NCT03693859

Smart Gaming in Obesity

Smart Gaming for Obesity: A Randomized Trial

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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).

Conditions

• Obesity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Cognitive enhancement program	The cognitive enhancement condition (BWL+GAMING) will both teach the behavioral skills necessary for weight loss and strengthen the executive functions that underlie these skills.
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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-10-01
• Primary completion: 2022-10-01
• Completion: 2023-09-01
• First posted: 2018-10-03
• Last updated: 2018-10-04