Electronic health technology for the assessment of physical activity and eating habits in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity IDA

Appetite. 2012 Apr;58(2):432-7. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2011.11.021. Epub 2011 Dec 1.

Abstract

Objective: It was the goal of the trial to study the impact of electronic healthcare technology into treatment.

Methods: One hundred and twenty-four children/adolescents (females 56%, age 13.5±2.8 years, height 1.64±0.13 m, weight 85.4±23.0 kg, body-mass index (BMI) 31.3±5.2 kg/m(2), BMI-standard deviation score (SDS) 2.50±0.5) were included. To assess physical activity and eating habits, a mobile motion sensor integrated into a mobile phone with digital camera was used.

Results: The children/adolescents had a significant weight reduction of 7.1±3.0 kg. BMI/BMI-SDS decreased (p<0.01). Intensity (14.1±6.4 activity units) and duration of physical activity (290.4±92.6 min/day) were assessed with sensors. Time walking: median 45.5 (range, 2.5-206.5), running 8.0 (range, 0-39.5), cycling 27.7 (range, 0-72.5), car driving 23.7 (range, 0-83.0) min/day. Comparing self-reported physical activity (walking 292.9 (range, 9.6-496.1), running 84.8 (range, 8.4-130.2) min/day) with assessment with sensors there were significant differences (p<0.01). Duration of physical activity documented by children/adolescents was higher than the assessment with motion sensors (walking 292.9 vs 45.5 min, p<0.01, running 84.8 vs 8.0 min, p<0.01). Sensor derived energy intake was higher than recommended (469.14±88.75 kcal vs 489.03±108.25 kcal, p=0.09). Performing multivariate analysis the following parameters showed associations with weight reduction (R-square=0.75): body weight (β=-0.95, p<0.01), C-reactive protein (CRP, β=0.15, p=0.07), physical activity, time spent in activities measured with sensors (β=-0.18, p=0.04), stress management (β=0.16, p=0.06), body fat mass at onset of the trial (β=0.45, p<0.01) and body shape (β=-0.25, p=0.01).

Conclusion: The innovative mobile movement detection system is highly accepted by children and adolescents. The system is able to augment existing weight reduction and stabilization strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomedical Technology / instrumentation
  • Biomedical Technology / methods*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cell Phone
  • Child
  • Diet*
  • Energy Intake
  • Exercise*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Overweight / therapy*
  • Photography / instrumentation
  • Telemedicine*
  • Weight Loss