Obesity itself is a significant public health problem and is associated with increased postmenopausal breast cancer incidence and mortality. This research proposal will assess a novel method to improve physical activity in Black women, who are generally less physically active and more overweight and obese than women of most other racial and ethnic groups. In this study we will use a novel gaming intervention strategy and assess its impact on weight and biomarkers related to obesity, insulin-related pathways and inflammation. We propose a 6 month two-arm randomized clinical intervention trial using video gaming compared to a control group. We will randomize 100 Black sedentary overweight or obese women to either the Wii Fit exercise intervention arm or the control arm.
The Specific Aims of the study are: (1) to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an exergaming intervention in a community-based setting. We will assess overall accrual and adherence to the intervention regimen;(2) to explore intervention main effects of exergaming using Wii Fit on study endpoints of cardiovascular fitness and percent body fat in Black women who are sedentary and overweight or obese. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating a video gaming intervention in adults;(3) to examine the feasibility of collecting biospecimens in a community-based setting;and (4) to explore the impact of the exergaming intervention on biomarkers.

Public Health Relevance

Obesity and physical inactivity are significant public health problems often associated with increased risk of breast cancer. We will use a novel video gaming exercise intervention strategy to reduce weight, increase physical activity, and to favorably impact biomarkers linked to breast cancer. If effective, this intervention is portable an has the potential to impact health disparities related to breast cancer and other obesity-related diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21CA165067-02
Application #
8515366
Study Section
Epidemiology of Cancer Study Section (EPIC)
Program Officer
Patrick, Heather A
Project Start
2012-09-01
Project End
2014-08-31
Budget Start
2013-09-01
Budget End
2014-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$194,493
Indirect Cost
$65,837
Name
Georgetown University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
049515844
City
Washington
State
DC
Country
United States
Zip Code
20057
Adams-Campbell, L L; Dash, C; Kim, B H et al. (2016) Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal African-American Women. Int J Sports Med 37:261-6