Currently submitted to: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jun 11, 2026
Open Peer Review Period: Jun 12, 2026 - Aug 7, 2026
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A Mobile Intervention Merging Yoga and Self-Management Skills (MY-Skills Mobile) for Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions and their Care Partners: A Single-Arm Feasibility and Usability Pilot
ABSTRACT
Background:
Nearly 77% of older adults have multiple chronic conditions (MCC), leading to functional impairments and greater healthcare needs, which are exacerbated by depressive symptoms. Limited screening and treatment accessibility necessitates innovative interventions.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the feasibility and usability of MY-Skills Mobile, an mHealth intervention combining yoga and self-management strategies, among older adults with MCC experiencing depressive symptoms and their care partners.
Methods:
A single-site, single-arm pilot trial was conducted. Participants included individuals over 60 with MCC and depressive symptoms, and their care partners. MY-Skills Mobile was an 8-week program involving synchronous virtual yoga sessions and asynchronous self-management tools. Feasibility was assessed using benchmarks for recruitment, retention, attendance, tool usage, and data collection. Usability was measured using the User Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS).
Results:
N=33 participants who were 70±5 years old enrolled in the trial, including n=24 older adults with 5±3 chronic conditions and 9 of their care partners. Benchmarks were achieved for recruitment, enrollment, retention, yoga attendance, and usability. Self-management tool usage was slightly below expectations. No adverse events were reported, though five participants were flagged for moderate suicide risk. Participants rated MY-Skills Mobile positively (mean uMARS score 3.7/5) and qualitative feedback highlighted the program's relaxation, calming, and anxiety-reducing benefits. Trends indicated potential improvements in older adult depressive symptoms and self-efficacy, and care partner social support.
Conclusions:
MY-Skills Mobile is a feasible and user-friendly intervention for older adults with MCC and their care partners. The program's positive reception and preliminary health benefits suggest potential for enhancing well-being in this population. Future research should focus on enhancing self-management tool engagement and conducting larger trials to confirm these findings and assess long-term impacts. Clinical Trial: NCT04758312
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