Feasibility and acceptability of an mHealth physical activity intervention in adolescents with chronic abdominal pain

ABSTRACT

Objective: The current study served as a proof of concept that aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an mHealth physical activity text-messaging intervention, Network Underwritten Dynamic Goals Engine (NUDGE) in adolescents with chronic abdominal pain. Methods: The study included 40 adolescents (20 NUDGE group, 20 matched control group) between 13 and 17 years-of-age with chronic abdominal pain. Adolescents in the NUDGE group participated in a mHealth physical activity text-messaging intervention over 14-days. The NUDGE program encouraged participants to set personalized physical activity goals, self-monitor their progress toward their goal, and provided feedback to participants. To objectively assess levels of physical activity, adolescents wore an accelerometer over the 14-study days. At the end of the study, participants completed a satisfaction questionnaire (i.e., CSQ-8). Study procedures were conducted remotely via telehealth procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Results indicated that it was feasible to successfully adapt our procedures to remotely recruit 20 participants, collect physical activity data utilizing wrist-worn accelerometry (84.6%), and provide research staff support for technical difficulties (< 4 hours). Participants indicated high levels of acceptability with NUDGE. However, participant engagement with NUDGE was low (57.8%). The preliminary effect size for participants in the NUDGE group was nonsignificant compared to the matched control group. Conclusions: The current study indicates the feasibility of remotely recruiting and collecting accelerometer data in a clinical setting for youth with chronic abdominal pain. Findings suggest that future mHealth physical activity interventions for youth with chronic pain could consider utilizing strategies to increase engagement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)