scholarly journals Feasibility of ActivABLES to promote home-based exercise and physical activity of community-dwelling stroke survivors with support from caregivers: A mixed methods study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steinunn A. Olafsdottir ◽  
Helga Jónsdóttir ◽  
Ingibjörg Bjartmarz ◽  
Charlotte Magnusson ◽  
Héctor Caltenco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Need For Support

BACKGROUND Technical applications can promote home-based exercise and physical activity of community-dwelling stroke survivors to improve function and decrease physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Informal caregivers are often able and willing to assist with home-based exercise and physical activity but may lack knowledge and practical resources. ActivABLES is an international collaboration which was established to promote home-based exercise and physical activity among community-dwelling stroke survivors, with support from their caregivers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of ActivABLES in terms of acceptability, demand, implementation and practicality. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study with 10 community-dwelling stroke survivors, including five women and five men, with the median age of 72 years, who used ActivABLES for four weeks with support from their caregivers (seven women and three men, median age 68 years). Data collection included quantitative functional standardized measures of the stroke survivors before and after the 4-week use. Additionally, qualitative data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews with the stroke survivors and their caregivers after the 4-week use. Quantitative and qualitative data were also collected during the 4-week use. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze changes between the measures before and after the 4-week use. Qualitative data were analyzed with direct content analysis to identify subcategories to define the data further in context with the predetermined categories. RESULTS Acceptability was identified in four subcategories: appreciation, functional improvements, self-initiated activities and expressed potential use for future stroke survivors. Functional improvements of the stroke survivors were confirmed by quantitative and qualitative data and some mentioned changes in physical activity and self-initiated activities. All participants described ActivABLES to be feasible and to have potential for future stroke survivors. Demand was identified in three subcategories: reported use, interest in further use and need for follow-up. Most of the stroke survivors did follow the recommendation of using ActivABLES, confirmed by quantitative and qualitative data and showed interest in further use. Implementation was identified in three subcatagories: importance of feedback, variety of exercises and progression of exercises. Visual feedback was thought to be important and encouraging for continuing. About half of the stroke survivors felt that there was a lack of variation in exercises and about half used the progression of exercises. Practicality was identified in two subcatagories: need for support and technical problems. All participants agreed there was little need for support while using ActivABLES and the stroke survivors only needed minor assistance. All particants experienced some technical problems. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study indicate that ActivABLES is feasible and can be a good asset for stroke survivors with slight or moderate disability to use in their homes.

scholarly journals Feasibility of ActivABLES to promote home-based exercise and physical activity of community-dwelling stroke survivors with support from caregivers: A mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steinunn A. Olafsdottir ◽  
Helga Jonsdottir ◽  
Ingibjörg Bjartmarz ◽  
Charlotte Magnusson ◽  
Héctor Caltenco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Home Based

ActivABLES, a tangible interaction to promote home-based exercise and physical activity of community-dwelling stroke survivors: A development paper (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steinunn Olafsdottir ◽  
Helga Jónsdóttir ◽  
Charlotte Magnusson ◽  
Héctor Caltenco ◽  
Mikko Kytö ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Balance Exercises ◽  
Mrc Framework ◽  
Human Centred Design

