P201 Virtual Sport Nutrition/Physical Activity Assistant Coach Mobile App for High School Athletes: Prototype Co-Development

Background Currently there are no evidence based sport nutrition/physical activity (SN/PA) coaching apps co-developed with content, research and design experts and high school athletes (HSA) as end users. Objective Researchers and HSA co-develop a virtual SN/PA assistant coach mobile app prototype for HSA to help them eat well and be active all year long. Study Design, Settings, Participants Twenty HSA were recruited based on their gamer's motivation profiles (Quantic Foundry assessment). Twelve junior co-designers (JCD) were selected (14-19y, male = 6; female = 6; 75% non-Hispanic White). Each JCD completed a phone interview with the lead researcher about motivators for HSA using a multiple-pass method. In Round 1, they listed their typical-school-day activities as a student athlete from waking up to going to bed. In Round 2, they identified activities that motivate them and linked their favorite verbs to them. In Round 3, they rated each activity's motivation level and provided a reason for their importance. Finally, they shared what helped them maintain healthy eating and active living during off-season/holiday/sick day. Then JCDs met once in-person (2hr) to ideate the mobile app prototype features. Measurable Outcome/Analysis JCDs identified practical, engaging, and novel features for the app to help student athletes succeed. Results The three most motivating activities were: the sports they played, academic learning, and eating healthy meals. Top three reasons for engaging in their favorite activities were: You need to work hard to be successful; be a student first and keep your grades up; and start off your day right. Top three motivators during off-season/holiday/sick days were: coach keeping them active; workout with teammates/other athletes; and parents being active together. The researchers used this information to draft a wireframe for the mobile app prototype. Conclusion Development of an app that will best engage HSA to maintain year-long healthy eating and physical activity must include input from the end user to help inform the researchers engaged in effective app development. Funding NIFA.