About
The TEAM Trial is a research study in both Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Mississauga, Ontario that is testing a peer mentoring program aimed at increasing physical activity and quality of life, and decreasing diabetes-related distress in teenagers living with type 1 diabetes. The program content involves doing physical activity together and talking about shared experiences. Participants have three weekly contacts per week for twelve weeks with a young adult mentor who also lives with type 1 diabetes:
• Group based session with all participants and mentors, in-person

 • Individual session with a mentor, in-person

 • A check-in message from a mentor, with a reminder to do some physical activity on your own
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Mentors help participants to foster a sense of relatedness, competence, and autonomy. These are the three psychological needs of a theory called Self-Determination Theory. The study hypothesis is that moving teenagers closer to having these needs met will increase their intrinsic motivation to want to change their behaviour.
See the figure below for an explanation of how we think this will work.
References:
Fortier MS, Duda JL, Guerin E, Teixeira PJ. Promoting physical activity: development and testing of self-determination theory-based interventions. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. Mar 2 2012;9:20.
Nogg KA, Vaughn AA, Levy SS, Blashill AJ. Motivation for Physical Activity among U.S. Adolescents: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective. Ann Behav Med. Mar 16 2021;55(2):133-143.
Ryan RM, Deci EL. Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. Am Psychol. Jan 2000;55(1):68-78.
In addition to the 12-week program, the study also involves one initial appointment to measure physical activity, quality of life, and diabetes distress. After the 12-week program, there are 2-3 more appointments to measure changes in these variables over time. The study is voluntary and is done in addition to regular diabetes care at the pediatric endocrinology clinic. During the study the participants will be given information about exercise management and type 1 diabetes and will still have access to the ongoing support from their diabetes care professionals.
The study received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the JDRF. The TEAM trial is registered on a database of clinical trials from around the world, and a full description of the study on that website can be read here.
the research office near you to participate