BACKGROUND Novel technical solutions are called for to promote home-based exercise and facilitate engagement in physical activity among community-dwelling stroke survivors supported by their caregivers in the home environment. Lack of knowledge and resources on what to do and how to accomplish this has been demonstrated. OBJECTIVE To describe in detail the development of a technical intervention, ActivABLES, to promote home-based exercise and physical activity engagement of community-dwelling stroke survivors with support from their informal caregivers. METHODS Technical development process of ActivABLES was guided by Human-Centred Design and participatory design/co-design as well as the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions. The main steps included: (a) Synthesis of the evidence supported the inclusion of balance exercises, mobility and walking exercises, exercises for the upper arm and means to decrease sedentary behavior; b) Initial user studies with qualitative data collection from individual interviews with stroke survivors and focus group interviews with informal caregivers and health professionals; c) Preliminary testing of eight prototypes with seven stroke survivors and their informal caregivers which included introduction and testing of the prototypes; d) Feasibility study of six prototypes with ten stroke survivors and their informal caregivers which included use of ActivABLES for four weeks. RESULTS After the preliminary testing of eight prototypes, four prototypes were not further developed whereas four prototypes were modified further. In addition, two new prototypes were developed, leaving six prototypes constructed for use in the feasibility study. These included: 1) ActivFOAM, a soft mat for balance exercises, 2) WalkingSTARR, an iPhone application to facilitate walking, 3) ActivBALL, a soft ball for hand exercises, 4) ActivSTICKS, two linked plastic sticks for upper arm exercises and trunk rotation and 5) the ActivLAMP and 6) the ActivTREE which both give visual feedback (lights) for progress of daily exercise and physical activities. ActivFOAM, ActivBALL and ActivSTICKS are all connected to a tablet where exercise instructions are given. All the exercise prototypes can be connected to ActivLAMP and ActivTREE to give feedback on how much exercise the user has done. Settings can be individualized and recommended daily time and/or repetition can easily be changed as the user further progresses to higher activity levels. CONCLUSIONS The development process of ActivABLES was guided by the human-centred design, with iterative testing of future users, and the MRC framework of complex intervention, with repeated process of development and testing. This process resulted in six prototypes which aim to promote home-based exercise and facilitate physical activity engagement of community-dwelling stroke survivors and were used in a feasibility study. Further research with a larger sample of stroke survivors and a more robust design is needed to substantiate these results.

scholarly journals Public spaces and physical activity in adults: insights from a mixed-methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ietza Bojorquez ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Romo-Aguilar ◽  
Lina Ojeda-Revah ◽  
Fernando Tena ◽  
Francisco Lara-Valencia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Household Survey ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Potential Health

Abstract: Public spaces could promote health equity by providing a place for people to engage in physical activity. Whereas most studies show a positive association between public spaces and physical activity, there are still mixed results, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The objectives of this mixed-methods study were: (i) to assess the quantitative association between access to public spaces and physical activity; (ii) to assess the modification of the association by public spaces quality, area-level walkability, and social stratifiers; (iii) to explain the quantitative results using qualitative data. Quantitative data were obtained with a household survey in two arid-climate Mexican cities in 2017-2018. physical activity was measured with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Access to public spaces was measured in buffers centered on survey blocks, walkability with area-level indicators, and public spaces quality with the Physical Activity Resources Assessment. Qualitative data were obtained with semi-structured interviews and neighborhood observation. No quantitative association between access to public spaces and physical activity was found, as well as no interactions between access to public spaces and other variables. Walkability was positively associated with physical activity. Qualitative analysis showed that local public spaces were rarely used by adults because they were perceived as small, unequipped, unattractive, and unsafe. The results shed light on the relationship between public spaces and physical activity, highlighting the improvements in design and upkeep of public spaces that are necessary to achieve their potential health benefit.

scholarly journals Classroom Movement Breaks Reduce Sedentary Behavior and Increase Concentration, Alertness and Enjoyment during University Classes: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5589
Author(s):  
Casey L. Peiris ◽  
Gráinne O’Donoghue ◽  
Lewis Rippon ◽  
Dominic Meyers ◽  
Andrew Hahne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Physical Activity Monitoring ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Comparison Data

