Digital intervention promoting physical activity among obese people (DIPPAO) randomised controlled trial: study protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Physical inactivity and excessive sedentary behaviours are major preventable causes in both the development and the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nevertheless, current programmes struggle to engage and sustain physical activity (PA) of patients over long periods of time. To overcome these limitations, the Digital Intervention Promoting Physical Activity among Obese people randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based digital intervention grounded on gamification strategies, enhanced by social features and informed by the tenets of the self-determination theory and the social identity approach.

Methods and analysis: This trial is a two-arm parallel RCT testing the effectiveness of the Kiplin digital intervention on obese and patients with T2DM in comparison to the usual supervised PA programme of the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, France. A total of 50 patients will be randomised to one of the two interventions and will follow a 3-month programme with a 6-month follow-up postintervention. The primary outcome of the study is the daily step count change between the baseline assessment and the end of the intervention. Accelerometer data, self-reported PA, body composition and physical capacities will also be evaluated. To advance our understanding of complex interventions like gamified and group-based ones, we will explore several psychological mediators relative to motivation, enjoyment, in-group identification or perceived weight stigma. Finally, to assess a potential superior economic efficiency compared with the current treatment, we will conduct a cost-utility analysis between the two conditions. A mixed-model approach will be used to analyse the change in outcomes over time.

Ethics and dissemination: The research protocol has been reviewed and approved by the Local Human Protection Committee (CPP Ile de France XI, No 21 004-65219). Results will inform the Kiplin app development, be published in scientific journals and disseminated in international conferences.

Trial registration number: NCT04887077.

Keywords: RCT; T2DM; behavior change; cost-utility; e-health; gamification; intervention; mhealth; mobile app; obesity; physical activity; weight stigma.

Figure 1

Study flow chart. APA, adapted physical activity; T2DM, type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Figure 2

Screenshots of the Kiplin app. (A) The telecoaching sessions reservation. (B) The adventure. (C) The investigation. (D) The boardgame. (E) The chat. (F) The activity monitoring tool.