“I think it was helpful but not as helpful as it could have been” - a qualitative study of the experiences and perspectives of using fitness apps among manual wheelchair users with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Purpose

To gain knowledge of the experiences and perceptions of using fitness apps by full-time wheelchair users with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to explore experiences and perceptions of using these apps in relation to barriers to and facilitators of physical activity (PA).

Materials and Methods

A qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten manual wheelchair users with SCI. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were developed: 1) App functionality and experience, 2) Enhancing motivation, 3) Precursors to engagement and 4) Knowledge gaps. Experience and perception were strongly influenced by app design, particularly the presence or absence of features tailored for wheelchair users. Many apps incorporated the use wearable or mountable sensors. Fitness apps were perceived to increase motivation, although, this had its limitations. Conversely, apps were reported to have limited influence on commonly reported barriers to PA. Furthermore, the data highlighted gaps in knowledge which created barriers to effective app use.

Conclusions

Fitness apps were perceived to increase motivation to engage in PA in manual wheelchair users with SCI. However, more needs to be done to further develop app features for wheelchair users with SCI and to address remaining barriers to engagement.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Fitness apps may provide additional motivation for manual wheelchair users with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to increase their levels of physical activity (PA).

• Fitness apps should be used in conjunction with other supports to enable these individuals to overcome additional barriers to PA.

• When recommending the use of fitness apps, health and fitness professionals need to consider the unique motivations of each client in order to select an app that best enhances their motivation.

• A collaborative approach needs to be taken by health and fitness professionals and individuals with SCI to create greater awareness of the benefits and limitations of apps and to advocate the need for more app features tailored for wheelchair users with SCI.

Keywords:

• Spinal cord injury
• mHealth
• physical activity
• exercise
• wheelchair

Acknowledgements

Authors would like to thank those who participated in the study and all staff at the NRH, IWA and SII for their support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This project was conducted as part of a Masters programme being completed by Author, CH. This author received partial funding from the NRH for this programme.