Increasing physical activity in older adults using STARFISH, an interactive smartphone application (app); a pilot study

Paul, L., Brewster, S. , Wyke, S. , McFadyen, A. K., Sattar, N. , Gill, J. , Dybus, A. and Gray, C. M. (2017) Increasing physical activity in older adults using STARFISH, an interactive smartphone application (app); a pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 4, (doi: 10.1177/2055668317696236) (PMID:31186925) (PMCID:PMC6453053)

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Abstract

Background:Increasing physical activity in older adults has preventative and therapeutic health benefits. We have developed STARFISH, a smartphone application, to increase physical activity. 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 the BCT Taxonomy of Michie et al. Sixteen healthy older adults (eight women and eight 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 eight 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 physical activity in older adults; however, a fully powered randomised controlled trial is required.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was supported by the Bupa Foundation (grant number TBF-PPW11-021F).
Keywords:Ageing, Assistive Technology, Telehealth, Design Requirements, Patient Behaviour Monitoring Devices.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gray, Professor Cindy and Wyke, Professor Sally and Dybus, Dr Aleksandra and Gill, Professor Jason and Brewster, Professor Stephen and Sattar, Professor Naveed and Paul, Dr Lorna
Authors: Paul, L., Brewster, S., Wyke, S., McFadyen, A. K., Sattar, N., Gill, J., Dybus, A., and Gray, C. M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
College of Science and Engineering > School of Computing Science
Journal Name:Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering
Publisher:SAGE
ISSN:2055-6683
ISSN (Online):2055-6683
Published Online:05 April 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering 4
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons Licence

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
190457Increasing physical activity in older people by means of real-time interactive mobile phone technology; a pilot study.Lorna PaulBUPA Medical Foundation (BUPAMEDF)TBF-PPW11-021FMed - Nursing & Healthcare