The Effect of a Lifestyle Intervention Program Using a Mobile Application for Adults with Metabolic Syndrome, versus the Effect of a Program Using a Booklet: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the preliminary effect, feasibility, and acceptability of a lifestyle intervention program using a mobile application (app) versus the effect of a program using a booklet for adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Patients and Methods

This trial was conducted in two community centers of Hong Kong. Participants were included if they were adults with MetS, aged over 50, and able to use a smartphone. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned to either the app group or booklet group. Those in the booklet group received a health talk and a booklet, whereas those in the app group received a health talk and a MetS app to support their exercise maintenance and health records for 3 months. Both groups received similar educational content related to healthcare for MetS clients. Data were collected at baseline (T1) and at 1- (T2) and 3-month (T3) intervals. Outcomes were body weight (primary outcome), total amount of exercise, blood pressure, and lipid concentrations. Data were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation models. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed in process evaluation.

Results

Ninety-eight individuals were screened for eligibility and 77 were randomized into the app group (n = 38) or booklet group (n = 39). The attrition rate at T3 was 11.690%. The app group showed a significant reduction in body weight (β = −1.069, p = 0.012) and body mass index (β = −0.371, p = 0.026), a greater amount of exercise (β = 8.454, p = 0.032), and improved exercise self-efficacy (β = 10.62, p = 0.001) within 3 months. There were no significant differences between groups for other outcomes. The participants appreciated the proposed intervention of the programme.

Conclusion

The MetS app may be incorporated in the health promotion programme to support exercise maintenance and a healthy lifestyle in the community.

Keywords:

• exercise
• body weight
• metabolic syndrome
• intervention
• programme
• mobile application

Acknowledgments

Sincere thanks to the Start-up Fund, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for the groundwork and Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau of Hong Kong SAR to support our research. Special thanks to the clients who participate in our project.

Data Sharing Statement

The authors do not intend to share individual deidentified participant data.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this study.