Using Physical Activity Trackers in Arthritis Self‐Management: A Qualitative Study of Patient and Rehabilitation Professional Perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenny Leese ◽  
Graham G. Macdonald ◽  
Bao Chau Tran ◽  
Rosalind Wong ◽  
Catherine L. Backman ◽  
...  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3244
Author(s):  
Laura Hallward ◽  
Keryn Chemtob ◽  
Sylvie D. Lambert ◽  
Lindsay R. Duncan

Both men with prostate cancer and their caregivers report experiencing a number of challenges and health consequences, and require programs to help support the cancer patient–caregiver dyad. A tailored, web-based, psychosocial and physical activity self-management program (TEMPO), which implements behavior change techniques to help facilitate behavior change for the dyads was created and its acceptability was tested in a qualitative study. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to explore the dyads’ experiences using behavior change techniques to change behavior and address current needs and challenges while enrolled in TEMPO. Multiple semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 prostate cancer-caregiver dyads over the course of the program, resulting in 46 transcripts that were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. Results revealed four main themes: (1) learning new behavior change techniques, (2) engaging with behavior change techniques learned in the past, (3) resisting full engagement with behavior change techniques, and (4) experiencing positive outcomes from using behavior change techniques. The dyads’ discussions of encountering behavior change techniques provided unique insight into the process of learning and implementing behavior change techniques through a web-based self-management program, and the positive outcomes that resulted from behavior changes.


Diabetology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Dan Grabowski ◽  
Mathilde Overgaard ◽  
Julie Meldgaard ◽  
Lise Bro Johansen ◽  
Ingrid Willaing

When societies went into the COVID-19 lockdown, the conditions under which people with diabetes managed their illness dramatically changed. The present study explores experiences of everyday life during the COVID-19 lockdown among people with diabetes, and how diabetes self-management routines were affected. The data consist of 20 interviews with adults with diabetes, focusing on experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. The analysis showed that experiences of self-management during lockdown were diverse and that participants handled daily life changes in very different ways. The main changes in self-management related to physical activity and food intake, which decreased and increased, respectively, for many participants during lockdown. We found two main and significantly different overall experiences of everyday life while on lockdown: (1) A daily life significantly changed by the lockdown, causing disruption of diabetes self-management routines, and (2) a largely unaffected everyday life, enabling continuance of diabetes routines. Our findings showed that people with diabetes lacked information about strategies to self-manage diabetes during lockdown and would have benefited from guidance and support throughout the pandemic, or any other crisis, to maintain their diabetes self-management routines.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Dimitri Vargemidis ◽  
Kathrin Gerling ◽  
Vero Vanden Abeele ◽  
Luc Geurts ◽  
Katta Spiel

Wearable activity trackers are routinely applied in physical activity (PA) interventions in late life, but there is little research that focuses on older adults' perspectives on the technology. We conducted a qualitative study with 24 older persons to explore their perspective on wearables and PA. First, we discussed their relationship with PA and wearable trackers during focus groups. Next, nine participants crafted prototypes for wearables during co-design sessions. Through Thematic Analysis, we identified two main themes: (1) PA is personal in terms of preferred activities and reasons for PA, and (2) wearables are an emotional technology, causing negative emotions when resembling medical trackers or pressurizing to perform. We followed upon these results through a survey with 41 participants, which further highlighted individual differences in the perception of wearables. We conclude with questions to guide the design of wearables and reflect on their role to support PA in late life.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Schoeppe ◽  
Jo Salmon ◽  
Susan L. Williams ◽  
Deborah Power ◽  
Stephanie Alley ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Interventions using activity trackers and smartphone apps have demonstrated their ability to increase physical activity in children and adults. However, they have not been tested in entire families. Further, few family-centred interventions have actively involved both parents, and assessed intervention efficacy separately for children, mothers and fathers. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the short-term efficacy of an activity tracker and app intervention to increase physical activity in the entire family (children, mothers and fathers). METHODS This was a pilot single-arm intervention study with pre-post measures. Between 2017-2018, 40 families (58 children aged 6-10 years, 39 mothers, 33 fathers) participated in the 6-week Step it Up Family program in Queensland, Australia. Using commercial activity trackers combined with apps (Garmin Vivofit Jr for children, Vivofit 3 for adults), the intervention included individual and family-level goal-setting, self-monitoring, performance feedback, family step challenges, family social support and modelling, weekly motivational text messages, and an introductory session delivered face-to-face or via telephone. Parent surveys were used to assess intervention efficacy measured as pre-post intervention changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in children, mothers and fathers. RESULTS Thirty-eight families completed the post intervention survey (95% retention). At post intervention, MVPA had increased in children by 58 min/day (boys: 54 min/day, girls: 62 min/day; all P < .001). In mothers, MVPA increased by 27 min/day (P < .001), and in fathers, it increased by 31 min/day (P < .001). Furthermore, the percentage of children meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for children (≥60 MVPA min/day) increased from 34% to 89% (P < .001). The percentage of mothers and fathers meeting Australia’s physical activity guidelines for adults (≥150 MVPA min/week) increased from 8% to 57% (P < .001) in mothers, and from 21% to 68% (P < .001) in fathers. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that an activity tracker and app intervention is an efficacious approach to increasing physical activity in entire families to meet national physical activity guidelines. The Step it Up Family program warrants further testing in a larger, randomised controlled trial to determine its long-term impact. CLINICALTRIAL No trial registration as this is not an RCT. It is a pilot single-arm intervention study


