title: Remote monitoring technologies for the prevention of metabolic syndrome: the Diabetes and Technology for Increased Activity (DaTA) study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Remote monitoring technologies are ideally suited for rural communities with limited access to health care. In an 8-week pilot study, we examined the feasibility of implementing and conducting a technology-intensive intervention in an underserviced rural setting. Our goal was to test the utility of self-monitoring technologies, physical activity, and education as tools to manage health indicators for the development of the cardiovascular complications (CVCs) of type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Diabetes and Technology for Increased Activity study was an open single-center study conducted in a community-based research setting. All 24 participants were provided with a Blackberry™ Smartphone, blood pressure monitor, glucometer, and pedometer. Smartphones transmitted measurements and survey results to the database, interfaced participants with the clinical team, and allowed for self-monitoring.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Outcomes were improved body composition, improved markers of CVC risk factors, increased daily exercise, and interest in or awareness of lifestyle changes that impact health outcomes. Participants had excellent compliance for measurements, as self-monitoring provided a sense of security that improved from week 4 to week 8.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our team gained substantial insight into the operational requirements of technology-facilitated health care, including redefined hours of service; data reporting, management, and access protocols; and the utility of real-time clinical measures by remote monitoring. We developed an understanding of knowledge translation strategies as well as successful motivational and educational tools. Importantly, remote monitoring technology was found to be feasible and accepted in a rural setting.
authors: School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
authors: Melanie
authors: M
authors: Stuckey
authors: Robyn
authors: R
authors: Fulkerson
authors: Emily
authors: E
authors: Read
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Russell-Minda
authors: Claudio
authors: C
authors: Munoz
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Kleinstiver
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Petrella
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D058998:Remote Sensing Technology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior