scholarly journals Features, Behavioral Change Techniques, and Quality of the Most Popular Mobile Apps to Measure Physical Activity: Systematic Search in App Stores

10.2196/11281 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. e11281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Simões ◽  
Anabela G Silva ◽  
João Amaral ◽  
Alexandra Queirós ◽  
Nelson P Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Behavioral Change Techniques

scholarly journals Features, Behavioral Change Techniques, and Quality of the Most Popular Mobile Apps to Measure Physical Activity: Systematic Search in App Stores (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrícia Simões ◽  
Anabela G Silva ◽  
João Amaral ◽  
Alexandra Queirós ◽  
Nelson P Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Universal Access ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Behavioral Change Techniques

BACKGROUND It is estimated that 23% of adults and 55% of older adults do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Thus, improving the levels of physical activity is of paramount importance, but it requires the use of low-cost resources that facilitate universal access without depleting the health system. The high number of apps available constitutes an opportunity, but it also makes it quite difficult for the layperson to select the most appropriate app. Furthermore, the information available in the app stores is often insufficient, lacks quality, and is not evidence based, and the systematic reviews fail to assess app quality using standardized and validated instruments. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to systematically assess the features, content, and quality of the most popular apps that can be used to measure and, potentially, promote physical activity. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted on Apple App Store, Google Play, and Windows Phone Store between December 2017 and January 2018. Apps were included if their primary objective was to assess the aspects of physical activity, if they had a user rating of at least 4, if their number of ratings was ≥100, and if they were free. Apps meeting these criteria were independently assessed by two reviewers regarding their general and technical information, aspects of physical activity, presence of behavioral change techniques, and quality. Data were analyzed using means and SDs or frequencies and percentages. RESULTS Of 51 apps included, none specified the age of the target group and only one mentioned the involvement of health professionals. Most apps offered the possibility to work in background (n=50) and allowed data sharing (n=40). Regarding physical activity, most apps measured steps and distance (n=11) or steps, distance, and time (n=17). Only 18 apps, all of which measured number of steps, followed the guidelines on recommendations for physical activity. On average, 5.5 (SD 1.8) behavioral change techniques were identified per app; the most frequently used techniques were “provide feedback on performance” (n=50) and “prompt self-monitoring of behavior” (n=50). The overall quality score was 3.88 (SD 0.34). CONCLUSIONS Although the overall quality of the apps was moderate, the quality of their content, particularly the use of international guidelines on physical activity, should be improved. Additionally, a more in-depth assessment of apps should be performed before releasing them for public use, particularly regarding their reliability and validity.

scholarly journals Measuring the Quality of Clinical Skills Mobile Apps for Student Learning: Systematic Search, Analysis, and Comparison of Two Measurement Scales (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tehmina Gladman ◽  
Grace Tylee ◽  
Steve Gallagher ◽  
Jonathan Mair ◽  
Rebecca Grainger
Keyword(s):  
Student Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
High Quality

BACKGROUND Mobile apps are widely used in health professions, which increases the need for simple methods to determine the quality of apps. In particular, teachers need the ability to curate high-quality mobile apps for student learning. OBJECTIVE This study aims to systematically search for and evaluate the quality of clinical skills mobile apps as learning tools. The quality of apps meeting the specified criteria was evaluated using two measures—the widely used Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), which measures general app quality, and the Mobile App Rubric for Learning (MARuL), a recently developed instrument that measures the value of apps for student learning—to assess whether MARuL is more effective than MARS in identifying high-quality apps for learning. METHODS Two mobile app stores were systematically searched using clinical skills terms commonly found in medical education and apps meeting the criteria identified using an approach based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 9 apps were identified during the screening process. The apps were rated independently by 2 reviewers using MARS and MARuL. RESULTS The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the 2 raters using MARS and MARuL were the same (MARS ICC [two-way]=0.68; <i>P</i>&lt;.001 and MARuL ICC [two-way]=0.68; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Of the 9 apps, Geeky Medics-OSCE revision (MARS Android=3.74; MARS iOS=3.68; MARuL Android=75; and MARuL iOS=73) and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision (MARS Android=3.79; MARS iOS=3.71; MARuL Android=69; and MARuL iOS=73) scored highly on both measures of app quality and for both Android and iOS. Both measures also showed agreement for the lowest rated app, Patient Education Institute (MARS Android=2.21; MARS iOS=2.11; MARuL Android=18; and MARuL iOS=21.5), which had the lowest scores in all categories except information (MARS) and professional (MARuL) in both operating systems. MARS and MARuL were both able to differentiate between the highest and lowest quality apps; however, MARuL was better able to differentiate apps based on teaching and learning quality. CONCLUSIONS This systematic search and rating of clinical skills apps for learning found that the quality of apps was highly variable. However, 2 apps—Geeky Medics-OSCE revision and OSCE PASS: Medical Revision—rated highly for both versions and with both quality measures. MARS and MARuL showed similar abilities to differentiate the quality of the 9 apps. However, MARuL’s incorporation of teaching and learning elements as part of a multidimensional measure of quality may make it more appropriate for use with apps focused on teaching and learning, whereas MARS’s more general rating of quality may be more appropriate for health apps targeting a general health audience. Ratings of the 9 apps by both measures also highlighted the variable quality of clinical skills mobile apps for learning. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Breast, Prostate, and Colorectal Cancer Survivors’ Experiences of Using Publicly Available Physical Activity Mobile Apps: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna L Roberts ◽  
Henry WW Potts ◽  
Dimitrios A Koutoukidis ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Abigail Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Difficulty Level ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Survivors ◽  
Digital Interventions

BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) can improve a range of outcomes following a cancer diagnosis. These include an improvement in experience of side effects of treatment (eg, fatigue) and management of comorbid conditions. PA might also increase survival and reduce recurrence. Digital interventions have shown potential for PA promotion among cancer survivors, but most in a previous review were Web-based, and few studies used mobile apps. There are many PA apps available for general public use, but it is unclear whether these are suitable as a PA intervention after a cancer diagnosis. OBJECTIVE This study sought posttreatment nonmetastatic breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors’ opinions of using smartphone apps to promote PA and gathered their views on existing publicly available PA apps to inform a future intervention. METHODS Each participant was randomly assigned to download 2 of 4 apps (Human, The Walk, The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout, and Gorilla Workout). Participants used each app for 1 week consecutively. In-depth semistructured telephone interviews were then conducted to understand participants’ experiences of using the apps and how app-based PA interventions could be developed for cancer survivors. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirty-two participants took part: 50% (16/32) had prostate cancer, 25% (8/32) had breast cancer, and 25% (8/32) had colorectal cancer. Three core themes were identified. The first theme was that multiple factors affect engagement with PA apps and this is highly personalized. Factors affecting engagement included participants’ perceptions of (1) the advantages and disadvantages of using apps to support PA, (2) the relevance of the app to the user (eg, in terms of cancer-related factors, their PA goals, the difficulty level of the app, the way in which they interact with their mobile phone, and the extent to which the app fits with their self-identity), (3) the quality of the app (eg, usability, accuracy, quality of production, and scientific evidence-base), and (4) the behavior change techniques used to promote PA. In the second theme, participants recommended that apps that promote walking are most appealing, as walking removes many barriers to PA. Finally, the participants suggested that PA apps should be integrated into cancer care, as they valued guidance and recommendations from health care professionals. CONCLUSIONS This sample of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer survivors was receptive to the use of apps to promote PA. Although no publicly available PA app was deemed wholly suitable, many suggestions for adaptation and intervention development were provided. The results can inform the development of an app-based PA intervention for cancer survivors. They also highlight the wide-ranging and dynamic influences on engagement with digital interventions, which can be applied to other evaluations of mobile health products in other health conditions and other health behaviors.

scholarly journals Systematic review of the effectiveness of health-related behavioral interventions using portable activity sensing devices (PASDs)

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1002-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamed Abedtash ◽  
Richard J Holden
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Intermediate Outcomes ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Activity Sensing ◽  
Behavioral Change Techniques

Abstract Background: Portable activity sensing devices (PASDs) have received significant interest as tools for objectively measuring activity-related parameters and promoting health-related outcomes. Studies of PASDs suggest the potential value of integrating them with behavioral interventions to improve intermediate and downstream clinical outcomes. Objectives: This systematic review describes and evaluates evidence from controlled studies of interventions using PASDs on their effectiveness in health-related outcomes. Study quality was also assessed. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed of MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases. We included English-language papers of controlled trials through 2015 reporting the effectiveness of PASDs in improving health-related outcomes in any population. We extracted and analyzed data on study characteristics including design, target population, interventions, and findings. Results: Seventeen trials met the inclusion criteria from a total of 9553 unique records. Study objectives varied greatly, but most sought to increase physical activity. Studies with a “passive” intervention arm using a PASD with minimal behavioral support generally did not demonstrate effectiveness in improving health-related outcomes. Interventions integrating PASDs with multiple behavioral change techniques were more likely to be effective, particularly for intermediate outcomes such as physical activity and weight loss. Trials had small sample sizes but were generally free of bias, except for blinding and selection bias. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to draw a conclusion about the general health-related benefits of PASD interventions. PASD interventions may improve intermediate outcomes when coupled with multiple behavioral change techniques. Devices alone or with minimal behavioral change support are insufficient to change health-related outcomes.

scholarly journals A Scale to Assess the Methodological Quality of Studies Assessing Usability of Electronic Health Products and Services: Delphi Study Followed by Validity and Reliability Testing (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabela G Silva ◽  
Patrícia Simões ◽  
Rita Santos ◽  
Alexandra Queirós ◽  
Nelson P Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Construct Validity ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Electronic Health

BACKGROUND The usability of electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health apps is of paramount importance as it impacts the quality of care. Methodological quality assessment is a common practice in the field of health for different designs and types of studies. However, we were unable to find a scale to assess the methodological quality of studies on the usability of eHealth products or services. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a scale to assess the methodological quality of studies assessing usability of mobile apps and to perform a preliminary analysis of of the scale’s feasibility, reliability, and construct validity on studies assessing usability of mobile apps, measuring aspects of physical activity. METHODS A 3-round Delphi panel was used to generate a pool of items considered important when assessing the quality of studies on the usability of mobile apps. These items were used to write the scale and the guide to assist its use. The scale was then used to assess the quality of studies on usability of mobile apps for physical activity, and it assessed in terms of feasibility, interrater reliability, and construct validity. RESULTS A total of 25 experts participated in the Delphi panel, and a 15-item scale was developed. This scale was shown to be feasible (time of application mean 13.10 [SD 2.59] min), reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.81; 95% CI 0.55-0.93), and able to discriminate between low- and high-quality studies (high quality: mean 9.22 [SD 0.36]; low quality: mean 6.86 [SD 0.80]; <italic>P</italic>=.01). CONCLUSIONS The scale that was developed can be used both to assess the methodological quality of usability studies and to inform its planning.

scholarly journals Quality, Functionality, and Features of Chinese Mobile Apps for Diabetes Self-Management: Systematic Search and Evaluation of Mobile Apps

10.2196/14836 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e14836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enying Gong ◽  
Zongmuyu Zhang ◽  
Xurui Jin ◽  
Yishan Liu ◽  
Lumin Zhong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Systematic Search ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Inclusion Criteria

Background The emergence and advancement of mobile technologies offer a promising opportunity for people with diabetes to improve their self-management. Despite the proliferation of mobile apps, few studies have evaluated the apps that are available to the millions of people with diabetes in China. Objective This study aimed to conduct a systematic search of Chinese mobile apps for diabetes self-management and to evaluate their quality, functionality, and features by using validated rating scales. Methods A systematic search was conducted to identify Chinese apps for diabetes self-management in the four most popular Chinese language mobile app stores. Apps were included if they were designed for diabetes self-management and contained at least one of the following components: blood glucose management, dietary and physical activity management, medication taking, and prevention of diabetes-related comorbidities. Apps were excluded if they were unrelated to health, not in Chinese, or the targeted users are health care professionals. Apps meeting the identified inclusion criteria were downloaded and evaluated by a team of 5 raters. The quality, functionalities, and features of these apps were assessed by using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics Functionality score, and a checklist of self-management activities developed based on the Chinese diabetes self-management guideline, respectively. Results Among 2072 apps searched, 199 were eligible based on the inclusion criteria, and 67 apps were successfully downloaded for rating. These 67 apps had an average MARS score of 3.42 out of 5, and 76% (51/67) of the apps achieved an acceptable quality (MARS score >3.0). The scores for the four subdomains of MARS were 3.97 for functionality, 3.45 for aesthetics, 3.21 for information, and 3.07 for engagement. On average, reviewed apps applied five out of the 19 examined behavior change techniques, whereas the average score on the subjective quality for the potential impact on behavior change is 3 out of 5. In addition, the average score on IMS functionality was 6 out of 11. Functionalities in collecting, recording, and displaying data were mostly presented in the reviewed apps. Most of the apps were multifeatured with monitoring blood glucose and tracking lifestyle behaviors as common features, but some key self-management activities recommended by clinical guidelines, such as stress and emotional management, were rarely presented in these apps. Conclusions The general quality of the reviewed apps for diabetes self-management is suboptimal, although the potential for improvement is significant. More attention needs to be paid to the engagement and information quality of these apps through co-design with researchers, public health practitioners, and consumers. There is also a need to promote the awareness of the public on the benefit and potential risks of utilizing health apps for self-management.

