Behavioral Change Techniques for Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease Patients

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byAshley Goodwin, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Northwell Health

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This 12-week trial will test the efficacy of a personalized, multi-component, personalized text-message delivered behavior change technique (BCT) intervention to encourage habitual hourly physical activity among care providers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) via the key mechanism of behavior change (MoBC) of automaticity. The main question it aims to answer is whether a multi-component, personalized BCT intervention to increase habitual walking of \>250 steps/hour will lead to successful development of habitual hourly walking among 50% of caregivers.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias who lead a sedentary lifestyle. It aims to help them develop a habit of hourly physical activity, specifically walking more than 250 steps per hour.

Inclusion Criteria

Identify as a caregiver (formal/paid or informal/unpaid) for persons with Alzheimer's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)

Speak English or Spanish as primary language

I am between 18 and 85 years old.

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

My doctor says it's unsafe for me to participate in walking activities.

Does not own or cannot regularly access a smartphone capable of receiving text messages or accessing the internet

Does not own or have access to an email address

+1 more

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants receive a personalized, multi-component BCT intervention to encourage habitual hourly physical activity

12 weeks

Daily text-message interventions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for habit formation and changes in automaticity

4 weeks

Participant Groups

The study is testing a personalized text-message delivered behavior change technique (BCT) intervention over 12 weeks. The goal is to see if this approach can make hourly walking a habit for at least half of the participants.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Behavior Change Technique PackageExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

This will be a 12-week, single-arm, multi-component, personalized BCT intervention. Participants will be provided with 4 BCTs daily (Goal Setting, Action Planning, Self-Monitoring, and Prompt/Cue) that have been associated with habit formation theory and development of physical activity habits in prior research.