ArticleDigital health
ImpulsePal: The systematic development of a smartphone app to manage food temptations using intervention mapping.
Article in Digital health. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Mobile health (m-health) smartphone interventions for adolescents and adults with overweight or obesity.The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2024Pooled it
- Components in downstream health promotions to reduce sugar intake among adults: a systematic review.Nutrition journal · 2024Pooled it
- Using intervention mapping to evaluate 'High-Alert,' a brief smartphone intervention to reduce youth cannabis-impaired driving.PloS one · 2025Trial
- A randomized controlled trial protocol comparing low-calorie Mediterranean and low-carbohydrate diets for diabetes remission in individuals with type 2 diabetes in northern Lebanon: an intervention mapping-based approach.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions for Weight Management Among Adults With Excess Body Weight: Scoping Review.Journal of medical Internet research · 2025Article
- Developing the "Choosing Health" Digital Weight Loss and Maintenance Intervention: Intervention Mapping Study.Journal of medical Internet research · 2022Article
- Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of ImpulsePal: Smartphone App-Based Weight Management Intervention to Reduce Impulsive Eating in Overweight Adults.JMIR formative research · 2019Article
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundImpulsive processes driving eating behaviour can often undermine peoples' attempts to change their behaviour, lose weight and maintain weight loss.
aimTo develop an impulse management intervention to support weight loss in adults.
methodsIntervention Mapping (IM) was used to systematically develop the "ImpulsePal" intervention. The development involved: (1) a needs assessment including a qualitative study, Patient and Public advisory group and expert group consultations, and a systematic review of impulse management techniques; (2) specification of performance objectives, determinants, and change objectives; (3) selection of intervention strategies (mapping of change techniques to the determinants of change); (4) creation of programme materials; (5) specification of adoption and implementation plans; (6) devising an evaluation plan.
resultsApplication of the IM Protocol resulted in a smartphone app that could support reductions in unhealthy (energy dense) food consumption, overeating, and alcoholic and sugary drink consumption. ImpulsePal includes inhibition training, mindfulness techniques, implementation intentions (if-then planning), visuospatial loading, use of physical activity for craving management, and context-specific reminders. An "Emergency Button" was also included to provide access to in-the-moment support when temptation is strong.
conclusionsImpulsePal is a novel, theory- and evidence-informed, person-centred app that aims to support impulse management for healthier eating. Intervention Mapping facilitated the incorporation of app components that are practical operationalisations of change techniques targeting our specific change objectives and their associated theoretical determinants. Using IM enabled transparency and provided a clear framework for evaluation, and enhances replicability and the potential of the intervention to accomplish the desired outcome of facilitating weight loss through dietary change.
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