JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Physical activity (PA) can increase mental and physical health in adults aged over 50. However, it has been shown that PA-guidelines are often not met within this population. Therefore, our research group developed two computer tailored intervention programs in the last decade to stimulate PA: Active Plus and I Move. Although these programs were proven effective, positive effects diminished over time and attrition rates were relatively high. To respond to this, three interactive mobile elements are integrated in the existing programs, namely an activity tracker, an ecological momentary intervention program and a virtual coach application.

Objective:

To present the systematic approach for extending our online PA intervention programs Active Plus and I Move with three interactive mobile elements.

Methods:

Components often included in other (eHealth) design models were identified and served as a base for the definition of systematic steps: exploration of context, involvement of the target population, prototype and intervention testing, and implementation were identified as key components.

Results:

The systematic design approach consisting of ten steps is presented. The initial step is a literature search, of which the results serve as a base for development of the low fidelity prototypes in step two. The third to the sixth step are defined as the pilot phase and include semi-structured interviews, pilottests, and adaptations of the prototypes with intensive involvement of the target population of adults aged over 50, where particular attention is paid to lower educated persons. The seventh step is an effect evaluation in the form of a randomized controlled trial. During the eighth step the most effective intervention programs are selected and reinforced. These reinforced intervention programs are used during the design of an implementation plan in the ninth step and the subsequent field study in the tenth step.

Conclusions:

In this paper, the ten systematic design steps for extending our existing online PA intervention programs with mobile elements are presented. The ten steps are presented as an useful approach to guide future eHealth design studies.