Abstract
Background: Increasing physical activity (PA) in older adults has preventative and therapeutic health benefits. We have developed STARFISH, a smartphone application, to increase PA. This paper describes the features of STARFISH, presents the views of older users on the acceptability and usability of the app and reports the results of a six week pilot study of the STARFISH app in older adults.
Methods: The operationalisation of the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) within the STARFISH app was mapped against Michie et al’s (2013) BCT Taxonomy. Sixteen healthy older adults (8 women and 8 men; age 71.1 ± 5.2 years) used the app, in groups of four, for six weeks. Focus groups explored the user experience and objective measure of steps per day recorded.
Results: Participants were very positive about using the STARFISH app, in particular the embedded BCTs of self-monitoring, feedback and social support (in the form of group rewards). Objective step data, available for 8 participants, showed that step counts increased by an average of 14% (p=0.077, d=0.56).
Conclusion: The STARFISH app was acceptable and straightforward to use for older adults. STARFISH has potential to increase PA in older adults, however a fully powered randomised control trial is required.
Methods: The operationalisation of the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) within the STARFISH app was mapped against Michie et al’s (2013) BCT Taxonomy. Sixteen healthy older adults (8 women and 8 men; age 71.1 ± 5.2 years) used the app, in groups of four, for six weeks. Focus groups explored the user experience and objective measure of steps per day recorded.
Results: Participants were very positive about using the STARFISH app, in particular the embedded BCTs of self-monitoring, feedback and social support (in the form of group rewards). Objective step data, available for 8 participants, showed that step counts increased by an average of 14% (p=0.077, d=0.56).
Conclusion: The STARFISH app was acceptable and straightforward to use for older adults. STARFISH has potential to increase PA in older adults, however a fully powered randomised control trial is required.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering |
Volume | 4 |
Early online date | 5 Apr 2017 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Keywords
- physical activity
- older adults
- STARFISH
- smartphone app
- telehealth
- patient behaviour monitoring devices
- design requirements
- assistive technology
- ageing