JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Interventions to support physical activity participation among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) are required given this population’s low levels of physical activity and extensive barriers to quality physical activity experiences.

Objective:

The purpose of this project was to develop SCI Step Together, a mHealth intervention to improve the quantity and quality of physical activity among individuals with SCI who walk.

Methods:

Our overarching methodological framework was the Person-Based Approach. This included four steps: 1) conduct primary and secondary research, 2a) design intervention objectives and features, 2b) conduct behavioural analysis and theory, 3) create logic model, and 4) complete SCI Step Together program content and integrated knowledge translation (IKT), which occurred throughout development. Informed by the SCI IKT Guiding Principles, three end-users pilot tested the app and participated in interviews.

Results:

Step 1 identified issues to be addressed when designing intervention objectives and features (Step 2a) and were mapped onto the Behaviour Change Wheel (Step 2b) to determine behaviour change techniques (e.g., action planning) to be included in the app. The logic model linked mechanisms of action to self-determination theory (steps 2/3). Interviews with end-users generated recommendations for the technology (e.g., comparing physical activity levels with guidelines), trial (e.g., emailing participants’ worksheets), and intervention content (e.g., removing ‘graded tasks’) (step 4).

Conclusions:

Using the SCI IKT guiding principles to guide partner engagement and involvement ensured that design partners had equal decision-making power in intervention development. Equal decision-making power maximizes the meaningfulness of the app for end-users. Future research will include testing program acceptability, feasibility, and engagement. Partners will be involved throughout the research process. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05063617