Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026
06:58
An Application for Pairing with Wearable Devices to Monitor Personal Health Status
Published on: February 3, 2022
3.3K
A feasibility study evaluating the usability and acceptability of the personalised space technology exercise platform
Hannah M Worboys1, Laura J Gray2, Sarah Anthony3
1Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK. hmw33@leicester.ac.uk.
Scientific Reports
|October 17, 2025
Summary
The Personalised Space Technology Exercise Platform (P-STEP) app helps individuals with long-term health conditions exercise outdoors safely by providing tailored guidance and air quality data. This pilot study found the P-STEP app to be usable and acceptable for this population.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Environmental Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Individuals with long-term health conditions, especially respiratory and cardiovascular issues, face challenges exercising outdoors due to air pollution.
- Tailored exercise guidance combined with real-time air quality information can mitigate risks and promote physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the usability and acceptability of the Personalised Space Technology Exercise Platform (P-STEP) app.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using the P-STEP app among individuals with long-term health conditions.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week, single-arm pilot study involving 93 participants with long-term conditions in Leicestershire, UK.
- Participants used the P-STEP app for personalized exercise planning and air quality monitoring.
- Usability (System Usability Scale, bespoke questions) and user engagement were assessed via questionnaires at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- The P-STEP app demonstrated acceptable usability, with a mean System Usability Score of 61.68 (SD 22.9) and a bespoke usability score of 66.82 (SD 14.75) at 12 weeks.
- User engagement was moderate (User Engagement Score 3.08, SD 0.79), and questionnaire completion rates were high.
- High participant acceptance of online questionnaires and no study withdrawals due to this format were observed.
Conclusions:
- The P-STEP app is a feasible and acceptable tool for individuals with long-term health conditions seeking to manage outdoor exercise in relation to air quality.
- Findings support the P-STEP app's potential to facilitate safe outdoor physical activity for vulnerable populations.
- Results will inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial to further investigate the app's efficacy.
