# Fit24: Using technology to improve activity and sleep in Hispanic youth

> **NIH NIH R21** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 2021 · $179,750

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Hispanic adolescents are disproportionately burdened by obesity and exhibit greater risk for type 2 diabetes
(T2D) compared to non-Hispanic white youth. These disparities are driven in part by unhealthy wake time
physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB), and short sleep durations. Lifestyle interventions that
address these behaviors have effectively reduced T2D risk in high-risk adults. However, few studies have
developed and tested T2D prevention interventions for Hispanic youth and even fewer have focused on
improving both wake time and sleep behaviors. Technology-based devices like Fitbit activity monitors have been
increasingly used as behavior change tools in obesity prevention interventions. Studies that have utilized
wearable devices in conjunction with text-messaging have been effective in increasing physical activity in adults.
However, more research is needed to test the feasibility of wearable devices as a health promotion and disease
prevention strategy among minority youth. The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of a 12-week
goal-setting intervention that utilizes a Fitbit device and text messages grounded in the Self-Determination
Theory (SDT) to promote healthy wake time (PA,SB) and sleep behaviors in Hispanic adolescents (14-16 years
old) with obesity (BMI%≥95th). In collaboration with Hispanic youth (N=20) and an expert panel (N=6), text
message content will be adapted and refined from a previously conducted pilot study. A mixed methods approach
(surveys and interviews) will be applied to ensure that text message content adheres to the SDT and is age and
culturally appropriate. A different sample of Hispanic youth (N=48) will be recruited and randomized to the
intervention or a wait-list control group. In the intervention, youth will receive guidance from the research team
on setting weekly steps/day and hours of sleep/night goals, a Fitbit device to self-monitor progress towards goals,
and theory informed text messages that promote autonomous motivation for behavior change. Feasibility will be
evaluated using a priori criteria for recruitment, data collection, intervention implementation, and acceptability.
This proposal builds on preliminary data and leverages a strong, transdisciplinary investigative team to address
critical gaps in diabetes prevention research among high-risk Hispanic adolescents. This feasibility study will be
instrumental in providing the preliminary data needed to build towards a more rigorous, fully powered efficacy
trial (R01). If this innovative approach is found to be feasible, it has the potential to be an affordable and scalable
solution-oriented approach to T2D prevention in Hispanic youth and other populations of high-risk youth.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10195179
- **Project number:** 1R21DK128682-01
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **Principal Investigator:** Erica Soltero
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $179,750
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-15 → 2024-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10195179

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10195179, Fit24: Using technology to improve activity and sleep in Hispanic youth (1R21DK128682-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10195179. Licensed CC0.

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