Feasibility of a Wearable-Based Physical Activity Goal-Setting Intervention Among Individuals With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Context Individuals with a history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) demonstrate persistent reductions in physical activity (PA) volume that are not being addressed during rehabilitation. Currently, it is challenging for clinicians to prescribe exercise interventions that extend beyond in-person rehabilitative care in a manner that is responsive and acceptable to patients. Objective To investigate the feasibility of using a novel, technology-driven, personalized goal-setting intervention over a 2-month period among young individuals with a history of primary unilateral ACLR. Design Single-blinded feasibility study. Setting University community. Patients or other participants Ten women and 2 men (age = 22.0 ± 3.0 years, time since surgery = 56.0 ± 36.3 months) with a history of primary unilateral ACLR. Intervention(s) All participants completed a 28-day PA observation period immediately followed by a 28-day individualized PA goal-setting intervention period delivered via a commercially available PA monitor. Main outcome measure(s) Primary feasibility outcomes were days of PA monitor wear compliance and days of goal achievement during the intervention period. Participants also completed the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at study enrollment and after the intervention period, and the individual change in the KOOS Quality of Life subscale was compared with the minimal detectable change (7.2 points). Results Average PA monitor wear compliance was 95.5% ± 7.3% during the observation period and 97.7% ± 2.9% during the intervention period. Median goal achievement was 31.5% ± 6.8% during the intervention period. Five participants demonstrated meaningful improvements in the KOOS Quality of Life subscale during the study period. Conclusions Individualized goal setting via mobile technology appears to be a feasible approach to PA promotion. However, based on the low rate of daily goal attainment during the intervention period, continued refinement of this intervention aproach would be beneficial before broad clinical implementation.