Table 3.

This table lists three types of scientific aims commonly examined in a SMART, using the example SMART in Fig. 2 to illustrate

Type of aim	Example scientific questions	Contrast/analysis of interestb
Main effect aims	Main effect of first-stage treatment: “Is it better to begin adaptive interventions with a short duration IBT or long duration IBT?”	A + B + C versus D + E + F
	Main effect of second-stage treatment: “Among nonresponders to IBT, is it better to augment IBT with MR or to switch to ACT?”	B + E versus C + F
Embedded adaptive interventions aima	Comparison of two adaptive interventions: “Is long duration IBT followed by ACT for nonresponders better than short duration IBT followed by IBT + MR for nonresponders?”	A + B versus D + F
	Identifying the best the adaptive intervention: “Which of the four embedded adaptive interventions leads to the greatest reduction in weight loss?”	Identify best among A + B, A + C, D + E and D + F
Optimization aim	To develop a more deeply-tailored adaptive intervention: “Should individuals identified as emotional/binge eaters at baseline receive longer duration IBT instead of short duration IBT?”, and “Should individuals who were nonresponders and also not adherent to initial IBT be switched to ACT?”	B + E vs C + F (for nonresponders) within levels of adherence to initial IBT, and A + B + C vs D + E + F within levels of emotional/binge eating

Responder = Weight loss of 5 lbs or more, Nonresponder = Weight gain, no change in weight, or weight loss of less than 5 lbs

IBT individualized behavioral treatment, MR meal replacements, ACT acceptance and commitment therapy (adapted to address weight loss)

^aSee Table 2 for a description of the four embedded adaptive interventions aim

^bThe letters represent the different subgroups being compared in Fig. 2