Tailoring Mobile Health Technology to Reduce Obesity and Improve Cardiovascular Health in Resource-Limited Neighborhood Environments
Recruiting · Bethesda, Maryland
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Background: Heart disease is a leading cause of death. People can reduce their heart disease risk by exercising more.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Background: Heart disease is a leading cause of death. People can reduce their heart disease risk by exercising more. Mobile health technology may make people more successful at increasing their exercise. This includes things like physical activity monitors and smartphone apps. Objective: To find out if mobile health technology can increase physical activity. Eligibility: African American women ages 21-75 who: * Are overweight or obese * Live in certain areas near Washington, DC * Have a smartphone that can use the study app Design: At visit 1, participants will * Answer survey questions. These may be about medical history, physical activity, and weight. They may also cover body image, health perception, and spirituality. * Have body size measured and get blood tests * Get a device to wear on the wrist. It will record physical activity and hours of sleep. * Learn how to download and use the study mobile app For 2 weeks, researchers will collect data about participants physical activity. Then participants will have a study visit with additional blood tests. All participants will get messages from the app that encourage exercise. Some participants will get data from the app about exercise near their home or work. Some participants may get face-to-face coaching. Participants may get wireless devices. These measure body weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Participants can measure these at home and upload the data to the app for the study. Participants will have visits after 3 and 6 months. They will repeat the visit 1 tests.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •African American women
- •Ages 21-75
- •Overweight or obese (BMI 25 or higher).
- •Live in Washington, DC Wards 5, 7, or 8, or in nearby areas of Prince George’s County, Maryland.
- •Have a smartphone compatible with the study app and are able to use it for the study.
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Any medical condition (including heart failure, recent unintentional weight loss, or physical limitation) that could prevent safe exercise
- •Heart disease, including a heart attack in the past year, or certain coronary artery problems (like needing a stent in the past year) or significant structural heart disease with worsening/decompensation
- •Pregnant or not able to be pregnancy-checked (childbearing potential must report a negative pregnancy test at multiple visits)
- •Unable to read and speak English at the 8th-grade level (needed to independently provide consent)
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 21–75
- ✓A BMI around 25 or higher
- ✓Have Obesity / overweight
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
The study team can share what safety testing has been done so far.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Background: Heart disease is a leading cause of death. People can reduce their heart disease risk by exercising more.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a research study. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
Study-related care is provided at no cost to you. This study may also compensate you for your time and travel — the team will tell you the amount before you join. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT03288207 · Locations: Maryland