Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Apr 7, 2025
Date Accepted: Nov 25, 2025
A home-based intervention to improve adherence to the 24-hour Movement Guidelines in young children: Protocol for a Mobile App-based Randomized Control Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
One in ten preschoolers (ages 3-4y) meet the three 24-Hour Movement Guidelines including: (1) physical activity, (2) sedentary screen-time, and (3) sleep.
Objective:
The overarching aim is to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a 12-week mHealth home-based intervention on 24-hour movement behaviors in preschoolers who meet few guidelines (zero or one guideline).
Methods:
We will conduct a 12-week randomized control trial with a wait-list control in 80 families (40/arm). Preliminary studies in this population informed app content, features, and app development. Behavior change theories, including transfer theory and the Multi-Process Action and Control framework, helped inform content presentation and topics. Primary outcomes include device-based and self-report measures of 24-Hour movement behaviors, and the secondary outcome is feasibility and acceptability of the app. Exploratory outcomes include preschoolers cognitive and motor skills, changes within the home environment, and behavioral control processes.
Results:
This two-phase study (K99/R00) received initial funding in March 2022, and the preliminary studies were concluded in December 2023. The main grant received institutional review board approval in April 2024, and began grant funding in May 2024. The study was registered in Clinical Trials in October 2024, and enrolled its first participant in January 2025. As of current, the study has enrolled 17 families. We anticipate the trial will complete in late 2026.
Conclusions:
This research is designed to test novel approach to improve all three 24-hour movement behaviors in preschoolers in home settings using a mobile app. Results from this study have implications for future 24-hour Movement Interventions, our understanding of improving all three behaviors, and ultimately, improvements in preschooler’s health. Clinical Trial: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT06667661
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