Actively Recruiting
Fast In-Bed Tracking (FIT) System Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss in Overweight Wheelchair Users Randomized Trial Comparing FIT Bed Scale Plus Lifestyle Program to Lifestyle Program Alone
Led by Jonathan Pearlman · Updated on 2026-02-23
92
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Jonathan Pearlman
Lead Sponsor
E
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research aims to develop and test the Fast In-Bed Tracking (FIT) Platform, an Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring system integrated into a user's bed to support health and wellness. The platform has shown technical feasibility and supports treatment of chronic conditions such as obesity, congestive heart failure, and pressure injuries. The study focuses on wheelchair users who face higher obesity risks and difficulties in regular weight monitoring. Participants will join a 12-month weight loss program called Group Lifestyle Balance Adapted for Individuals with Impaired Mobility (GLB-AIM). All participants receive this intervention consisting of 23 sessions combining weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly support. The experimental group will also receive the FIT bed scale device installed in their home, allowing daily passive weight monitoring. Control group participants will not have the FIT scale but will participate in the same lifestyle program. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed on weight loss at 6 and 12 months, adherence to diet and exercise, body composition, dietary intake, physical activity, sleep quality, and self-efficacy in health practices. Researchers will also evaluate the usability and acceptability of the FIT device. Participants will use an app to log food intake and exercise during the program. The total study duration extends over one year with multiple assessments and monitoring visits.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Fast In-Bed Tracking (FIT) System Lifestyle Intervention is a Clinical Trial of a Bed Scale Device. Overweight Wheelchair Users Will Participate in a Weight Loss Program, Half Will Receive Bed Scales, and Participants Who Receive the Bed Scales Are Expected to Have Increased Weight Loss.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Live within approximately 75 miles of Pittsburgh
- Use a wheelchair as primary means of locomotion
- Currently transfer in and out of bed every night or most nights
- Diagnosed as obese or overweight
- Interested in losing weight
- Body Mass Index (BMI) approximately 25 to 40, adjusted for specific conditions
- Own a smartphone with reliable internet and wifi connection
- Comfortable using exercise equipment like resistance bands or hand pedal exercisers
- Able and willing to engage in moderate intensity exercise
- Combined bed weight including sleep partner estimated at 600 pounds or less
- Do not have a regular way to weigh themselves and willing to avoid weighing during the trial
- Have autonomy in decision-making as determined by the Everyday Autonomy Self-Determination Scale
- Bedroom setup compatible with FIT bed scales as determined by the Bed Determination Survey
You will not qualify if you...
- Planned extended vacations or absences over 2 to 4 weeks or plans to move more than 75 miles from Pittsburgh within the next year
- BMI outside the desired range based on condition and study team discretion
- Currently taking weight loss or appetite-affecting medications or had weight loss surgery in the last 2 years
- History of disordered eating in the last 2 years such as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, or Binge Eating Disorder
- Currently pregnant or intending pregnancy within next 12 months
- Regularly consuming 4 or more alcoholic drinks daily
- Cognitive conditions limiting decision making or self-governance
- Lack of autonomy in decision-making as determined by the Everyday Autonomy Self-Determination Scale
- Bedroom setup incompatible with FIT bed scales as determined by the Bed Determination Survey
- Exclusions based on BMI, location, or medication effects may be applied case-by-case by study experts
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants are enrolled and complete baseline assessments. Those randomized to the FIT Weight Scale group will have the FIT scale set up in their home and be oriented to its use.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 months
Participants engage in the Group Lifestyle Balance Adapted for Individuals with Impaired Mobility (GLB-AIM) intervention, a 12-month lifestyle program including diet and exercise. Those in the FIT scale group will use the in-home bed scale daily for weight monitoring, while all participants use the My Net Diary app for food and exercise logging.
23 sessions: 13 weekly core sessions, 3 bi-weekly support sessions, and 7 monthly support sessions
Duration - At 6 and 12 months
Participants complete follow-up visits for weight and body composition measurements and assessments of dietary intake, physical activity, sleep, and self-efficacy at 6 and 12 months.
2 visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Pittsburgh, Bakery Square, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15206
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Daniel Rusnak, MS
J
Jonathan Pearlman, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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