scholarly journals Smartphone Applications for Period Tracking: Rating and Behavioral Change among Women Users

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Reema A. Karasneh ◽  
Sayer I. Al-Azzam ◽  
Karem H. Alzoubi ◽  
Suhaib M. Muflih ◽  
Sahar S. Hawamdeh
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Review Period ◽  
Related Symptom ◽  
Multiple Symptoms ◽  
Google Play

Background. The use of mobile apps for health and well-being has grown exponentially in the last decade, as such apps were reported to be ideal platforms for behavioral change and symptoms monitoring and management. Objective. This study aimed to systematically review period tracking applications available at Google Play and Apple App Stores and determine the presence, features, and quality of these smartphone apps. In addition, behavioral changes associated with the top 5 rated apps were assessed. Methods. This study used the Systematic Search Criteria through Google Play Store and iTunes Apple Store, using terms related to period tracking. Apps were scanned for matching the inclusion criteria and the included apps were assessed by two reviewers using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS), a tool that was developed for classifying and assessing the quality of mHealth apps. Results. Forty-nine apps met the inclusion criteria. Most of the apps enabled setting user goals, motivations, and interactivity, tracking multiple symptoms or mood changes, allowed notifications, and used graphs to illustrate the tracking result over a specific period of time. The majority of features and functions within these apps were offered for free, while some apps included limited in-app purchases or needed Internet connection to function. Certain apps were reported by participants to promote behavioral change and increase knowledge and awareness regarding monthly periods. Conclusions. Period tracking apps were easy to use and navigate and can hence be readily adopted into routine tracking and management of periods. However, most apps were not based on significant evidence and may need further development to support period-related symptom management.

scholarly journals Konseling Model Transteoritik dalam Perubahan Perilaku Merokok pada Remaja

2013 ◽  
pp. 152
Author(s):  
Adhitya Mardhika Saputra ◽  
Noni Mardeka Sary
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavioral Change ◽  
Smoking Behavior ◽  
Global Youth Tobacco Survey ◽  
The Social ◽  
Risk Of Disease ◽  
The Media ◽  
Counseling Clients

Perkembangan perokok di kalangan anak-anak dan remaja semakin meningkat, baik secara kuantitas maupun kualitas. Data Global Youth Tobacco Survey terakhir di tahun 2009, menunjukkan 20,3% anak sekolah 13 - 15 tahun merokok. Perokok pemula usia 10 - 14 tahun naik 2 kali lipat dalam 10 tahun terakhir dari 9,5% pada tahun 2001 menjadi 17,5% pada tahun 2010. Angka perokok pada usia remaja yang tinggi meningkatkan risiko penyakit. Berdasarkan penelitian, para perokok yang terus merokok dalam jangka panjang memiliki risiko kematian tiga kali lebih tinggi daripada mereka yang bukan perokok. Individu mulai merokok disebabkan oleh pengaruh lingkungan sosial, seperti teman-teman, orang tua, dan media sehingga diperlukan suatu konseling terhadap remaja, salah satu metode konseling dengan pendekatan model transteoritik. Dalam beberapa kajian, terbukti model transteoritik efektif dalam mengubah perilaku merokok pada remaja. Berdasarkan kajian tersebut, diharapkan para konselor dalam memberikan konseling hendaknya memperhatikan kesiapan klien dalam mengubah perilaku hidupnya (aktivitas fisik) sesuai dengan tahap-tahapan yang ada dalam model transteoritik.The quantitiy and quality of smoking habits in adolescents are rising, steadily. According to Data Global Youth Tobacco Survey in 2009, showed 20.3% of school children 13 - 15 years were smoking. A beginner smokers aged 10 - 14 years increased 2-fold in the last 10 years from 9.5% in 2001 to 17.5% in 2010. High number of smokers in adolescence will increase the risk of disease. Based on studies, smokers who keep smoking in the long term would face the possibility of death three times higher than nonsmokers. People started to smoke because the influence of the social environment such as friends, parents, and the media thus needed a counseling to adolescents that is one with the approaches of counseling methods transtheoritical model (TTM).Transtheoritical models in several studies provedeffective in changing smoking behavior in adolescents. Based on the study is expected to provide counselors should keep in readiness counseling clients in behavioral change his life (physical activity), it has been doing according to the stages in the transtheoritical model.

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