Development, Acceptability, and Usability of a Virtual Intervention for Vertebral Fractures

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Osteoporotic vertebral fractures significantly impact patient quality of life.
• International guidelines recommend nonpharmacological management strategies for these fractures.
• Implementing these recommendations effectively in a clinical setting remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a virtual intervention, VIVA, for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
• To align VIVA with international nonpharmacological management guidelines.
• To evaluate the acceptability and usability of the VIVA intervention.

Main Methods:

• VIVA was developed using integrated knowledge translation principles and the APEASE criteria.
• The intervention design incorporated the Behavioral Change Wheel and Theoretical Domains Framework.
• A prototype of VIVA was delivered to 9 participants for acceptability and usability assessment.

Main Results:

• VIVA consists of 7 virtual 1-on-1 sessions with a physical therapist over 5 weeks.
• Participants reported perceived improvements in pain and increased self-confidence.
• High satisfaction was noted with the virtual sessions, resources, and ease of use, with potential for improved exercise planning.

Conclusions:

• The virtual intervention VIVA demonstrated high acceptability and usability among participants.
• VIVA effectively implemented nonpharmacological management recommendations for vertebral fractures.
• Future large-scale trials are warranted to assess the effectiveness of this virtual approach.