Mobile health-based physical activity intervention for individuals with spinal cord injury in the community: A pilot study

PLoS ONE, 2019 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223762 · Published: October 15, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) often experience low physical activity levels, leading to secondary health issues like pain and fatigue. This study explores using mobile health technology to track and improve physical activity in this population. The study involved a mobile health system that monitors physical activity levels and provides personalized, timely interventions to encourage more activity. This system, known as a just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI), aims to support individuals' health behaviors in real-time. The goal was to determine if a sensor-based JITAI could effectively track physical activity and motivate individuals with SCI to increase their activity levels in their daily lives.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

20 participants with SCI

Evidence Level

Pilot Study

Key Findings

1
The study found that eleven participants (69.0%) had higher light- and/or moderate-intensity PA during PA Feedback with JITAI compared to the baseline.
2
Participants found the JITAI system easy to use and most reported no issues wearing the smartwatch or using the wheel rotation monitor.
3
Exit interviews indicated that participants felt motivated when the JITAI provided them with context-sensitive feedback and encouragement.

Research Summary

This pilot study investigated the use of a mobile health-based physical activity (PA) measurement system to track PA levels of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the community and provide them with a behavior-sensitive, just-in-time-adaptive intervention (JITAI) to improve their PA levels. The study was conducted in three phases: baseline PA level data collection, near-real-time feedback on PA level (PA Feedback), and PA Feedback with JITAI. The results suggest that a sensor-enabled mobile JITAI has the potential to improve PA levels of individuals with SCI, warranting further investigation through a clinical trial.

Practical Implications

Personalized PA Interventions

The study highlights the potential of using mobile health technology to deliver personalized and timely interventions to individuals with SCI, encouraging them to increase their physical activity levels.

Increased Awareness

The real-time feedback provided by the JITAI system can increase individuals' awareness of their PA levels, motivating them to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Future Research

The findings support the need for further research, particularly clinical trials, to evaluate the efficacy of JITAI-based interventions in improving the health and quality of life of individuals with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size of 20 participants with SCI.
2
The PA Feedback with JITAI was tested for only one month.
3
Non-randomization of the second (PA Feedback) and third phases (PA Feedback with JITAI) of the study may have introduced order effects.

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