How was remote technology accepted among cardiac rehabilitees in outpatient self-rehabilitation context?

Abstract

The purpose of the article

The purpose of this study was to investigate cardiac rehabilitees’ experiences with wrist-worn activity monitor (Fitbit Charge HR) and internet-based coaching software (Movendos m-coach) in outpatient rehabilitation to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

Materials and methods

A 12-month cardiac rehabilitation intervention consisted of three 5-day inpatient periods in a rehabilitation centre, between which participants (n = 32; age mean 62.3 years old (SD 6.3), men n = 24 (75%)) used an activity monitor and internet-based coaching software at home. Experiences with the use of technologies were measured at the end of the 12-month intervention with a questionnaire that was designed using the framework of the Technology Acceptance Model (Likert scale 1–7; 1 = strongly agree and 7 = strongly disagree). Data analysis was based on indicators describing the average experiences and Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

Both technologies had positive acceptance (internet application mean: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.6–3.7; activity monitor mean 2.1, 95% CI: 1.7–2.5). Sociodemographic factors, physical activity, and familiarity with using technology in daily life were not correlated with technology acceptance of either technology.

Conclusions

Cardiac rehabilitees had positive acceptance on wrist worn activity monitor and internet-based coaching software, which suggests the use of these tools in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN Registry, url: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN61225589, reg. number: ISRCTN61225589

Keywords:

• Experience
• questionnaire
• physical activity
• rehabilitation
• cardiovascular disease
• technology acceptance
• clinical trial

Disclosure statement

The study was financially supported by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The authors declare no financial relationships over the previous 3 years with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work and no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. The study funder did not play any role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of the data, writing of the report, or the decision to submit the report for publication. No financial disclosures or potential conflicts of interest are reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.