NCT04309097

Reducing Eye Strain and Anxiety Using a Digital Intervention During Online Learning Class Recess Among Children at Home: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 954 (actual)
• Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: —
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The primary aim of the current study is to conduct a cluster-randomized control trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel digital intervention in reducing anxiety and digital eye strain compared to usual care among Chinese children during the period of home confinement.

Detailed description

In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many countries have taken the decision of school closure after the confirmation of coronavirus cases in the general population. In China, the burden of COVID-19 is among the highest in the world, with more than 80,000 cases confirmed by 11th March 2020. An estimate of 220 million children and adolescents are confined at home for weeks with inadequate level of physical activity and more susceptible to anxiety. There is also a concern of digital eye strain for many children who spend hours daily in front of a computer screen for recreation or learning purposes. Recess represents an essential scheduled period in a school day for psychological and physical relaxation. During the unusual period of home confinement, many schools have already issued physical activity requirement and policy recommending recess and physical activity breaks. However, recess could be easily skipped by students during online learning at home. Mobile health intervention offers a potential opportunity for capitalizing on digital technology as a feasible modality to encourage recess activities, especially in regions where social distancing is implemented as an emergency measure. The primary aim of the current study is to conduct a cluster-randomized control trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel digital intervention during recess in reducing anxiety and digital eye strain compared to usual care among Chinese children during the period of home confinement.

Conditions

• Anxiety
• Digital Eye Strain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Digital intervention	REAP is a live-streaming platform that allows users to shoot short videos or photos related to their physical exercise or eye relaxation (e.g., staring out of the window) using their smartphones. The app has been optimised to be used with the iPhone or Android. When taking a online course recess, students will have access to the REAP platform that allows them to watch stay-at-home workout videos developed by exercise physiologists. Students will then be asked to create their own workout videos/photos and upload them to the live-streaming platform. When upload is completed, students will receive instant motivational messages to increase their engagement with the program.
BEHAVIORAL	Information-only intervention	Participants will have access to online health information and stay-at-home workout videos.

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-03-16
• Primary completion: 2020-03-29
• Completion: 2020-03-29
• First posted: 2020-03-16
• Last updated: 2020-05-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China