Translating Promoting Factors and Behavior Change Principles Into a Blended and Technology-Supported Intervention to Stimulate Physical Activity in Children With Asthma (Foxfit): Design Study

Abstract

Background Children with asthma can decrease the impact of their disease by improving their physical activity (PA). However, health care providers lack interventions for children with asthma that effectively increase their PA levels and achieve behavior change. A technology-supported approach can positively influence PA and physical functioning in children. Objective The aims of this study were to develop a technology-supported intervention that facilitates health care providers in promoting PA for children (aged 8 to 12 years) with asthma and to systematically describe this developmental process. Methods Intervention mapping (IM) was applied to develop a blended and technology-supported intervention in cocreation with children with asthma, their parents, and health care providers. In accordance with the IM framework, the following steps were performed: conduct a needs assessment; define the intervention outcome, performance objectives, and change objectives; select theory-based intervention methods and strategies; create components of the intervention and conduct pilot tests; create an implementation plan; and create an evaluation plan. Results We developed the blended intervention Foxfit that consists of an app with a PA monitor for children (aged 8 to 12 years) with asthma and a web-based dashboard for their health care provider. The intervention focuses on PA in everyday life to improve social participation. Foxfit contains components based on behavior change principles and gamification, including goal setting, rewards, action planning, monitoring, shaping knowledge, a gamified story, personal coaching and feedback, and a tailored approach. An evaluation plan was created to assess the intervention’s usability and feasibility for both children and health care providers. Conclusions The IM framework was very useful for systematically developing a technology-supported intervention and for describing the translational process from scientific evidence, the needs and wishes of future users, and behavior change principles into this intervention. This has led to the technology-supported intervention Foxfit that facilitates health care providers in promoting PA in children with asthma. The structured description of the development process and functional components shows the way behavior change techniques are incorporated in the intervention. Trial Registration International Clinical Trial Registry Platform NTR6658; https://tinyurl.com/3rxejksf

Effectiveness of Asthma Home Management Manual and Low-Cost Air Filter on Quality of Life Among Asthma Adults: A 3-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In addition, the implementation of health promotion- and technology-supported approaches among asthmatic children clarified that education and intervention yielded more positive outcomes. 60 …”

“…In addition, the implementation of health promotion-and technologysupported approaches among asthmatic children clarified that education and intervention yielded more positive outcomes. 60 The study could not identify a change in the general quality of life of the participants who received the manual only. Most participants in all three groups were smokers and alcohol drinkers, which was attributed to asthma symptoms.…”

“…Our findings are consistent with previous investigations. 27,60,63,64 This study also added to the record that home management is promising for optimizing asthmatic quality of life in a short observation period.…”

Unveiling Consumer Preferences and Intentions for Cocreated Features of a Combined Diet and Physical Activity App: Cross-Sectional Study in 4 European Countries

“…They have also emphasized the importance of mindfulness [ 33 , 36 ], goal setting, and support for tracking their progress [ 37 ] in overcoming obstacles during behavior changes. Previous research has suggested that providing step-by-step plans and personalized advice [ 38 ] and gamification [ 39 , 40 ] can also influence dietary and exercise habits, making them important factors for behavior change. The existing literature on behavior change using mobile health apps, along with the cocreation approach, can provide valuable insights into the features of mobile health apps that support healthy eating and physical activity.…”