17 Exploring the feasibility of an mHealth application to enhance physical activity in community-dwelling older adults

TL;DR

This study explores whether an mHealth app called MIA can help older adults stay physically active, finding it feasible and well-received with some suggested improvements.

Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates the MIA app as a novel mHealth tool for promoting physical activity in older adults.

Findings

The MIA app was found to be usable and acceptable, with high satisfaction scores and regular usage patterns.

Participants engaged in an average of three workouts per week and showed interest in additional features like motivational tips and clearer workout instructions.

Focus groups suggested improvements to enhance user experience and effectiveness of the app.

Abstract

Advancements in smartphone technology have paved the way for innovative interventions aimed at promoting physical activity (PA) and have led to the development of an mHealth app called MIA. The primary objective of this feasibility study is to comprehensively investigate the potential of the MIA app in effectively promoting PA and fostering sustained, healthy behaviors among its users.

A diverse sample of 30 participants aged 65 or older, free of severe illness from the community was recruited. Baseline data was collected on demographics, assessed PA (IPAQ SF), measured PA enjoyment (PACES), and evaluated digital health readiness (DHRQ). Participants used the app while providing real-time feedback via a “think-aloud” protocol. A five-week usage period followed, with post-period PACES assessment and usability measures (SUS, UEQ, NPS, CSAT). We analyzed the app usage patterns with Power BI and gathered qualitative data through five focus groups. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were employed, assessing clinical relevance alongside statistical significance, and descriptive statistics to summarize results were used.

The study included 30 participants, averaging 69.9±5.3 years old, with 17 females (56.7%) and 13 males (43.3%), primarily having completed higher education (50%) and displaying strong digital literacy skills (average 59.6±8.8). Regarding PA, 10% were inactive, 40% minimally active, and 50% vigorously active, indicating a highly active sample. Usability and acceptance were positive, with an SUS score of 77.41, CSAT score of 86.6%, and 87% expressing satisfaction. Power BI data showed participants engaged in an average of three workouts per week and read one to two articles weekly.

Focus groups supported quantitative findings, suggesting improvements like more motivational tips, app usage tutorials, clearer instructions for workout videos, expanded community activities, a reader tracker, enriched learning modules, and enhanced progression tracking.

The Mia app shows feasibility in usage, acceptability, demand, and practicality, prompting further impact assessments. Positive feedback highlights the need for user-tailored improvements before clinical trials. However, limitations include a non-representative, digitally literate sample, potential bias from self-reported PA measures, and lack of blinding. Future research should explore less tech-savvy older adults’ perceptions, gauging accessibility and appeal to a broader audience.