Exploring the acceptability and feasibility of using activitymonitors to support increased physical activity within anexercise referral scheme for adults with, or at risk of, achronic health condition
2018
Introduction:
Whilst there is evidence for initial effectiveness of exercise
referral schemes for increasing physical activity, evidence of long-term
effects is limited. In Wales, a trial of the National Exercise Referral Scheme
[NERS] showed small but significant impacts on physical activity at
12-month follow-up. Technologies such as activity monitors may enhance
long-term maintenance of activity by facilitating goal setting and progress
monitoring and supporting intrinsic motivation. This pilot trial explored
the acceptability and feasibility of implementing accelerometry-based
activity monitors within NERS.
Methods:
New NERS participants (mean age = 57, 65% female) were
randomised to receive either an activity monitor alongside NERS (n = 88)
or usual practice (n = 68). Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, 16-weeks and 52-weeks. Twenty intervention participants and 12
NERS staff completed interviews at 4-weeks and 52-weeks.
Results:
Findings suggest that participant experiences of utilising the
activity monitors were mixed. Approximately half of participants reported that the devices were easy to use (49%) and met their expectations (57%).
In interviews, some participants reported that the monitors helped them to
become more aware of their physical activity levels and increased their
motivation. Barriers to acceptability included general and device-specific
wearability and technological problems, such as device malfunctioning
and computer compatibility issues. Staff also reported device- and contextspecific technological barriers to implementing the monitors alongside
usual practice.
Conclusion:
Whilst some findings were device-specific, there are broader
lessons for future research and practice incorporating activity monitoring
devices into physical activity interventions such as implications for
delivery staff time and training.
Keywords:
- Correction
- Source
- Cite
- Save
- Machine Reading By IdeaReader
0
References
0
Citations
NaN
KQI