

"MapMyWalk" Application

EXPERIMENTAL

It is an application that promotes the practice of physical activity by recording the sports activities that the subject performs, as well as the dissemination of the same in social networks and participation in challenges available to users around the world. In addition, this application includes reminders of physical activity and personal achievements to encourage the practice of sports.

Behavioral: "MapMyWalk" Application

"Strava" Application

EXPERIMENTAL

It is an application that promotes sports practice, nutritional habits and the necessary rest. Nutrition and sleep will be introduced as variables that favor a healthy lifestyle

Behavioral: "Strava" Application

"POKEMON GO" APPLICATION

EXPERIMENTAL

It is a mobile game that favors the increase of physical activity because it is necessary to walk to achieve the proposed objectives.

Behavioral: "POKEMON GO" APPLICATION

"JEFIT" APPLICATION

EXPERIMENTAL

It is an app whose goal is to be a support in training of strength-resistance training. Setting a specific goal, with a full databaseover of exercises to perform.

Behavioral: "JEFIT" APPLICATION

"FITBIT-FLEX" APPLICATION

EXPERIMENTAL

It is a physical activity wereable. It acts as a witness to physical activity and transmits the data to the computer or smartphone.

Behavioral: "FITBIT-FLEX" APPLICATION

"MEIZU BONG 2S" APPLICATION

EXPERIMENTAL

It is a physical activity wereable. It acts as a witness to physical activity and transmits the data to the computer or smartphone.

Behavioral: "MEIZU BONG 2S" APPLICATION

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

They will not use any type of sports technology application. They will continue to perform their daily activities without intervention.

Interventions

"PACER" Application BEHAVIORAL

It is an application that allows the recording of the sports activities performed. It includes alerts and reminders that allow you to plan your sports practice in advance, as well as a weekly record of the activities and kilometers run, and a comparative analysis with the previous week.

"PACER" Application

"MapMyWalk" Application BEHAVIORAL

It is an application that promotes the practice of physical activity by recording the sports activities that the subject performs, as well as the dissemination of the same in social networks and participation in challenges available to users around the world. In addition, this application includes reminders of physical activity and personal achievements to encourage the practice of sports.

"MapMyWalk" Application

"Strava" Application BEHAVIORAL

It is an application that promotes sports practice, nutritional habits and the necessary rest. Nutrition and sleep will be introduced as variables that favor a healthy lifestyle.

"Strava" Application

"POKEMON GO" APPLICATION BEHAVIORAL

It is a mobile game that favors the increase of physical activity because it is necessary to walk to achieve the proposed objectives.

"POKEMON GO" APPLICATION

"JEFIT" APPLICATION BEHAVIORAL

It is an app whose goal is to be a support in training of strength-resistance training. Setting a specific goal, with a full databaseover of exercises to perform.

"JEFIT" APPLICATION

"FITBIT-FLEX" APPLICATION BEHAVIORAL

It is a physical activity wereable. It acts as a witness to physical activity and transmits the data to the computer or smartphone.

"FITBIT-FLEX" APPLICATION

"MEIZU BONG 2S" APPLICATION BEHAVIORAL

It is a physical activity wereable. It acts as a witness to physical activity and transmits the data to the computer or smartphone.

"MEIZU BONG 2S" APPLICATION

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 12 Years - 16 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• Be a student of compulsory secondary education
• Not present any disease or surgical operation that would prevent the performance of the physical tests or the follow-up of the established intervention.
• Complete the questionnaires provided and carry out the established tests in their entirety
• Have access to any mobile device that allows access to the technological sports applications used in the intervention.

You may not qualify if:

• Failure to complete the questionnaires provided and/or to take the prescribed tests in their entirety
• Failure to complete scheduled intervention activities.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia: lead

Related Publications (1)

• Mateo-Orcajada A, Abenza-Cano L, Vaquero-Cristobal R. Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a mobile app and wearable-based intervention promoted through physical education to enhance physical and psychological health in adolescents during out-of-school hours. BMC Public Health. 2025 Dec 26;26(1):359. doi: 10.1186/s12889-025-25919-8.

  PMID: 41454278 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Adolescent Behavior; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Study Officials

• Raquel Vaquero-Cristobal, PhD

  Universidad de Murcia

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Raquel Vaquero Cristobal, PhD

CONTACT

+34968278655; raquel.vaquero@um.es

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal investigator

Model Details: Parallel Assignment

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 8, 2023
• First Posted: November 18, 2023
• Study Start: January 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: January 1, 2024
• Study Completion: July 1, 2024
• Last Updated: November 18, 2023

Record last verified: 2023-11

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share