This mixed-methods study aimed to determine the feasibility of incorporating movement breaks into university classes in terms of acceptability (disruption, engagement, satisfaction), practicality (ease of scheduling and conducting breaks) and efficacy (sedentary time, concentration, alertness, enjoyment). Movement breaks of five to 10 min duration were scheduled after 20 min of sedentary time during 2-h classes. Classes without movement breaks were used as a comparison. Data were collected using surveys, objective physical activity monitoring and focus group interviews of students (n = 85) and tutors (n = 6). Descriptive statistics (quantitative data) and independent coding and thematic analysis (qualitative data) were completed. Students (mean age 23 ± 2 years, 69% female) actively engaged in movement breaks with no adverse events. Movement breaks were perceived to be beneficial for concentration, engagement and productivity. Timing of the break was perceived to be important to enhance the benefit and reduce disruption. Students preferred outdoor or competitive movement breaks. Students spent 13 min less time sitting (95%CI 10 to 17), took 834 more steps (95%CI 675 to 994) and had higher levels of concentration, alertness and enjoyment (p < 0.001) in classes with movement breaks compared to classes without. Classroom movement breaks are feasible and may be considered for incorporation into university classes to reduce sedentary behaviour and increase physical activity, alertness, concentration and enjoyment.

scholarly journals Developing a Group Program for Older Males to Participate in Social Activities in Japan: A Mixed-Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 155798832198989
Author(s):  
Kenta Nomura ◽  
Norikazu Kobayashi
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Considerable Effect ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Social Activities ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Elderly Males ◽  
The Social ◽  
Before And After

This study analyzes the effect of social participation in a program that encourages participation in social activities as an approach to counteract the social isolation of elderly males in Japan. The design of this study was an open-label, before-and-after trial for a single group using the convergent design of the mixed-methods study. This program led to significant improvement in independent living and interest in society, but it did not help increase satisfaction with social activities. Additionally, a qualitative data identify that this program encouraged subjects to proactivity participate in social activities. While it has been identified that this program may have had a considerable effect by integrating quantitative and qualitative data, it is necessary to improve the program to further promote change in the subjects’ social behavior.

Uncertainty about cellulitis and unmet patient information needs: a mixed methods study

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X697349
Author(s):  
Anna Lalonde ◽  
Emma Teasdale ◽  
Ingrid Muller ◽  
Joanne Chalmers ◽  
Peter Smart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Information Provision ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Patient Information Needs ◽  
History Of

BackgroundCellulitis is a common painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues that recurs in approximately a third of cases. Patients’ ability to recover from cellulitis or prevent recurrence is likely to be influenced by their understanding of the condition.AimTo explore patients’ perceptions of cellulitis and their information needs.MethodMixed methods study comprising semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and cross-sectional survey, recruiting through primary care, secondary care and advertising. Adults aged 18 or over with a history of cellulitis (first or recurrent) were invited to complete a survey, take part in an interview or both. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsThirty interviews were conducted between August 2016 and July 2017. Qualitative data revealed low prior awareness of cellulitis, uncertainty around diagnosis, concern/surprise at the severity of cellulitis, and perceived insufficient information provision. People were surprised they had never heard of the condition and that they had not received advice or leaflets giving self-care information. Some sought information from the internet and found this bewildering. Two hundred and forty surveys were completed (response rate 17%). These showed that, while most people received information on the treatment of cellulitis (60.0%, n = 144), they reported receiving no information about causes (60.8%, n = 146) or prevention of recurrence (73.3%, n = 176).ConclusionThere is a need for provision of basic information for people with cellulitis, particularly being informed of the name of their condition, how to manage acute episodes, and how to reduce risk of recurrence.

scholarly journals Type 2 diabetes patients’ views on prevention of hypoglycaemia – a mixed methods study investigating self-management issues and self-identified causes of hypoglycaemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stijn Crutzen ◽  
Tessa van den Born-Bondt ◽  
Petra Denig ◽  
Katja Taxis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Hypoglycaemic Event ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Management Issues

