NCT03288207 · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Tailoring Mobile Health Technology to Reduce Obesity and Improve Cardiovascular Health in Resource-Limited Neighborhood Environments
What this study is about
Background: Heart disease is a leading cause of death. People can reduce their heart disease risk by exercising more. Mobile health technology may make people more successful at increasing their exercise. This includes things like physical activity monitors and smartphone apps. Objective: To find out if mobile health technology can increase physical activity.
View original scientific description
Background: Heart disease is a leading cause of death. People can reduce their heart disease risk by exercising more. Mobile health technology may make people more successful at increasing their exercise. This includes things like physical activity monitors and smartphone apps. Objective: To find out if mobile health technology can increase physical activity. Eligibility: African American women ages 21-75 who: * Are overweight or obese * Live in certain areas near Washington, DC * Have a smartphone that can use the study app Design: At visit 1, participants will * Answer survey questions. These may be about medical history, physical activity, and weight. They may also cover body image, health perception, and spirituality. * Have body size measured and get blood tests * Get a device to wear on the wrist. It will record physical activity and hours of sleep. * Learn how to download and use the study mobile app For 2 weeks, researchers will collect data about participants physical activity. Then participants will have a study visit with additional blood tests. All participants will get messages from the app that encourage exercise. Some participants will get data from the app about exercise near their home or work. Some participants may get face-to-face coaching. Participants may get wireless devices. These measure body weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Participants can measure these at home and upload the data to the app for the study. Participants will have visits after 3 and 6 months. They will repeat the visit 1 tests.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Individuals eligible for this protocol are overweight or obese (BMI \>= 25 kg/m\^2) African American women aged 21-75 years who live in Washington, DC Wards 5,7, or 8 and neighboring areas of Prince George s County, MD. Eligible participants should also have access to a smartphone compatible with the mobile app for the protocol that they can use for the study. Eligible participants must be able to provide informed consent independently and also speak and read English at the 8th grade level.
Exclusion criteria
- Medical condition, including heart failure, recent unintentional weight loss or physical limitation, that might prohibit safe participation in physical activity for any reason
- Heart disease as indicated by history of myocardial infarction in past 1 year, documented obstructive coronary artery disease on coronary angiography, coronary artery stent placement, within the last year significant structural heart disease (e.g. hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy with EF \<35%, severe valvular heart disease) with evidence of decompensation.
- Pregnant women due to large hormonal changes during pregnancy that affect study variables and potential pregnancy-related restrictions on exercise. All participants of childbearing potential will need to self-report a negative pregnancy at the screening visit, baseline visit, and at the three-month and six-month visits, unless the participant self-reports being postmenopausal, having had a tubal ligation, or having undergone a complete hysterectomy. Pilot Study INCLUSION CRITERIA:
- Must be an African-American female
- Must be within the age of 21-75 years old
- Must be overweight or obese (Body Mass Index (BMI) \>= 25 kg/m\^2)
- Must live in Washington DC Wards (5, 7, or 8) or live in Prince George s County, Maryland
- Must have a smartphone that is compatible with the study software (mobile app)
- Must be willing to use the software on personal smartphone for the study
- Must be able to provide consent
- Must be willing to wear the wrist-worn physical activity device for the study
- Must not be pregnant Optional MRI Tests Subjects will be screened for implanted metal objects or devices that may be incompatible with MRI (i.e. cerebral aneurysm clip, cochlear implant, pacemaker, etc.) These subjects will be eligible to proceed with study enrollment, but will not undergo the optional MRI study.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 29, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations