Increasing physical activity in older adults using STARFISH, an interactive smartphone application (app); a pilot...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical activity offers significant health benefits for older adults.
• The STARFISH smartphone application was developed to encourage increased physical activity.
• This study evaluates the acceptability, usability, and pilot results of the STARFISH app in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptability and usability of the STARFISH app among older adults.
• To report the findings of a six-week pilot study investigating the STARFISH app's impact on physical activity.
• To explore user experiences with the STARFISH app's features.

Main Methods:

• The STARFISH app's behavior change techniques (BCTs) were mapped to the BCT Taxonomy.
• Sixteen healthy older adults (mean age 71.1 years) participated in a six-week pilot study.
• User experience was explored through focus groups, and physical activity was measured by steps per day.

Main Results:

• Older adults reported positive experiences with the STARFISH app, particularly its self-monitoring, feedback, and social support features.
• An average increase of 14% in daily step counts was observed in participants using the app.
• The app's embedded BCTs, including group rewards, were highlighted as beneficial.

Conclusions:

• The STARFISH app is user-friendly and acceptable for the older adult population.
• STARFISH demonstrates potential for increasing physical activity levels in older adults.
• A large-scale randomized controlled trial is recommended to validate these findings.