Development and Evaluation of A Game-Based Mobile App for Increasing Physical Activity in Autistic Adults

NCT06566131 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2098388
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 70
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The clinical study aims to develop and test a gamified mobile health app called PuzzleWalk (PW) to promote physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behavior (SB) in autistic adults, including those with mild intellectual disabilities (ID). The study addresses the need for tailored interventions in this population, who are at higher risk for lifestyle-related chronic health conditions due to lower PA and higher SB. The upgraded version of PuzzleWalk integrates behavior change techniques and gamification strategies, such as translating step counts into puzzle game playtime, to encourage regular PA and reduce SB. The study will evaluate the app's effectiveness on preventive health behavior changes in real-world settings. The ultimate goal is to create an effective, sustainable, and scientifically validated mobile health tool to improve the health and well-being of autistic adults.

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keywords

Mobile health; Gamification; Physical activity; Sedentary behavior

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Changes in MVPA levels

  Objective accelerometer-measured MVPA (min/day)

  Baseline, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Changes in self-reported PA

  Baseline, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks

• Engagement with the PW app

  3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks

• Changes in light PA levels

  Baseline, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks

• Changes in steps

  Baseline, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks

• Changes in sedentary time

  Baseline, 3 weeks, 5 weeks, and 8 weeks

Study Arms (1)

PuzzleWalk (Gamified mHealth)

EXPERIMENTAL

PuzzleWalk integrates gamification strategies and incentivization of walking behaviors to induce target behavior changes. Capitalizing on the distinctive attributes and preferences of autistic adults, PW emphasizes the advantages of visual learning while minimizing the need for undesired face-to-face social interactions. A novel feature is its conversion algorithm that translates daily step counts into playtime for "spot the difference" puzzle games, which leverages the psychological satisfactions of autonomy, relatedness, and competence.

Behavioral: Gamified mobile health app

Interventions

Gamified mobile health app BEHAVIORAL

Participants will receive visualized instructions about the PW use (e.g., search and download the app on App Store, navigate and understand key features, play puzzle games, and track step counts). During the 6-week intervention period, participants will receive reminders on wearing the accelerometer, using the app for potential incentives, and engaging in regular physical activities for health promotion.

Also known as: PuzzleWalk

PuzzleWalk (Gamified mHealth)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 55 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• adults aged 18 to 55 years
• individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disroder by a medical professional or self-identify as neurodivergent
• individuals who have regular access to a supported smartphone (iOS 13+ operating system)

You may not qualify if:

• individuals with a moderate-to-profound intellectual disability
• individuals with orthopedic conditions that significantly interfere with independent ambulation (e.g., using a wheelchair or crutches)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Delaware: lead
• Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Carpenter Sports Building

Newark, Delaware, 19716, United States

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Lee D, McNulty L, Kathiravan S, Mauriello ML, Vasudevan V, Bhat A, Obrusnikova I, Suminski R. A Gamified mHealth App to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Behavior in Autistic Adults: Protocol for a Remotely Delivered Pilot Intervention Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Jul 22;14:e71631. doi: 10.2196/71631.

  PMID: 40694837 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autism Spectrum Disorder; Motor Activity; Sedentary Behavior

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Mental Disorders; Behavior

Study Officials

• Daehyoung Lee, PhD

  University of Delaware

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: All study participants will get the same mobile health intervention.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 19, 2024
• First Posted: August 22, 2024
• Study Start: August 29, 2024
• Primary Completion: July 2, 2025
• Study Completion: July 2, 2025
• Last Updated: July 30, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)