Study protocol
Feasibility, design and conduct of a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to reduce overweight and obesity in children: The electronic games to aid motivation to exercise (eGAME) study
1 Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
2 School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7
3 The George Institute for International Health, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, New South Wales 2050, Australia
4 Sport and Recreation New Zealand, PO Box 2251, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
5 Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, PO Box 97005, South Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 2240, New Zealand
BMC Public Health 2009, 9:146 doi:10.1186/1471-2458-9-146
Published: 19 May 2009Abstract
Background
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in developed countries. Sedentary screen-based activities such as video gaming are thought to displace active behaviors and are independently associated with obesity. Active video games, where players physically interact with images onscreen, may have utility as a novel intervention to increase physical activity and improve body composition in children. The aim of the Electronic Games to Aid Motivation to Exercise (eGAME) study is to determine the effects of an active video game intervention over 6 months on: body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, waist circumference, cardio-respiratory fitness, and physical activity levels in overweight children.
Methods/Design
Three hundred and thirty participants aged 10–14 years will be randomized to receive either an active video game upgrade package or to a control group (no intervention).
Discussion
An overview of the eGAME study is presented, providing an example of a large, pragmatic randomized controlled trial in a community setting. Reflection is offered on key issues encountered during the course of the study. In particular, investigation into the feasibility of the proposed intervention, as well as robust testing of proposed study procedures is a critical step prior to implementation of a large-scale trial.
Trial registration
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12607000632493
