iEngage: a digital health education program designed to enhance physical activity in adolescents

Abstract

iEngage is a modular health education and behavioural change program designed to help adolescents increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The program is delivered through the iEngage app which integrates activity trackers data (Misfit Ray©) within 10 interactive learning modules. Key features include guidance to set goals, self-monitor and assess achievements, and experiential learning via the connected activity trackers which allows for continuous steps recording during the program. iEngage was implemented in schools over 5 weeks with 10-12 years old adolescents (57 iEngage and 26 controls participants). Results show that adolescents successfully set goals and self-assessed achievements during the program, progressing toward higher physical activity (PA) levels as shown by the increase in daily steps through the program (+30%, + 2647 steps/day, P < .001). The consistency of days totalling at least 11,000 steps/day increased from 35% at the start to 48% at the end of the program. Average MVPA during schooldays was assessed pre- and post- program via research grade wrist accelerometers in students participating in iEngage and in control participants. Contrasting with the control group, MVPA increased after the program (~+5 min/day, P = .023) in short bouts, during lunch time, recess and after school. This study shows that a digital program incorporating health education, goals setting and self-monitoring of PA, helped young adolescents enhance PA goals and achievements and increase MVPA in daily life; validating the concept.