NHLBI SBIR/STTR Contract Topic

065 Computer Generated Diet and Exercise Reminders Promoting Cardiovascular Health

(Fast-Track proposals will be accepted)

Number of anticipated awards: 1-2

Research has shown that an individual’s cardiovascular health is improved with daily exercise and a healthy diet, and work productivity benefits from improved health status. Computer-based reminders have been shown to improve compliance with targeted tasks. By combining these two proven techniques, the goal of this solicitation is to improve the cardiovascular health of program participants through the development of a digital messaging service that intermittently sends heart-healthy nutritional tips and activity reminders to workplace computers. The service may send the information through a downloadable program or use ‘real-time’ push-type delivery. Message and prompt options may be personalized at registration.

Messages promoting cardiovascular health may include low-sodium, low-cholesterol and low-calorie food options or recipes (http://dashdiet.org/what_is_the_dash_diet.asp). Rotating dietary prompts may say: “Whole-grain bread or crackers may complement your lunch today”, “It’s time to drink some water” or “Make your snack a piece of fruit; it’s high in vitamins and fiber”. Audio/video demonstrations and/or text box pop-ups can offer suggestions to stretch, move, or engage in other easy-to-complete work-appropriate activities such as simple office yoga or isometric poses. Reminders may say “Get active, save your work and stretch your arms for 1 minute”, or “Reduce your risk for heart disease by making time for exercise; the stairs are a good alternative”.

The target audience includes computer users seeking to improve nutrition and or incorporate heart healthy activities into their day. The service must be 508 compliant and Federal Government IT security systems compatible. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute will beta test the program and remain a recipient of free services after for-profit operations begin.

Phase I proposals should focus on prototype development. Product demonstration should be conducted half way into the contract. Small scale beta testing should be conducted 2/3rds into the contract to demonstrate feasibility.

Phase II should further refine the service, usability, usage metrics based upon continued user testing, menu options and technology, and will demonstrate effectiveness through end user appeal and lifestyle behavioral improvement success rates.

The program should include, but is not limited to:

• Offering the end user the ability to select the pop-up topic, delivery frequency and appearance.
• Collecting Phase I metrics to establish user opinion on subject matter, presentation, topic usefulness, program ease of use and general interest.
• Collecting Phase II metrics to evaluate program success and future directions.

For more information, see the FY2012 Contract Solicitation or contact OTAC.

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Last Updated December 2011