Gamification for Hospital Mobility Improvement
(Level Up Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen ByRyan Greysen, MD, MHS, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Low mobility is a mediator for poor outcomes of hospital care. Wearable devices will be used and 2-way texting via patient smartphones to monitor patients' physical activity during hospitalization with and without gamification to improve patient adherence to existing guidance on recommended activity. After discharge, investigators will assess patient care utilization (SNF, inpatient vs home rehab, ED visits, readmission) and conduct validated surveys on patient function at 30 days after discharge.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for hospital patients aged 50 or older with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. They must be able to consent, have daily access to a smartphone (or use one provided), and not be in another activity study. Their mobility scores should indicate they can safely do physical activities.

Inclusion Criteria

I can move around well enough on my own.

I am currently admitted to a hospital's medicine or cardiology department.

I am 50 years old or older.

Exclusion Criteria

I don't use a smartphone daily and am not willing to use one provided for the study.

I may need help with moving around due to my low mobility scores.

Are already enrolled in another physical activity study

+2 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if adding game-like elements (gamification) to monitoring devices increases patient movement in the hospital. It compares regular guidance with enhanced gamified feedback using wearables and texting, then tracks post-discharge health care use and function.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Gamification InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will be recruited during an inpatient stay and given a Fitbit watch that will transmit data to the Way to Health study platform. Intervention patients will receive daily text messages to help them set goals, receive feedback and support on their progress towards daily goals, and receive points for daily goals achieved. Data will continue to be collected for 30 days after discharge.

Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Participants will be recruited during an inpatient stay and given a Fitbit watch that will transmit data to the Way to Health study platform. Control participants' steps will be passively monitored. Data will continue to be collected for 30 days after discharge.