Backed by years of research, iCanFit helps seniors deal with chronic ills
Image: School of Public Health
Regular physical activity is one of the biggest contributors to health and well-being, particularly in older adults. Previous research has shown that even small increases in activity levels can improve the health and quality of life of this population and help them manage chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week; however, only a fraction of older adults meet these guidelines.
Most older adults see their primary care providers regularly and trust them, but these providers have few programs to recommend to older adults to help increase their physical activity. Alicia Hong, associate professor at the Texas A&M School of Public Health, believes iCanFit 2.0 could help solve this problem. Research to date indicates this multi-level, mobile-enabled physical activity promotion program has great potential to be used effectively in primary care settings.
A recent study published in the journal JMIR Research Protocols outlines the iCanFit 2.0 protocol and details procedures to test its efficacy through a cluster randomized controlled trial.
“The protocol was developed as a result of five years of research in promoting physical activity in older adults with chronic conditions,” Hong said.
The iCanFit 1.0 was developed from formative research, went through usability testing and was pilot-tested for its initial efficacy. A pilot project tested the feasibility mobile-based health behavior assessment in a primary care clinic. The latest version, iCanFIt 2.0, was designed through results from all these research projects and many years of working with the Family Medicine Department of Baylor Scott and White Health.
The unique features of iCanFit 2.0 include multi-level interventions for the individual and health care provider with the added benefit of social support.
“Patients complete a health behavior assessment on an iPad while waiting for their doctor’s appointment, from which a report is generated and sent in advance to the doctor, serving as a conversation starter when the patient sees the physician,” Hong said. “After the appointment, the patient will meet with a health coach for further counseling and to develop a personalized exercise plan. The patient will also receive a Fitbit Flex wristband to track their physical activity and join the iCanFit online community for continuous monitoring and support.”
