scholarly journals Perspectives of older adults with chronic disease on the use of wearable technology and video games for physical activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205520762110199
Author(s):  
Joshua Simmich ◽  
Allison Mandrusiak ◽  
Trevor Russell ◽  
Stuart Smith ◽  
Nicole Hartley
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Video Games ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Wearable Activity Trackers

Background There is increasing interest in technology to deliver physical rehabilitation and allow clinicians to monitor progress. Examples include wearable activity trackers and active video games (AVGs), where physical activity is required to play the game. However, few studies have explored what may influence the effectiveness of these as technology-based physical activity interventions in older adults with chronic diseases. Objective This study aimed to explore: 1) perceptions about wearable physical activity trackers; 2) perceptions about using technology to share physical activity information with clinicians; 3) barriers and motivators to playing games, including AVGs for rehabilitation. Methods Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with older adults ( n = 19) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results Wearable activity trackers were perceived as useful to quantify activity, facilitate goal-setting, visualize long-term improvements and provide reminders. Participants generally wished to share data with their clinicians to gain greater accountability, receive useful feedback and improve the quality of clinical care. Participants were motivated to play games (including AVGs) by seeking fun, social interaction and health benefits. Some felt that AVGs were of no benefit or were too difficult. Competition was both a motivator and a barrier. Conclusions The findings of the present study seek to inform the design of technology to encourage physical activity in older adults with chronic diseases.

scholarly journals The Use of Wearable Activity Trackers Among Older Adults: Focus Group Study of Tracker Perceptions, Motivators, and Barriers in the Maintenance Stage of Behavior Change (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia Kononova ◽  
Lin Li ◽  
Kendra Kamp ◽  
Marie Bowen ◽  
R.V. Rikard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Maintenance Stage ◽  
Wearable Activity Trackers

BACKGROUND Wearable activity trackers offer the opportunity to increase physical activity through continuous monitoring. Viewing tracker use as a beneficial health behavior, we explored the factors that facilitate and hinder long-term activity tracker use, applying the transtheoretical model of behavior change with the focus on the maintenance stage and relapse. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate older adults’ perceptions and uses of activity trackers at different points of use: from nonuse and short-term use to long-term use and abandoned use to determine the factors to maintain tracker use and prevent users from discontinuing tracker usage. METHODS Data for the research come from 10 focus groups. Of them, 4 focus groups included participants who had never used activity trackers (n=17). These focus groups included an activity tracker trial. The other 6 focus groups (without the activity tracker trial) were conducted with short-term (n=9), long-term (n=11), and former tracker users (n=11; 2 focus groups per user type). RESULTS The results revealed that older adults in different tracker use stages liked and wished for different tracker features, with long-term users (users in the maintenance stage) being the most diverse and sophisticated users of the technology. Long-term users had developed a habit of tracker use whereas other participants made an effort to employ various encouragement strategies to ensure behavior maintenance. Social support through collaboration was the primary motivator for long-term users to maintain activity tracker use. Short-term and former users focused on competition, and nonusers engaged in vicarious tracker use experiences. Former users, or those who relapsed by abandoning their trackers, indicated that activity tracker use was fueled by curiosity in quantifying daily physical activity rather than the desire to increase physical activity. Long-term users saw a greater range of pros in activity tracker use whereas others focused on the cons of this behavior. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that activity trackers may be an effective technology to encourage physical activity among older adults, especially those who have never tried it. However, initial positive response to tracker use does not guarantee tracker use maintenance. Maintenance depends on recognizing the long-term benefits of tracker use, social support, and internal motivation. Nonadoption and relapse may occur because of technology’s limitations and gaining awareness of one’s physical activity without changing the physical activity level itself.

