# COVID Extension: Mobile Health Obesity Wellness Intervention in Rural Adults

> **NIH NIH K23** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2022 · $163,552

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY:
The national epidemic of obesity is also affecting older adults, and is associated with an increased risk of
functional impairment, nursing home placement and early mortality. Conventional weight loss programs have
the potential to reduce body fat, but are difficult to access for older obese adults due to transportation and
mobility challenges. They may also lead to a detrimental loss of muscle and bone, paradoxically resulting in
increased disability. The overarching goal of this Mentored Career Development Award is to develop the skills
to become an independent researcher in community-based translational geriatric obesity research integrating
innovative technology including mobile Health (mHealth), sensors, and video-conferencing with behavioral
management to improve physical function. I will build upon the knowledge gained in my prior work using
descriptive research to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge in this 5-year award to become an
independent R01 investigator in geriatric obesity interventions research. Mentored activities, training, and
coursework in key content areas will include: clinical trial methods (qualitative and quantitative); delivery of
community-based obesity interventions using applied methods of telemedicine in rural populations; and
enhancing health promotion using mHealth and sensors to facilitate behavioral change in older obese adults.
Concurrently, I will conduct a program of pilot research aimed at developing and evaluating a technology
assisted wellness intervention for obese older adults. First, I propose to assess the acceptability, usability,
utility and perceived value of mHealth technology for obese older adults using a novel, adaptable mHealth
device (Amulet) with remote sensing and self-monitoring capabilities, including strength, function, activity type,
and real-time feedback (Qualitative assessment and Adapting Amulet). Second, I will conduct a single-arm,
pilot feasibility study evaluating the potential effectiveness of a mHealth obesity wellness intervention (MOWI)
for older obese adults in improving physical function (Develop & Refine MOWI). MOWI integrates Amulet with
a weekly individual dietician-led nutritional session, along with twice weekly physical therapist led group
exercise session. I will pilot test MOWI in a research-based setting over a 3-month period, and then deliver the
intervention in the home setting using video-conferencing over a 6-month period (Evaluate Home MOWI). The
primary clinical outcome is physical function, measured by observed muscle strength, observed physical
fitness, and observed and self-reported life-task functioning. Secondary (exploratory) outcomes will include
behavioral activation, objective physical activity, subjective health status, and subjective physical activity. The
findings on the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary estimates of effectiveness will be used in a future
competitive application for an extramural R01 assessing th...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10579010
- **Project number:** 3K23AG051681-07S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** John A. Batsis
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $163,552
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-05-01 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10579010

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10579010, COVID Extension: Mobile Health Obesity Wellness Intervention in Rural Adults (3K23AG051681-07S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10579010. Licensed CC0.

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