Abstract Background Hypoglycaemia is a common and potentially avoidable adverse event in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It can reduce quality of life, increase healthcare costs, and reduce treatment success. We investigated self-management issues associated with hypoglycaemia and self-identified causes of hypoglycaemia in these patients. Methods In this mixed methods study qualitative semi-structured interviews were performed, which informed a subsequent quantitative survey in T2D patients. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded independently by two coders using directed content analysis, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify the self-management issues and causes of hypoglycaemia collected in the survey for the respondents that had experienced at least one hypoglycaemic event in the past. Results Sixteen participants were interviewed, aged 59–84 years. Participants perceived difficulties in managing deviations from routine, and they sometimes lacked procedural knowledge to adjust medication, nutrition or physical activity to manage their glucose levels. Grief and loss of support due to the loss of a partner interfered with self-management and lead to hypoglycaemic events. Work ethic lead some participant to overexerting themselves, which in turn lead to hypoglycaemic events. The participants had difficulties preventing hypoglycaemic events, because they did not know the cause, suffered from impaired hypoglycaemia awareness and/or did not want to regularly measure their blood glucose. When they did recognise a cause, they identified issues with nutrition, physical activity, stress or medication. In total, 40% of respondents reported regular stress as an issue, 24% reported that they regularly overestimated their physical abilities, and 22% indicated they did not always know how to adjust their medication. Around 16% of patients could not always remember whether they took their medication, and 42% always took their medication at regular times. Among the 83 respondents with at least one hypoglycaemic event, common causes for hypoglycaemia mentioned were related to physical activity (67%), low food intake (52%), deviations from routine (35%) and emotional burden (28%). Accidental overuse of medication was reported by 10%. Conclusion People with T2D experience various issues with self-managing their glucose levels. This study underlines the importance of daily routine and being able to adjust medication in relation to more physical activity or less food intake as well as the ability to reduce and manage stress to prevent hypoglycaemic events.

Analyzing trends in the aural decoding errors of Japanese EFL learners

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kriss Lange ◽  
Joshua Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Formulaic Language ◽  
Decoding Skills ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Japanese University ◽  
Syntactic Knowledge ◽  
L2 Listening

Abstract Japanese EFL learners’ difficulty with accurately decoding connected English speech motivated this mixed methods study. The aural decoding capacities of 63 first-year Japanese university students, with low to intermediate level English proficiency, were first measured with a battery of paused transcription tests (PTT). The transcriptions were clusters of three-words that each possessed attributes typical of co-articulated speech. In addition, after each test, a subgroup of 10 participants individually listened to the same PTT and recounted introspective self-observations of their perceived difficulties with the aural decoding tasks in their L1. These quantitative and qualitative data were used to identify four trends in decoding errors which were categorized as follows: limited collocation familiarity, syntactic knowledge constraints, difficulties utilizing co-text, and L1 phonological influence. This study investigates some of the difficulties associated with aural decoding, highlights the challenges of identifying the origins of decoding errors and suggests that more focus is needed on developing decoding skills as well as knowledge of formulaic language in L2 listening education.

Personal and social factors that influence physical activity levels in community-dwelling stroke survivors: A systematic review of qualitative literature

2021 ◽  
pp. 026921552199369
Author(s):  
Karl R Espernberger ◽  
Natalie A Fini ◽  
Casey L Peiris
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Mobile Community

Objectives: To determine the personal and social factors perceived to influence physical activity levels in stroke survivors. Data sources: Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed and Embase) were searched from inception to November 2020, including reference and citation list searches. Study selection: The initial search yielded 1499 papers, with 14 included in the review. Included articles were peer-reviewed, qualitative studies, reporting on the perceived factors influencing physical activity levels of independently mobile community-dwelling adults, greater than 3 months post stroke. Data extraction: Data extracted included location, study aim, design, participant and recruitment information and how data were collected and analysed. Data synthesis: Thematic analysis was undertaken to identify meanings and patterns, generate codes and develop themes. Five main themes were identified: (i) Social networks are important influencers of physical activity; (ii) Participation in meaningful activities rather than ‘exercise’ is important; (iii) Self-efficacy promotes physical activity and physical activity enhances self-efficacy; (iv) Pre-stroke identity related to physical activity influences post-stroke physical activity; and (v) Formal programmes are important for those with low self-efficacy or a sedentary pre-stroke identity. Conclusions: Physical activity levels in stroke survivors are influenced by social activities and support, pre-stroke identity, self-efficacy levels and completion of activities that are meaningful to stroke survivors.

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