SPARX-UK: pilot and feasibility trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing precision computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) for adolescent depression: a pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial (SPARX-UK)
IRAS ID
316644
Contact name
Chris Hollis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN15124804
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts) is an interactive serious game consisting of 7 levels delivered to participants online. Participants undertake various challenges in a fantasy virtual world, then apply those learned skills to real life. SPARX has been trialled in various countries where it has shown promising findings in adolescents with low mood however it has never been studied in the UK. SPARX-UK is a pilot trial looking into the feasibility of conducting a future larger trial. Adolescents (aged 11-19 years) who experience mild to moderate depression are invited to take part. Interested families will be referred from CAMHS and MHST, provide consent to contact, and will then undergo a telephone screening with a university researcher. Parents will subsequently be asked to complete an online questionnaire, then both the parent and child will attend an online screening appointment with a researcher. Eligible adolescents who want to take part are randomly allocated to one of three groups: i) SPARX with an e-coach, who is there to engage adolescents but doesn’t deliver any therapy; ii) a SPARX only group and iii) a group that does not receive SPARX. All participants are in the trial for 8-10-weeks but can be asked to be interviewed up to 4 months after first participating. Families are asked to complete questionnaires at the beginning of the study, at 4-weeks and at 8-10 weeks. Some families, the e-coach, and healthcare professionals will be interviewed about their experiences of participating in the study. It is important to research this online therapy for adolescents with depression because currently, many adolescents with depression do not receive therapy due to long waiting lists. If an online delivered intervention is effective, this may mean more adolescents could access behavioural therapy.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SW/0149
Date of REC Opinion
15 Dec 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion