Brooks C Wingo1, Dershung Yang2, Drew Davis3, Sangeetha Padalabalanarayanan4, Betsy Hopson5, Mohanraj Thirumalai6, James H Rimmer7. 1. Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SHPB 353, 1720 2nd, Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA; UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative, SHPB 331, 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA. Electronic address: bcwingo@uab.edu. 2. BrightOutcome, Inc, 1110 Lake Cook Road, Suite 167, Buffalo Grove, IL, 60089, USA. Electronic address: Dershung.yang@brightoutcome.com. 3. University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Dearth Tower, 5601 McWane, 1600 7th Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35233-1711, USA. Electronic address: ddavis@peds.uab.edu. 4. UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative, SHPB 331, 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA. Electronic address: sangee@uab.edu. 5. University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Dearth Tower, 5601 McWane, 1600 7th Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35233-1711, USA. Electronic address: Betsy.hopson@childrensal.org. 6. UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative, SHPB 331, 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA; Department of Health Services Administration, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SHPB 590E, 1720 2nd, Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA. Electronic address: mohanraj@uab.edu. 7. UAB/Lakeshore Research Collaborative, SHPB 331, 1720 2nd Ave South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA. Electronic address: jrimmer@uab.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Children with physical disabilities report higher rates of sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary patterns than non-disabled peers. These behaviors can increase comorbidities, caregiver burden, and healthcare costs. Innovative interventions are needed to assist caregivers of children with physical disabilities improve health behaviors. OBJECTIVE: /Hypothesis: The purpose of this pilot study was to test the usability and preliminary efficacy of an e-health and telecoaching intervention compared to telecoaching alone. METHODS:Parent/child dyads (n = 65) were randomized into either the e-health and telephone group (e-HT) or the telephone only group (TO). All participants received regular calls from a telecoach, and the e-HT group received access to a website with personalized weekly goals for diet and physical activity, and access to resources to meet these goals. At the conclusion of the intervention, participants in the e-HT group were asked to complete a semi-structured interview to discuss the usability of the e-health platform. RESULTS:Fifty of the 65 randomized dyads (77%) completed all baseline measures and had at least one intervention call. Forty families (80% of those that started the intervention) completed the study (50% spina bifida, 24% mobility limitation, diagnosis not reported). Age of the children ranged from 6 to 17 years old. Both groups had high adherence to scheduled phone calls (e-HT (n = 17): 81%, TO (n = 23): 86%); however no significant differences in dietary intake or physical activity were seen within or between groups. Primary themes to emerge from qualitative interviewers were: the platform should target children rather than parents, parents valued the calls more than the website, and schools need to be involved in interventions. CONCLUSIONS: E-health interventions are a promising way to promote healthy behaviors in children with physical disability, but technology must be balanced with ease of use for parents while also engaging the child.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND:Children with physical disabilities report higher rates of sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary patterns than non-disabled peers. These behaviors can increase comorbidities, caregiver burden, and healthcare costs. Innovative interventions are needed to assist caregivers of children with physical disabilities improve health behaviors. OBJECTIVE: /Hypothesis: The purpose of this pilot study was to test the usability and preliminary efficacy of an e-health and telecoaching intervention compared to telecoaching alone. METHODS: Parent/child dyads (n = 65) were randomized into either the e-health and telephone group (e-HT) or the telephone only group (TO). All participants received regular calls from a telecoach, and the e-HT group received access to a website with personalized weekly goals for diet and physical activity, and access to resources to meet these goals. At the conclusion of the intervention, participants in the e-HT group were asked to complete a semi-structured interview to discuss the usability of the e-health platform. RESULTS: Fifty of the 65 randomized dyads (77%) completed all baseline measures and had at least one intervention call. Forty families (80% of those that started the intervention) completed the study (50% spina bifida, 24% mobility limitation, diagnosis not reported). Age of the children ranged from 6 to 17 years old. Both groups had high adherence to scheduled phone calls (e-HT (n = 17): 81%, TO (n = 23): 86%); however no significant differences in dietary intake or physical activity were seen within or between groups. Primary themes to emerge from qualitative interviewers were: the platform should target children rather than parents, parents valued the calls more than the website, and schools need to be involved in interventions. CONCLUSIONS: E-health interventions are a promising way to promote healthy behaviors in children with physical disability, but technology must be balanced with ease of use for parents while also engaging the child.
Authors: Sarah Xu; Sujay Turakhia; Michael Miller; Douglas Johnston; John Maddalozzo; Dana Thompson; Irina Trosman; Michael Grandner; Stephen H Sheldon; Vikas Ahluwalia; Bharat Bhushan Journal: J Clin Sleep Med Date: 2022-03-01 Impact factor: 4.062