Changes in Weight and Health-Related Behavior Using Smartphone Applications in Patients With Colorectal Polyps.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of using a smartphone application for weight loss as well as a change in health-related behavior in patients with colorectal polyps over 3 months.


DESIGN
Randomized, controlled pilot trial.


SETTING
The Department of Family Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.


PARTICIPANTS
Adults aged 25-65 years who were diagnosed with colorectal polyps.


INTERVENTIONS
A comparison of smartphone application data, with exercise and food intake diary data over 3 months.


MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Primary outcomes were weight reduction and an increase in physical activity. Secondary outcomes included changes in dietary intake, such as that of vegetables, fruits, and fatty food.


ANALYSIS
Student t test was used for continuous variables, and chi-square test for categorical variables.


RESULTS
Participants using the smartphone application experienced significant weight reduction compared with participants in the control group (mean change = -1.25 vs -0.42 kg; SD = 0.42 vs 1.23 kg). Moreover, use of the application and strict adherence to it significantly increased the level of physical activity (mean change = 1.57 vs 0.71 strenuous exercises/wk; SD = 1.09 vs 0.96 strenuous exercise/wk).


CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Smartphone applications could be potential tools for weight control and physical activity in patients with colorectal polyps. Future larger randomized, controlled trials over a prolonged period are warranted to confirm these findings.
['Lee|Ki-Won|KW|', 'Kim|Hong-Bae|HB|', 'Lee|Sang-Hwa|SH|', 'Ha|Heon-Kyun|HK|']
D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D001835:Body Weight D003111:Colonic Polyps D015444:Exercise D005260:Female D015438:Health Behavior D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D063731:Mobile Applications D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care D010865:Pilot Projects D056910:Republic of Korea D000068997:Smartphone D015431:Weight Loss
colorectal polyp weight loss physical activity health behavior smartphone app