The Effectiveness of an Activity Meter for Overweight Children and Their Caregivers in a Clinical Setting: a Pilot Study

Abstract

Context:Childhood obesity is epidemic in the United States, but low levels of physical activity and high levels of screen time are modifiable risk factors. An activity meter (AM) program, that utilizes an interactive child-focused website and measures the amount and intensity of physical activity, may promote activity and decrease BMI. Objective:The current study tests the feasibility of using an AM program with child-caregiver pairs in a primary care setting. We hypothesize that participants would rate the system as easy to use, would be motivated with their engagement in physical activity, and would continue to use and recommend to others. We hypothesize the AM system would increase children's physical activity levels and decrease engagement in screen time over the study period. We also measure changes in participants' body mass index (BMI). Design:Prospective study assessing ease of use and satisfaction with the AM program post-intervention and comparing physical activity and BMI changes in children and caregivers from pre-and post-intervention over a 4-month period.Setting: A primary care clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.Participants: Ten children ages 9-14 years with BMI over 85th percentile and their associated caregivers. Intervention: Zamzee AM and website.Main Measures: Child and caregiver satisfaction ratings, physical activity measured by AM and survey, screen time engagement measured by survey, and BMI.Results: Between September 2014 and February 2015, 10 child-caregiver pairs were enrolled, and one pair did not complete the study. Both children and caregivers were satisfied with the usability of the AM and website, were motivated to be more physically active and would continue use of the meter after the study. Six activity meters were lost and five were broken. There were no significant changes in physical activity, screen time, or BMI in either caregivers or children. Conclusion:This feasibility study suggests promise for use of an AM program in the primary care setting but no effectiveness in improving activity level, screen time or BMI over 4 months. Further study with attention to intervention refinement and larger sample sizes is warranted. Given the prevalence of children with overweight/obesity, innovative ideas to promote physical activity are required.