scholarly journals Age and Sex Differences of Comorbidities in Medicare Older Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 115-116
Author(s):  
Tham Le ◽  
Linda Simoni-Wastila
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Age Variation ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Although comorbidity varies by sex and age, comorbidity variation among individuals with specific primary conditions is less well-understood. We sought to quantify chronic comorbidities in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using representative Medicare claims data. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study consisted of individuals aged 65+ with a COPD diagnosis identified in a 5% Medicare sample enrolled between 1/1/2012-1/1/2015. We quantified the prevalence of 40 comorbidities and sex and age variation (≥ or ≤ 85 years). RESULTS: Of 461,268 eligible beneficiaries, 60% were female, 86% were white, with mean (SD) age of 79 (8) years. The majority (89.2%) had at least 5 comorbidities; 50.4% had ≥ ten comorbidities. Most prevalent conditions included: hypertension (92.6%), hyperlipidemia (86.4%), anemia (74.9%), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (68.0%), congestive heart failure (CHF) (49.6%), diabetes (46.7%), depression (43.7%), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (42.9%), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (38.6.) Male patients had higher prevalence of CHF, diabetes, CKD, atrial fibrillation (AFib), AMI, cancer, tobacco use disorder, and liver disease, while females had higher prevalence of hypertension, anemia, RA, depression, asthma, osteoporosis, pain, hypothyroid, obesity, dementia, and glaucoma. Compared to patients under 85, those aged ≥85 years had higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, depression, musculoskeletal conditions, cancer, dementia, glaucoma, and CKD; but lower prevalence of asthma, anxiety, and metabolic disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults with COPD encounter a high prevalence of comorbidities. Comorbidity patterns differs across age and sex spectrum, highlighting the significance of age and sex in developing individualized clinical care and epidemiological research.

scholarly journals Physical activity assessed in routine care predicts mortality after a COPD hospitalisation

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 00062-2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn L. Moy ◽  
Michael K. Gould ◽  
In-Lu Amy Liu ◽  
Janet S. Lee ◽  
Huong Q. Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Routine Care ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
All Cause Mortality

The independent relationship between physical inactivity and risk of death after an index chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalisation is unknown.We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a large integrated healthcare system. Patients were included if they were hospitalised for COPD between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. All-cause mortality in the 12 months after discharge was the primary outcome. Physical activity, expressed as self-reported minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), was routinely assessed at outpatient visits prior to hospitalisation. 1727 (73%) patients were inactive (0 min of MVPA per week), 412 (17%) were insufficiently active (1–149 min of MVPA per week) and 231 (10%) were active (≥150 min of MVPA per week). Adjusted Cox regression models assessed risk of death across the MVPA categories.Among 2370 patients (55% females and mean age 73±11 years), there were 464 (20%) deaths. Patients who were insufficiently active or active had a 28% (adjusted HR 0.72 (95% CI 0.54–0.97), p=0.03) and 47% (adjusted HR 0.53 (95% CI 0.34–0.84), p<0.01) lower risk of death, respectively, in the 12 months following an index COPD hospitalisation compared to inactive patients.Any level of MVPA is associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality after a COPD hospitalisation. Routine assessment of physical activity in clinical care would identify persons at high risk for dying after COPD hospitalisation.

Physical Exercise as an Immunomodulator of Chronic Diseases in Aging

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 662-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Gomes Ciolac ◽  
José Messias Rodrigues da Silva ◽  
Rodolfo Paula Vieira
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Age Related

Background: The progressive dysfunction of the immune system during aging appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of several age-related disorders. However, regular physical exercise can present “antiaging” effects on several physiological systems. Methods: A narrative review of studies investigating the chronic effects of exercise and physical activity on the immune system and its association with age-related chronic diseases was carried out according to the guidelines for writing a narrative review. Results: There is compelling evidence suggesting that age-related immune system alterations play a key role on the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, hypertension, chronic heart failure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. On the other hand, the regular practice of physical activity appears to improve most of the inflammatory/immunological processes involved in these diseases. Conclusion: Epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies permit us to affirm that regular physical activity improves immunomodulation and may play a key role in the prevention and treatment of several age-related chronic diseases. However, further studies are needed to better describe the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of physical exercise in specific organs of older individuals, as well as the mechanisms involved in such response.

Irrelevant Gadgets or a Source of Worry

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Dimitri Vargemidis ◽  
Kathrin Gerling ◽  
Vero Vanden Abeele ◽  
Luc Geurts ◽  
Katta Spiel
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Wearable Activity Trackers

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.

