The usability and preliminary effectiveness of a web-based physical activity intervention in patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis

Abstract

BackgroundA large proportion of patients with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA) do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity (PA). Therefore, we developed a web-based intervention that provides a tailored PA program for patients with knee and/or hip OA, entitled Join2move. The intervention incorporates core principles of the behaviour graded activity theory (BGA). The aim of this study was to investigate the preliminary effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of Join2move in patients with knee and/or hip OA.MethodsA non-randomized pilot study was performed among patients with knee and/or hip OA. Primary outcomes were PA (SQUASH Questionnaire), physical function (HOOS and KOOS questionnaires) and self-perceived effect (7-point Likert scale). Baseline, 6 and 12 week follow-up data were collected via online questionnaires. To assess feasibility and acceptability, program usage (modules completed) and user satisfaction (SUS questionnaire) were measured as secondary outcomes. Participants from the pilot study were invited to be interviewed. The interviews focused on users’ experiences with Join2move. Besides the pilot study we performed two usability tests to determine the feasibility and acceptability of Join2move. In the first usability test, software experts evaluated the website from a list of usability concepts. In the second test, users were asked to verbalize thoughts during the execution of multiple tasks.ResultsTwenty OA patients with knee and/or hip OA between 50 and 80 years of age participated in the pilot study. After six weeks, pain scores increased from 5.3 to 6.6 (p=0.04). After 12 weeks this difference disappeared (p=0.5). Overall, users were enthusiastic about Join2move. In particular, performing exercise at one's own pace without time or travel restrictions was cited as convenient. However, some minor flaws were observed. Users perceived some difficulties in completing the entire introduction module and rated the inability to edit and undo actions as annoying.ConclusionsThis paper outlines the preliminary effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of a web-based PA intervention. Preliminary results from the pilot study revealed that PA scores increased, although differences were not statistically significant. Interviews and usability tests suggest that the intervention is feasible and acceptable in promoting PA in patients with knee and/or hip OA. The intervention was easy to use and the satisfaction with the program was high.Trial registrationThe Netherlands National Trial Register. Trial number: NTR2483

Formative evaluation of the usability and acceptability of myfood24 among adolescents: a UK online dietary assessments tool

“…No results were found describing usability scales of other online or computerized dietary assessment tools. However, results from the SUS for a web-based physical activity intervention reported an average score of 73 (SD = 15), which is associated with 'good' usability [29].…”

“…Although usability-testing has been used in various developed e-health software, such as smoking websites [28] and online physical activity tools [29], there is limited information published on the usability-testing of online dietary assessment websites [30]. Therefore, this study aims to identify usability and design issues associated with the completion of myfood24 (beta-version) and to determine tool acceptability among adolescents (11-18y) before and after making improvements (beta & live-version).…”

A Systematic Review of Technology-assisted Self-Management Interventions for Chronic Pain

“…Seven of the 19 studies for which we calculated an effect size demonstrated small effects for pain intensity outcomes (d = 0.20 to 0.40) 38,43,44,53,55,57,58 and 8 of the 18 demonstrated small effect sizes for physical functioning outcomes (d = 0.20 to 0.40). 20,[39][40][41]47,51,54,55 Six of the studies had moderate effects, 2 for pain intensity (d = 0.64 to 0.72) 39,46 and 4 for physical functioning (d = 0.51 to 0.64).…”

“…Several of the studies reported significant improvement in functioning and pain-related disability 17,20,21,25,37,42,44,46,[51][52][53]55 ; however, 10 studies 23,[38][39][40][41]43,45,47,57,58 did not find statistically significant improvement in physical functioning or disability in their intervention sample. At the 11-month follow-up assessment, Kristjansdottir et al 48 found a significant effect for the intervention condition in terms of physical functioning (FIQ) compared with baseline assessment; this effect was not seen at posttreatment in this sample.…”

“…Eleven studies used electronic tracking to assess how often participants logged on to the Web sites and duration of use of the Web sites. 17,20,21,23,37,44,45,47,55,57,58 One of these studies 47 tracked both frequency of Web site use and number of pedometer data uploads. Of the 9 studies that reported participant satisfaction, 17,18,22,25,37,44,46,53,55 there was an overall positive response from participants regarding the utility, helpfulness, and ease of use of the various Internet-based interventions.…”