Dov Jacobson1, Jesse Jacobson2, Traci Leong3, Stella Lourenco4, Lloyd Mancl5, Donald L Chi6. 1. Mr. D. Jacobson, principals, at GamesThatWork, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. 2. Mr. J. Jacobson, principals, at GamesThatWork, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. 3. Dr. Leong is an assistant research professor, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. 4. Dr. Lourenco is an associate professor, Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga. 5. Dr. Mancl is a research associate professor, Department of Oral Health Sciences, UW School of Dentistry, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, Wash., USA. 6. Dr. Chi is a professor, Department of Oral Health Sciences, UW School of Dentistry, University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle, Wash., USA;, Email: dchi@uw.edu.
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate changes in toothbrushing behaviors associated with a mobile game app. Methods: Thirty-four five- to six-year-olds were taught to use the Brush UpTM game app and played it once per day at home for seven days. The primary outcome was toothbrushing quality measured as duration and distribution. The paired t test was used to assess pre/post changes and Holm's method adjusted for multiple testing (α equals 0.05). Results: The mean age was 73.7±6.6 months; 29.4 percent were female, and 47.1 percent were Caucasian. After seven days, toothbrushing duration increased significantly (P<0.001). Toothbrushing distribution improved with increased brushing of the lingual, maxillary occlusal, and posterior buccal surfaces. For 15 children who played the game for 14 days, even greater improvements in quality and distribution were observed. Improvements in toothbrushing did not persist one year later without further app use but there were noted changes that could be clinically meaningful. Conclusions: Mobile health game apps can potentially improve toothbrushing quality in children. Additional trials are needed to assess mobile toothbrushing game apps.
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate changes in toothbrushing behaviors associated with a mobile game app. Methods: Thirty-four five- to six-year-olds were taught to use the Brush UpTM game app and played it once per day at home for seven days. The primary outcome was toothbrushing quality measured as duration and distribution. The paired t test was used to assess pre/post changes and Holm's method adjusted for multiple testing (α equals 0.05). Results: The mean age was 73.7±6.6 months; 29.4 percent were female, and 47.1 percent were Caucasian. After seven days, toothbrushing duration increased significantly (P<0.001). Toothbrushing distribution improved with increased brushing of the lingual, maxillary occlusal, and posterior buccal surfaces. For 15 children who played the game for 14 days, even greater improvements in quality and distribution were observed. Improvements in toothbrushing did not persist one year later without further app use but there were noted changes that could be clinically meaningful. Conclusions: Mobile health game apps can potentially improve toothbrushing quality in children. Additional trials are needed to assess mobile toothbrushing game apps.
Authors: Philip Schluter; Martin Lee; Greg Hamilton; Gill Coe; Heather Messer-Perkins; Belinda Smith Journal: J Public Health Dent Date: 2014-11-19 Impact factor: 1.821
Authors: Lauren A Sanzone; Jessica Y Lee; Kimon Divaris; Darren A DeWalt; A Diane Baker; William F Vann Journal: BMC Oral Health Date: 2013-06-01 Impact factor: 2.757