Effects of Technology-based Physical Activity Interventions for Women After Bariatric Surgery

Effects of Technology-based Physical Activity Interventions for Women After Bariatric Surgery: a Three-arm Randomized Control Study

Regular physical activity (PA) is essential throughout bariatric surgery (BS) management, especially for the long-term maintenance of weight loss. To optimize physical activity counseling and monitoring, the use of technology seems appropriate and effective. A recent meta-analysis provided proof of efficacy for mobile technology to increase physical activity or weight loss in the short term. Videoconferencing may also be effective, especially as it reduces the barriers related to face-to-face physical activity interventions. Both technologies (mobile and videoconferencing) seem particularly interesting for bariatric surgery management, but their long-term effects on physical activity maintenance are unknown. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying their effectiveness, such as technology acceptability and motivational processes, have not been examined.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of two technology-based (mobile technology and videoconferencing) PA programs after BS compared to standard care and to assess the contribution of acceptability and motivational mechanisms in explaining these effects on behavioral measure of PA, physical measures, and health indicators.

One hundred and twenty young women who have undergone BS in the last 3 to 6 months will be included. The volunteers will be randomly assigned to one of three arms: standard care (CONTROL), access to an internet-based physical activity program delivered by an eHealth platform associated with an activity bracelet (ACTI-MOBIL), or access to a physical activity program delivered via videoconferencing (ACTI-VISIO). The primary outcome is the distance traveled during a 6-minute walk test relativized according to Capadaglio's theoretical distance. Secondary outcomes are behavioral measures of physical activity, physical measures, health indicators, technology acceptability, and motivational concepts. Data will be collected baseline (T0), 3 months (T3) and 6 months later (T6). The technology groups will receive a PA program for 12 weeks (between T0 and T3). A mixed model approach will be used to analyze the change in outcomes over time for each group.

This study will provide information on the effects of two technology-based physical activity programs (mobile technology and videoconferencing) after bariatric surgery. Based on the results, recommendations for implementing these programs will be made.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Undergone bariatric surgery at a tertial referral center for bariatric surgery (Nice University Hospital, France) 3 to 6 months ago
• Respect with the national recommendations (e.g., BMI ≥ 40kg/m² or ≥ 35kg/m² with at least one co-morbidity among blood hypertension, type 2 diabetes, invalidating arthritis, and sleep apnea syndrome; and no physical disability to practice PA)
• Having a smartphone compatible with the proposed technologies.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious adverse events
• Withdrawal of informed consent or violation of the protocol