Piloting a Reinforcement Learning Tool for Individually Tailoring Just-in-time Adaptive Interventions

Description

The purpose of this pilot study is to conduct a 12-week pilot feasibility study testing usability of a reinforcement learning model (AdaptRL) in a weight loss intervention (ADAPT study). Building upon a previous just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI), a reinforcement learning model will generate decision rules unique to each individual that are intended to improve the tailoring of brief intervention messages (e.g., what behavior to message about, what behavior change techniques to include), improve achievement of daily behavioral goals, and improve weight loss in a sample of 20 adults.

Conditions

Overweight and Obesity, Overweight, Obesity

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this pilot study is to conduct a 12-week pilot feasibility study testing usability of a reinforcement learning model (AdaptRL) in a weight loss intervention (ADAPT study). Building upon a previous just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI), a reinforcement learning model will generate decision rules unique to each individual that are intended to improve the tailoring of brief intervention messages (e.g., what behavior to message about, what behavior change techniques to include), improve achievement of daily behavioral goals, and improve weight loss in a sample of 20 adults.

Piloting a Reinforcement Learning Tool for Individually Tailoring Just-in-time Adaptive Interventions

Piloting a Reinforcement Learning Tool for Individually Tailoring Just-in-time Adaptive Interventions

Condition
Overweight and Obesity
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27514

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Age 18-55 years
  • 2. Body Mass Index of 25-40 kg/m2
  • 3. English-speaking and writing
  • 4. Has a smartphone with a data and text messaging plan
  • 1. Currently participating in a weight loss, nutrition, or physical activity study or program or other study that would interfere with this study
  • 2. Currently using prescription medications with known effects on appetite or weight (e.g., oral steroids, weight loss medications), with the exception of individuals on a stable dose of SSRIs for 3 months)
  • 3. Previous surgical procedure for weight loss or planned weight loss surgery in the next year
  • 4. Currently pregnant or planning pregnancy in the next 4 months
  • 5. Lost 10 or more pounds and kept it off in the last 6 months
  • 6. Report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q; items 1-4). Individuals endorsing joint problems, prescription medication usage, or other medical conditions that could limit exercise will be required to obtain written physician consent to participate
  • 7. Pre-existing medical condition(s) that preclude adherence to an unsupervised exercise program, diabetes treated with insulin, history of heart attack or stroke, current treatment for cancer, or inability to walk for exercise
  • 8. Type 1 diabetes or currently receiving medical treatment for Type 2 diabetes
  • 9. Other health problems which may influence the ability to walk for physical activity or be associated with unintentional weight change, including cancer treatment within the past 5 years or tuberculosis
  • 10. Health or psychological diagnoses that preclude participation in a prescribed dietary and exercise program, including history of or diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, hospitalization for a psychiatric diagnosis in the past year, a current diagnosis of alcohol or substance abuse
  • 11. Report a past diagnosis of or receiving treatment for a DSM-5-TR eating disorder (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or other diagnosis)
  • 12. Another member of the household is a participant or staff member in this trial
  • 13. Not willing to attend one study visit
  • 14. Not willing to wear a Fitbit every day
  • 15. Reason to suspect that the participant would not adhere to the study intervention
  • 16. Have participated in another study conducted by the UNC Weight Research Program within the past 12 months

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center,

Brooke Nezami, PhD, MA, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Study Record Dates

2025-08