Welcome! We’re glad you’re interested in learning more about our heart-health research study for women across Texas. Watch the video below for a quick overview.
Interested in joining? Take the next step and click the link below to access our eligibility questionnaire!
https://redcap.link/SPSHDigitalInfo
Meet the Team!
- Primary Investigator: Dr. Chad Rethorst
- Study Staff: Lily Benner (Study Coordinator), Jennifer Lezama-Sierra, Jacqueline Rodriguez
- Contact us: stronghearts@ag.tamu.edu or 979-314-3272
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the StrongPeople Strong Hearts Digital program?
StrongPeople Strong Hearts Digital is a research-based program designed to support physical activity, healthy eating, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being through structured activities and educational components.
Why are we doing this research study?
We are testing a 12-week heart-health mobile app program to develop a sustainable and effective app-based health behavior change program (Strong Hearts Digital) which provides education around nutrition and physical activity. We will also be collecting data about your weight, physical activity, dietary habits, and survey responses about health-related behaviors.
What is “Informed Consent”?
Informed Consent is the process of learning the key information about a study, including risks, benefits, and responsibilities of participating in the research. This can also help you decide whether or not you want to participate. If you want to join the study, you will need to sign the informed consent document acknowledging that you understand the procedures and risks of the research study. The informed consent is not a contract, and you may withdraw your consent at any time.
What does it mean that I’ll be randomized into a study group?
Research studies like this one may split participants into different treatments (groups) to better observe how an intervention (program) impacts each group. In this study, half of the participants will receive the 12-week Strong Hearts Digital program at the beginning of the study, and the other half will receive it at the end. The programs delivered are [
the same, but the timing is different. We will be observing the differences in outcomes (things like weight loss and physical activity level) between the groups. Dividing into groups is done randomly by our data collection software, meaning that you have an equal chance of being in Group 1 or Group 2, and it is not decided by anything that you or the researchers do.
How long will this program be?
26 weeks (about 6 months) for Group 1
40 weeks (about 9 months) for Group 2
I will be moving out of the state in the upcoming 6 months. Can I still participate?
Yes, you can still participate as long as you are a Texas resident at the start of the program.
Is there any cost to participate?
No, there is no cost to participate in the program.
Is participation voluntary?
Yes, participation is completely voluntary, and you may withdraw from the program at any time without penalty.
How will I get paid?
You will be sent a link to your preferred email where you will be able to choose a virtual gift card of your choice through a service called Tremendous.
Will I have to return any of the supplies sent to me?
Yes, we are asking you to please return the scale back via mail using a box and label which will be provided by our team. The rest of the equipment (Fitbit, dumbbells and yoga mat) is yours to keep at the end of the program.
Are any parts of this study in-person?
No, you can complete everything virtually for this study! There is no need to travel to our office. You will receive all materials by mail.
Can anyone join the program?
You must be a woman over the age of 18 who has certain risk factors for heart disease including inactivity or elevated BMI, lives in Texas, and has a smartphone or tablet that can download apps.
I will be going on vacation for a week during the program, can I still participate?
Yes, you will still be able to participate in the study.
Who sponsors this study?
This study is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Our team is part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, based at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas.
If your question wasn’t answered here, feel free to email us!
