Development of the Digital Assessment of Precise Physical Activity (Dappa) Tool for Older Adults

Bibliographic Data

ID15467014
AuthorsRosie Essery (0000-0002-2702-6951, University of Southampton), James Denison‐Day (0000-0003-0223-0005, University of Southampton), James Denison-Day (University of Southampton), Elisabeth Grey (0000-0001-9719-9690, University of Bath), Emma Priestley (University of Southampton), Katherine Bradbury (0000-0001-5513-7571, University of Southampton), Nanette Mutrie (0000-0002-5018-6398, University of Edinburgh), Max J Western (0000-0003-1107-8498, University of Bath, corresponding author)
Year2020
Volume17
Issue21
Pages7949-7949
Publication date2020-10-29
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph17217949
PMID33138167
OpenAlexW3094667882
LanguageEN
References cited58

Physical activity (PA) is central to maintaining health and wellbeing as we age. Valid, reliable measurement tools are vital for understanding, and evaluating PA. There are limited options for comprehensively, accurately and affordably measuring older adults' PA at scale at present. We aimed to develop a digital PA measurement tool specifically for adults aged 65+ using a person-based approach. We collated evidence from target users, field experts and the relevant literature to learn how older adults comprehend PA and would accept a digital tool. Findings suggest that older adults' PA is often integrated into their daily life activities and that commonly applied terminology (e.g., moderate and vigorous) can be difficult to interpret. We also found that there is increasing familiarity with digital platforms amongst older adults, and that technological simplicity is valued. These findings informed the development of a digital tool that asks users to report their activities across key PA domains and dimensions from the previous 7-days. Users found the tool easy to navigate and comprehensive in terms of activity reporting. However, real-world usability testing revealed that users struggled with seven-day recall. Further work will address the identified issues, including creating a single-day reporting option, before commencing work to validate this new tool

Cognitive psychology · Digital health · Health care · Human–computer interaction · Older people · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Recall · Scale (ratio · Terminology · Usability · Work (physics · Applied Psychology · Computer Science · Engineering · Medicine · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Technology Use by Older Adults · Gerontology