The Adaptive GameSquad Xbox-Based Physical Activity and Health Coaching Intervention for Youth With Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Diagnoses: Pilot Feasibility Study

Background The prevalence of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses (NPDs) in youth is increasing, unhealthy physical activity (PA), diet, screen time, sleep habits contribute to the chronic disease disparities behavioral challenges this population experiences. Objective This pilot study aims adapt a proven exergaming telehealth PA coaching intervention for typically developing with overweight or obesity; expand it address screen, behaviors; then test its feasibility acceptability, including engagement, among NPDs. Methods Participants (N=23; mean age 15.1 years, SD 1.5; 17 males, 9 people color) recruited person from clinic special education settings were randomized Adaptive GameSquad (AGS) wait-list control. 10-week adapted included 3 sessions per week 6 real-time sessions. primary outcomes (adherence planned sessions), engagement (uptake acceptability as reported on process questionnaires), level (combined light, moderate, vigorous measured by accelerometer). Descriptive statistics summarized data, whereas paired, two-tailed t tests assessed group differences pre-post PA. Results Of sessions, AGS participants (n=11; 15.3 1.2; 7 4 completed an average 5 (83%), averaging 81.2 minutes exergaming. who exit questionnaire, (67%) intention continue, 8 (89%) feeling that helpful. appeared increase during course over baseline, video game use decrease, day significantly decreased control (−58.8 min; P=.04) but not (−5.3 P=.77), despite potential seasonality effects. However, beta testers some indicated need reduced complexity technology more choice exergames. Conclusions shows promise delivering health behavior remotely NPDs, full-scale efficacy trial larger sample size needed confirm finding. On basis feedback participants, next steps should include burden increased exergame before testing. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03665415; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03665415.