Efficacy of Osteoporosis Prevention Smartphone App

Authors

Polly Ryan, University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeFollow
Roger L. Brown, University of Wisconsin - MadisonFollow
Mary Ellen Csuka, Medical College of Wisconsin
Paula Papanek, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

1-2-2020

Publisher

Wolters Kluwer Health

Source Publication

Nursing Research

Source ISSN

0029-6562

Abstract

Background

The Striving to be Strong study tested the efficacy of a multifaceted, theory-based, complex osteoporosis prevention smartphone application (app). We hypothesized use of the app would improve bone mineral density and trabecular bone scores.

Methods

The study was a three-group, prospective, repeated-measure, longitudinal randomized trial. Baseline sample consisted of 290 healthy women between 40 and 60 years of age. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: “Striving,” a dynamically tailored, person-centered app; “Boning Up,” a standardized osteoporosis-education e-book; and “Wait List,” a participant’s choice of intervention in the final 3 months of the 12-month study. Participants had or were provided a smart phone. Bone mineral density and trabecular bone scores were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at baseline and 12 months. To assess engagement in health behavior change processes, ecological momentary assessments were administered via text messaging during the 12 months participants actively used the app.

Results

The final sample reflects an 89.6% retention rate. There were decreases in bone mineral density over time but not among the three groups. The percentage of bone density lost over 12 months was lower than expected. Trabecular bone scores were not different over time or by group but improved across all three groups.

Discussion

Small but positive results were observed across all groups, suggesting one or more aspects of participation might have affected outcomes, including dissemination of the intervention across groups, retention without participation, ecological momentary assessments functioning as both an intervention and measure, and selective engagement in research-based recommendations.

Comments

Accepted version. Nursing Research, Vol. 69, No. 1 (January 2, 2020): 31-41. DOI. © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Ryan, Polly; Brown, Roger L.; Csuka, Mary Ellen; and Papanek, Paula, "Efficacy of Osteoporosis Prevention Smartphone App" (2020). Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications. 176.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/exsci_fac/176