Game of Stones

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Funding This report presents independent research commissioned by the NIHR. The views and opinions expressed by authors in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NHS, the NIHR, MRC, CCF, NETSCC, the Public Health Research programme or the Department of Health. The views and opinions expressed by the interviewees in this publication are those of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect those of the authors, those of the NHS, the NIHR, MRC, CCF, NETSCC, the Public Health Research programme or the Department of Health.The Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals Research Unit, the Health Services Research Unit and Health Economics Research Unit are funded by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate. No negative views were expressed about the incentives in qualitative interviews. Only one man reported being motivated by the financial incentive, and many expressed indifference. Participants reported the weight loss and health benefits as sufficiently rewarding. b. Prompt the current player to choose the number of stones they want to remove from the pile. Make sure the chosen number is valid (i.e., between 1 and a predefined maximum number of stones that a player can remove).def game_of_stones(n, num_players, max_stones): KEY QUESTIONS THIS STUDY WILL ANSWER: Do men lose weight and keep it off? What are the costs and benefits for men and the NHS? Does the service help men who are less well-off as well as the more well-off? What are men’s experiences? The Game of Stones Trial is funded by NIHR Public Health Research [REF 129703] and has been approved by the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee (2) [IRAS REF 290955].

The use of a financial incentive strategy for weight loss in men with obesity across the socioeconomic spectrum was feasible and acceptable. Two previous incentive studies used text messages to inform participants about their incentive achievement of weight loss targets and found it acceptable. 46 47 This extends the evidence base on the use of financial incentives as a complementary behaviour change strategy alongside other components. 22 50 Qualitative interviews at 3 and 12 months demonstrated varied views on the narrative texts. Participants’ views ranged from positive to indifferent to negative. Those who liked the narrative texts found the storyline entertaining, engaging and some participants felt a certain camaraderie for the main character: van der Pol, M., McDonald, M., Collacott, H. et al. Designing financial incentives for health behaviour change: a mixed-methods case study of weight loss in men with obesity. Some interpreted the incentives as a final reward linked to their weight loss targets, whereas others fully understood the intended use of the loss aversion concept:The Game of Stones study adds to the evidence base demonstrating the feasibility of recruiting men for research on sensitive subjects, such as obesity, through community outreach and GP practice lists. 11–13 Complete the gameOfStones function in the editor below. It should return a string, either First or Second. In the above example, the game starts with 20 stones, 2 players, and each player can remove up to 3 stones in their turn. Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional Research Unit, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK.

The average BMI and age of the study participants of around 35 kg/m 2 and 50–55 years is similar to UK weight management trials recruiting in the community, 34 primary care 42 or a combination of community and primary care. 12 Three international text message-based weight management studies examining outcomes after 12 months recruited younger participants with lower BMI. 43–45 However, three mixed sex weight management studies with financial incentives (two including text message components) reported broadly similar participant demographics to this study. 46–48Dombrowski, S.U., et al., Game of Stones: feasibility randomised controlled trial of how to engage men with obesity in text message and incentive interventions for weight loss. We have handy hints available - a text hint and a photo hint. But beware! The more hints you use the more penalties added to your time! Where does the Game Start? Some men sent spontaneous replies to the narrative texts (0–3 months n=25/69, 36%; 3–6 months n=8/69, 12%, 6–12 months n=13/69, 19%; see online supplementary 2). Most spontaneous replies were received between 0 and 3 months (n=370 replies) and decreased at 3–6 months (n=16 replies) and 6–12 months (n=39 replies). Acceptability and feasibility of recruitment, retention, intervention components and trial procedures assessed by analysing quantitative and qualitative data at 3, 6 and 12 months. For other participants, the frequency of texts became a source of irritation, the storyline did not resonate with their own experience nor could they empathise with the fictional characters:

Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions Research Unit, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK. This interactive quest guides you via clues and riddles on your mobile phone - you'll go through graveyards, market squares and alleys in a magical journey across historic Kingston. An AWESOME day or night out with a difference, ideal for adults and families. Participants randomised to: (A) narrative text messages plus financial incentive for 12 months (short message service (SMS)+I), (B) narrative text messages for 12 months (SMS only), or (C) waiting list control.

System Requirements

McDonald, M.D., et al., Recruiting men from across the socioeconomic spectrum via GP registers and community outreach to a weight management feasibility randomised controlled trial. Game of Stones aims to find out if text messages (with and without cash incentives) can help men to lose weight over 1 year and keep it off for another year compared to a waiting list group. In Glasgow, the research fieldworkers are, Claire Torrens and Norelle Calder-MacPheesupported by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Glasgow and University of Stirling.

Two players called and are playing a game with a starting number of stones. Player always plays first, and the two players move in alternating turns. The game's rules are as follows: Any negative participant reactions to their randomised group were recorded in researcher field notes. Willingness to be randomised was assessed by recording the number of participants refusing randomisation. Each team gets to take a mystical secret photo at the end of each game! WILL YOUR PUB GAME VERSION RETURN?

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In Bristol, the research fieldworker is Ms Hilary Taylor supported by the University of Bristol and NHS England.