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-447
Author(s):  
Henrik Taarsted Jørgensen ◽  
Sine Agergaard ◽  
Michalis Stylianou ◽  
Jens Troelsen

In the context of implementing a physical activity policy as part of a national school reform in Denmark, the purpose of this study was to explore lower secondary teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of the physical activity policy with a focus on movement integration. In total, 14 teachers from four different schools were selected to take part in this qualitative study, which involved semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, go-along observations and informal interviews. A thematic analysis framework was employed to identify and describe patterns of meaning within data. The findings showed substantial diversity among teachers’ interpretations and perceptions of movement integration, and consequently a lack of definitional clarity regarding movement integration and a possible misalignment between policy and practice. Teachers’ perceptions and interpretations of movement integration were influenced by other and more prioritised policies and discourses regarding academic achievement, as well as by intrapersonal, interpersonal and institutional factors. The findings also suggested a lack of support and collaboration within the school and provided insights into the strengths and weaknesses associated with the autonomy afforded in the Danish school reform.


Author(s):  
Amy V. Creaser ◽  
Stacy A. Clemes ◽  
Silvia Costa ◽  
Jennifer Hall ◽  
Nicola D. Ridgers ◽  
...  

Wearable activity trackers (wearables) embed numerous behaviour change techniques (BCTs) that have previously been shown to increase adult physical activity (PA). With few children and adolescents achieving PA guidelines, it is crucial to explore ways to increase their PA. This systematic review examined the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of wearables and their potential mechanisms of action for increasing PA in 5 to 19-year-olds. A systematic search of six databases was conducted, including data from the start date of each database to December 2019 (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020164506). Thirty-three studies were included. Most studies (70%) included only adolescents (10 to 19 years). There was some—but largely mixed—evidence that wearables increase steps and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity PA and reduce sedentary behaviour. There were no apparent differences in effectiveness based on the number of BCTs used and between studies using a wearable alone or as part of a multi-component intervention. Qualitative findings suggested wearables increased motivation to be physically active via self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback, and competition. However, children and adolescents reported technical difficulties and a novelty effect when using wearables, which may impact wearables’ long-term use. More rigorous and long-term studies investigating the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of wearables in 5 to 19-year-olds are warranted.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e044777
Author(s):  
Susanne Lundin ◽  
Marina Jonsson ◽  
Carl-Fredrik Wahlgren ◽  
Emma Johansson ◽  
Anna Bergstrom ◽  
...  

ObjectivesLearning to take control of one’s health is an important part of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study aimed to explore young adults’ perceptions of living with atopic dermatitis (AD) in relation to the concept of self-management.DesignA qualitative study with an inductive approach was performed through semistructured interviews (n=15). The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed with systematic text condensation.ParticipantsYoung adults (mean age 23,4 years) with persistent AD in a longitudinal population-based birth cohort. To capture experience of living with persistent AD (preschool/school-age onset) of different severity (mild to severe/very severe), a purposive selection was performed. In total, 15 young adults were included. Persistent AD (preschool/school-age onset) was defined as dry skin in combination with itchy rash of typical localisation in the 12 months preceding the 16-year and the 24-year follow-ups. Severity was self-assessed using the Patient Oriented Eczema Measure.ResultsDespite having experience of AD since childhood, the respondents expressed uncertainty about treatment and how it affected their bodies. Their uncertainties and feelings affected how they used topical corticosteroids. The respondents emphasised that they perceived availability of healthcare and knowledge about treatment of AD among healthcare providers to be limited. The participants did not state any experiences of support to self-management from healthcare, which affect young adults’ possibilities to take full control of their AD care.ConclusionsYoung adults with preschool/school-age onset of AD are unsure how to treat and manage the disease. One explanation may be insufficient transition process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 584-604
Author(s):  
Eleanor Shonkoff ◽  
Sara C Folta ◽  
Theodore Fitopoulos ◽  
Cynthia N Ramirez ◽  
Ricky Bluthenthal ◽  
...  

Abstract Less than 1% of children in the United States concurrently meet guidelines for fruit/vegetable intake, physical activity, screen time, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Prior evidence suggests that parents of this 1% potentially cope with stress differently. This qualitative study used a positive deviance-based approach to locate mothers whose children avoided negative feeding outcomes despite being ‘high-risk’ for obesity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Spanish for two groups: low-income, Hispanic mothers whose children were normal weight and met recommendations for fruits/vegetables and physical activity (n = 5); and a comparison group whose children had obesity and did not meet guidelines (n = 8). Topics included weight-related parenting practices, attitudes toward health, and stress management. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and coded using NVivo for theoretically driven thematic analysis. Results suggested that mothers viewed stress differently. Mothers of healthy weight children believed stress could be prevented, such as by paying children more attention or directing one’s attention away from stressors; comparison group mothers tended to report stress about managing their child’s eating and about financial worries. Future research is needed to understand the underlying sources of these differences (e.g. personality traits, coping practices) and test whether stress prevention interventions can promote healthy parental feeding practices.


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