As part of the Center’s aim to support the development and evaluation of cutting-edge applications of technology to the treatment of substance use disorders and related issues, CTBH offers competitive funding to affiliated researchers and their trainees to support novel pilot projects that offer considerable promise to have a large impact on the field. We are pleased to announce five innovative projects were recently funded by CTBH.
Two of the pilot studies are in collaboration with our partners at ETH Zurich to expand and enhance the MobileCoach platform:
MobileCoach: A Novel Digital Intervention for Adolescent Substance Use, led by CTBH Center Partner, Joy Gabrielli, PhD, aims to modify the MobileCoach smartphone application and intervention materials for substance use for efficacy testing among U.S high school youth, and test the usability and acceptability of a new MobileCoach-Teen app with U.S. youth, with the ultimate goal of implementing the MobileCoach-Teen intervention in a larger randomized controlled trial.
Development of an Open-Source State-of-Receptivity MobileCoach Module for mHealth Field Studies, led by Emerging Technologies and Data Analytics Core Director, David Kotz, PhD, proposes to add a new module to the MobileCoach smartphone application, which, by passively collecting continuous sensing data that are context-based, should lead to more effective interventions that are triggered at moments of higher receptivity.
The remaining three pilot projects focus on innovations in digital health methodology.
Development of a Mobile Application for The Auracle Wearable System for Eating Behavior Monitoring Studies, co-led by CTBH Research Team member, Sougata Sen, PhD and Emerging Technologies and Data Analytics Core Director, David Kotz, PhD, aims to develop a smartphone app for expanding the Auracle system so that it may be used to study the effects of different mobile notifications and types of feedback on eating behavior in various contextual settings. The learning from this project may inform models for best providing feedback to users of wearable sensors.
Remote, Home-Based Strength Monitoring for Older Adults, led by Center Investigator, John Batsis, MD, aims to develop a mobile app for integration with use of a Connected Resistance Exercise Band by older individuals. This app would allow researchers to test the usability of remote monitoring devices in health promotion interventions.
Linking Mental Health and Exercise via Remote Sensing, co-led by Center Investigator, David Bucci, PhD, and CTBH Deputy Director, Lorie Loeb, aims to develop software and app-based technology for collecting physiological and behavioral data from individuals, which will then be used to provide customized information for motivating exercise.
To date, CTBH has funded 27 pilot projects. Read about each funded pilot here.