Behaviorally Informed Interventions to Promote Activity in the Home and Community for Adults With Neurological...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical activity is crucial for neurological condition management but engagement is low.
• Remote monitoring (RM) with behavior change strategies may enhance physical activity.
• Effectiveness of RM for promoting physical activity in neurological conditions is uncertain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of behaviorally informed RM interventions on physical activity.
• To identify specific behavior change techniques (BCTs) used in RM interventions.
• To assess impact on physical activity in home and community settings for neurological patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL.
• Included RCTs used wearable sensors or digital apps for physical activity in neurological diseases.
• Meta-analysis synthesized data; BCTs classified using Michie's taxonomy; risk of bias assessed.

Main Results:

• Fourteen studies involving multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson disease, and spinal cord injury were included.
• Behaviorally informed RM interventions significantly improved self-reported physical activity (SMD=0.27).
• No significant improvements were observed for accelerometer-measured physical activity (SMD=0.52).

Conclusions:

• Remote monitoring, when combined with behavior change consultation, demonstrates potential for increasing physical activity.
• Effective BCTs include self-monitoring, problem-solving, goal setting, graded tasks, social support, and environmental modifications.
• Further research is needed to confirm effects on objectively measured physical activity.