RCT of Sensor-controlled Digital Game for Hypertension Self-care in a Native American Community

This study evaluates a sensor-controlled digital game (SCDG) to motivate self-management behaviors of physical activity in Native American adults with hypertension (HTN). Half of the participants will receive the SCDG app and physical activity sensors and the other half will receive only the physical activity sensors.Native American participants with hypertension (HTN) in the sensor controlled digital game intervention group will show increased PA behaviors; improved HTN knowledge, self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, motivation, and quality of life (QoL); and larger reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and cardiac hospitalizations at baseline,3 months, and 6 months as compared to participants in the sensor-only control group.

Inclusion Criteria:Adults in a Native American tribal community in southeastern U.S.Age 18 years or olderSystolic BP ≥140mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥90mm Hg on 2 separate measurements or who are on antihypertensive medication will be included.Pass a mini-cognitive screenAble to independently walk without using a walker or requiring human assistance (ambulation/locomotion item on the Outcome and Assessment Information).Exclusion Criteria:Severe visual (e.g., legal blindness) or tactile (e.g., severe arthritis) impairments that adversely prevent use of a smart phone or sensor devices;Chronic kidney disease stage 4-5,Diagnosis of end stage or terminal illness (e.g., cancer or heart failure)Prior heart transplantation or implantation of a durable mechanical circulatory support device (e.g., left ventricular assist devise) due to unique self-care needs.