Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: May 22, 2019
Open Peer Review Period: May 23, 2019 - May 28, 2019
Date Accepted: Jul 17, 2019
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Development and Evaluation of an E-Learning Program for Increasing Physical Activity Associated Behaviors among People with Spinal Cord Injury: The SCI e-STORIES program
ABSTRACT
Background:
The majority of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States are not meeting the recommended guidelines for regular physical activity. Behavior change techniques (e.g., goal-setting and action planning) that are framed within principles of the Social Cognitive Theory (self-efficacy, self-regulation) have the potential to enhance physical activity behavior.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to develop and test the usability of an e-learning program for improving social cognitive factors related to physical activity behavior among people with SCI.
Methods:
The program was created through an iterative process of development and refinement, using a modification of a similar methodology used to develop evidence-informed guidelines in health promotion for people with disabilities (Guidelines, Recommendations, Adaptations, Including Disability, GRAID framework). The study included four phases: (1) initial product creation, (2) national survey, (3) expert review, (4) usability testing. Usability testing included both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analyses.
Results:
Review of the program by an expert panel (n=5) and results from a national survey (n = 142) led to several refinements. Usability testing demonstrated that the program could be completed in a timely manner (<30 minutes). Participants reported five themes: 1) the program improves social cognitions related to physical activity participation; 2) reflection of physical activity behavior; 3) positive perceptions of the quality of the program; 4) positive perceptions of program operation and effectiveness; and 5) recommendations for improvement. Each item was incorporated into a revised program version 1.0.
Conclusions:
This study incorporated an evidence-based framework for developing a brief 30-minute e-learning program for increasing physical activity behavior among people with SCI. The e-STORIES program could be completed in a timely manner and was reported by participants as valuable and useful for enhancing intent-to-perform physical activity in individuals with SCI. The program has the potential to be applied in a variety of settings, but feasibility testing is required prior to implementation in a larger trial.
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