Does Instruction in Using a Physical Activity App Improve Outcomes in a Diabetes Prevention Program?
Presenter Information
Katherine Bukowinski
Kelly Gullo
Maura O'Neill
Duquesne University School of Nursing Honors Program
Abstract
Our project focused on the delivery of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) at Duquesne University, which addresses lifestyle change in patients with prediabetes. Our focus was to determine if iPhone/Android apps could improve weight loss and increase activity levels. We aimed to determine if an educational demonstration of an app called “Google Fit” would encourage and motivate participants to increase and track their physical activity, lessening their risk of diabetes through weight loss.
During the year-long DPP, participants attended 16 weekly sessions within the first 6 months followed by 6 monthly maintenance sessions. During the third week of the program, we presented an hour-long presentation via Zoom to Cohort 5 on how to track fitness activities using the Google Fit app. Screenshots were used so participants could visually see how to navigate the app and add their weight/activity data. Participants were sent handouts on the presentation for future reference.
We compared results from Cohort 4 (control group) and Cohort 5 to determine if our educational session affected activity levels and weight loss. Results showed our singular session did not impact Cohort 5, as their physical activity and weight were not different compared to the control group. Using multiple, individual sessions on physical activity tracking may have had a higher impact on weight loss, instead of one large group session. Education is a cornerstone of nursing, reminding us that each patient has different educational needs; we must incorporate each patient’s learning needs when teaching a person about their healthcare.
School
School of Nursing
Advisor
Dr. Melanie Turk
Submission Type
Paper
Does Instruction in Using a Physical Activity App Improve Outcomes in a Diabetes Prevention Program?
Our project focused on the delivery of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) at Duquesne University, which addresses lifestyle change in patients with prediabetes. Our focus was to determine if iPhone/Android apps could improve weight loss and increase activity levels. We aimed to determine if an educational demonstration of an app called “Google Fit” would encourage and motivate participants to increase and track their physical activity, lessening their risk of diabetes through weight loss.
During the year-long DPP, participants attended 16 weekly sessions within the first 6 months followed by 6 monthly maintenance sessions. During the third week of the program, we presented an hour-long presentation via Zoom to Cohort 5 on how to track fitness activities using the Google Fit app. Screenshots were used so participants could visually see how to navigate the app and add their weight/activity data. Participants were sent handouts on the presentation for future reference.
We compared results from Cohort 4 (control group) and Cohort 5 to determine if our educational session affected activity levels and weight loss. Results showed our singular session did not impact Cohort 5, as their physical activity and weight were not different compared to the control group. Using multiple, individual sessions on physical activity tracking may have had a higher impact on weight loss, instead of one large group session. Education is a cornerstone of nursing, reminding us that each patient has different educational needs; we must incorporate each patient’s learning needs when teaching a person about their healthcare.