HITLAB Team • January 30, 2024
Youth suicide is a significant and growing public health issue. While relatively rare before adolescence, suicide ranked as the eighth leading cause of death among children aged 5 to 11 years in the United States1, resulting in 2.3 deaths per 1 million youth in 2019.2 A study examining emergency department visits for suicidal ideation and attempts among US youth revealed that 43% of cases between 2007 and 2015 pertained to children aged 5 to 11 years.3 An additional analysis showed a stunning 14.7% annual increase in rates within this age group from 2012 to 2017.4
Studies have shown a strong and direct link between low physical activity and high sedentary behaviour and adolescents’ suicidal vulnerability5. There is also an inverse association between movement behaviors (physical activity, screen time, and sleep) and suicidal thoughts/ideation among adolescents.6
Playing Forward, a leader in entertainment-based digital health and education, has combined considerable skills and experience in child psychiatry with the therapeutic power of high-quality forms of entertainment with an engaging app, Dr. MOOVES A&D. Utilizing dancing animation characters, the app engages children in a fun, gamified environment while simultaneously capturing physiological movement data. Children introject and incorporate the prescribed occupational and physical therapy laced dance moves that are seamlessly integrated into the rhythm and flow of timed iterative dances. Introjection and incorporation under the science of the Psychoanalytic Theory of Child Development fosters cognitive and physiological management skills throughout dance, thereby managing and reducing anxiety and depression
The app uses motion capture software, so all a child needs is an iPhone camera to join in. They follow the fun dances from home, and the app measures and scores their improvement potential with each dance, a baseline for anxiety and depression, and prescribes the next dance.
Playing Forward is embarking on a global transformational journey by joining forces with HITLAB, renowned for its international digital health efficacy research. “ By targeting 35 million American latency age children aged 5-12 years, though their neuroplastic years, we’re more likely to see a permanent response to the app” says Victor Talbot MD, CMO. “In addition to the traditional solo EHR codes for claims and billing we’ve intentionally singled out banks as a distribution system for the Dr MOOVES A&D app. There’s 4,237 FDIC banks in the U.S. so the app can reach the 35 million latency children since 92% of U.S. population is bankable. Next month the app will feature unique micro bank reward deposit in the child or guardian’s bank account with every dance performed, and attached will be Suicide Prevention Credit [SPC] for selling and brokering purposes. This partnership with HITLAB seeks to evaluate and help develop the Dr. MOOVES A&D app to reduce anxiety, depression and suicide rates in the U.S. while implementing sustainable commercialization strategies to strengthen its impact in pediatric mental health.”
HITLAB serves as a cornerstone in the collaboration with Playing Forward, contributing invaluable insights and a diverse array of services critical to ensuring the success of the venture. The partnership extends far beyond a mere transaction, encompassing a holistic strategy that encompasses vital aspects of business development, extensive retrospective and prospective studies, strategic team building, and adept navigation through the intricate landscape of business entity formation.
Furthermore, HITLAB’s role extends to optimizing distribution channels for Playing Forward. Through meticulous analysis and strategic planning, they assist in identifying the most effective and efficient avenues for delivering Playing Forward’s products to the market. This includes exploring innovative distribution methods, partnerships, and digital platforms, ensuring that Playing Forward’s offerings reach their intended audience with maximum impact.The collaborative efforts also involve comprehensive business development strategies. HITLAB works closely with Playing Forward to identify opportunities for expansion, market penetration, and sustainable growth. Through a combination of market research, trend analysis, and strategic planning, they contribute to shaping Playing Forward’s trajectory in the competitive landscape.
HITLAB’s analytical prowess aids Playing Forward in assessing past performance, identifying areas of improvement, and refining strategies for future endeavors. This data-driven approach ensures a continuous cycle of learning and adaptation, crucial for staying agile in the dynamic market. Lastly, the collaboration involves team building, recognizing the importance of a cohesive and skilled workforce. HITLAB provides support in recruiting and developing a talented team for Playing Forward, ensuring that the company is equipped with the right mix of skills and expertise to execute its vision effectively.
In essence, HITLAB’s multifaceted role is integral to Playing Forward’s success, acting as a strategic partner that not only identifies opportunities and challenges but actively contributes to the formulation and execution of a comprehensive plan for sustained growth and impact.
Dr. Victor Talbot, Founder and CEO of Playing Forward, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, “In addressing the alarming rise in youth suicide rates, our collaboration with HITLAB represents a significant step towards providing accessible and effective interventions for children. The fusion of entertainment, technology, and therapeutic elements in our Dr. MOOVES A&D app aims to not only engage children but also contribute to reducing anxiety, depression, and ultimately, suicide rates among the youth.”
Stan Kachnowski, PhD MPA, HITLAB Chair, added “I want to express our commitment to driving innovation and positive change in the realm of pediatric mental health. Our collaboration with Playing Forward is not just a partnership; it’s a shared mission to enhance the well-being of children through ground-breaking digital health solutions. Together with Playing Forward, we look forward to making lasting strides in the improvement of mental health outcomes for the youngest members of our community.”
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS): leading causes of death reports, national and regional, 2018. Accessed September 21, 2020. https://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/leadcaus10_us.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS): fatal injury reports, 2000-2018, for national, regional, and states. Accessed September 21, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html
Burstein B, Agostino H, Greenfield B. Suicidal attempts and ideation among children and adolescents in US emergency departments, 2007-2015. JAMA Pediatr. 2019;173(6):598-600. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.0464
Mishara BL, Stijelja S. Trends in US suicide deaths, 1999 to 2017, in the context of suicide prevention legislation. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(5):499-500. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.6066
Uddin R, Burton NW, Maple M, Khan SR, Tremblay MS, Khan A. Low physical activity and high sedentary behaviour are associated with adolescents’ suicidal vulnerability: Evidence from 52 low- and middle-income countries. Acta Paediatr. 2020 Jun;109(6):1252-1259. doi: 10.1111/apa.15079. Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31709627.
Silva DAS, Duncan MJ, Kuzik N, Tremblay MS. Race/Ethnicity Inequities in the Association Between Movement Behaviors and Suicidal Thoughts/Ideation Among Adolescents. J Pediatr Psychol. 2023 Nov 17:jsad085. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad085. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37978856.
Hugues Sampasa-Kanyinga, Jean-Philippe Chaput, Gary S. Goldfield, Ian Janssen, JianLi Wang, Hayley A. Hamilton, Ian Colman, 24-hour movement guidelines and suicidality among adolescents, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 274, 2020, Pages 372-380, ISSN 0165-0327, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.096.
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