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Assessment of Risk Factors and Chronic Diseases among Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Adults in Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8621
Author(s):  
Mehwish Nisar ◽  
Tracy L Kolbe-Alexander ◽  
Nicola W. Burton ◽  
Asaduzzaman Khan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Longitudinal Assessment ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Insufficient Physical Activity

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and trajectories of chronic diseases and risk behaviors in immigrants from high-income countries (HIC), low–middle-income countries (LMIC), to Australian-born people. Data were used from five waves of the HABITAT (2007–2016) study—11,035 adults living in Brisbane, Australia. Chronic diseases included cancer, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Risk factors assessed were body mass index (BMI), insufficient physical activity, and cigarette smoking. Diabetes mellitus increased in all groups, with the highest increase of 33% in LMIC immigrants. The prevalence of cancers increased 19.6% in the Australian-born, 16.6% in HIC immigrants, and 5.1% in LMIC immigrants. The prevalence of asthma increased in HIC immigrants while decreased in the other two groups. Poisson regression showed that LMIC immigrants had 1.12 times higher rates of insufficient physical activity, 0.75 times lower rates of smoking, and 0.77 times lower rates of being overweight than the Australian-born population. HIC immigrants had 0.96 times lower rates of insufficient physical activity and 0.93 times lower rates of overweight than Australian-born. The findings of this study can inform better strategies to reduce health disparities by targeting high-risk cohorts.

scholarly journals How Are Wearable Activity Trackers Adopted in Older Adults? Comparison between Subjective Adoption Attitudes and Physical Activity Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3461
Author(s):  
Byung Cheol Lee ◽  
Junfei Xie ◽  
Toyin Ajisafe ◽  
Sung-Hee Kim
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Step Counts ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Athletic Ability ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Wearable Activity Trackers

Wearable activity trackers can motivate older adults to engage in the recommended daily amount of physical activity (PA). However, individuals may not maintain their use of the trackers over a longer period. To investigate the attitudes of activity tracker adoption and their effects on actual PA performance, we conducted a three-month study. We gave activity trackers to 16 older adults and assessed attitudes on activity tracker adoption through a survey during the study period. We extracted participants’ PA measures, step counts, and moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) times. We observed significant differences in adoption attitudes during the three different periods (χ2(2, 48) = 6.27, p < 0.05), and PA measures followed similar decreasing patterns (F(83, 1357) = 12.56, 13.94, p < 0.00001). However, the Pearson correlation analysis (r = 0.268, p = 0.284) and a Bland–Altman plot indicated a bias between two PA measures. Positive attitudes at the initial stage did not persist through the study period, and both step counts and length of MVPA time showed waning patterns in the study period. The longitudinal results from both measures demonstrated the patterns of old adults’ long-term use and adoption. Considering the accuracy of the activity tracker and older adults’ athletic ability, MVPA times are more likely to be a reliable measure of older adults’ long-term use and successful adoption of activity trackers than step counts. The results support the development of better activity tracker design guidelines that would facilitate long-term adoption among older adults.

scholarly journals WEB-BASED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULT VETERANS WITH COPD

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S430-S430
Author(s):  
Stephanie A Robinson ◽  
Stephanie A Robinson ◽  
Deanna L Mori ◽  
Caroline R Richardson ◽  
Marilyn L Moy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Behavior Change Techniques ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Physical activity (PA) is recommended in all patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Technology-based interventions can deliver effective, scalable behavior-change techniques; though feasibility and acceptability among older adults is not established. Veterans with COPD (N=112, aged 49-89 years, median=68) were randomized to a 12-week web-based and pedometer intervention or a pedometer alone (control). Across groups, there was no significant difference between middle-aged (&lt;68 years) and older (≥68 years) adults in percentage of pedometer wear-days over the study period (83.6% vs. 89.9%). In the intervention, there were no significant differences between middle-aged and older adults in total number of website logons (15.04 vs. 16.31), or proportion who reported they recommended the intervention (96.4% vs. 96.7%), found it easy to use (93.1% vs. 90.0%), and would continue to walk (93.1% vs. 89.7%). We conclude that a web-based PA intervention with a pedometer is feasible and acceptable in an older COPD population.

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