HAPPYthalamus
Clinical study of the use of a mobile application made to make the hypothalamus happy again, by using distraction of the hunger, stimulation of healthy choices and moving, in children with hypothalamic dysfunction.
Published results
Summary
Mobile app encourages healthier lifestyle in children
The HAPPYthalamus mobile app has been specially developed for children who struggle with obesity because their hypothalamus is no longer functioning properly. The app offers distraction and supports children in adopting a healthier lifestyle. A study carried out at the Princess Máxima Center shows that the app is useful and potentially valuable. However, improvements are needed to better suit different ages and motivation needs.
The hypothalamus is a control center in the brain that among other things regulates energy metabolism. A tumor near the hypothalamus, or its treatment, can cause damage to this part of the brain. As a result, children can become overweight (hypothalamic obesity). This is because they are constantly hungry, have a low energy expenditure, and have little desire to do anything. To support these children, the mobile app “HAPPYthalamus” has been developed. This app encourages them to exercise more, distracts them from their constant hunger, and rewards healthy behavior.
HAPPYthalamus study
In this study, researchers at Máxima Center examined how useful the app is and whether children are satisfied with it. A total of 22 children between the ages of 8 and 18 participated, all of whom had a tumor in the hypothalamus area. They used the app for six months. Questionnaires and interviews were used to investigate how they experienced the app.
What did the study reveal?
The results show that 15 of the 22 children found the app easy to use. Nine children indicated that the app helped them think less about food. However, the app was not equally popular among all age groups.
Some children found the challenges motivating. Others had little interest in the challenges or forgot about the app because there was too little variety. Nevertheless, 64% of the participants felt that the app should be a standard part of their care program.
What does this mean?
An app such as HAPPYthalamus can help support a healthier lifestyle for these children. However, improvements are needed, such as adjustments for different age groups and improved game elements and reward systems for long-term engagement.
More information
This study was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Hanneke van Santen. The project is a collaboration with researchers from the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital in Utrecht, Eindhoven University of Technology, Wageningen University, UMC Utrecht, and LUMC in Leiden.
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