Citation

Jones TM, Dear BF, Hush JM, Titov N, Dean CM. Phys. Ther. 2016; 96(12): 1982-1993.

Affiliation

C.M. Dean, PhD, Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, and Centre for Physical Health, Macquarie University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American Physical Therapy Association)

DOI

10.2522/ptj.20160028

PMID

27515944

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals living with acquired brain injury (ABI) are more likely to be physically inactive and highly sedentary, which increases their risk of morbidity and mortality. However, many adults with ABI experience barriers to participation in effective physical activity interventions. Remotely delivered self-management programs focussed on teaching patients how to improve and maintain their physical activity levels have the potential to improve the overall health of adults with ABI.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a remotely delivered self-management program aimed at increasing physical activity among community dwelling adults with ABI.

METHODS: The myMoves program comprises 6 modules delivered over 8 weeks via email. Participants were provided with regular weekly contact with an experienced physiotherapist via email and telephone. The primary outcomes were feasibility (adherence, attrition, clinician time, accessibility and adverse events) and acceptability (satisfaction, worthiness of time and recommendation) of the myMoves program. Secondary outcomes examined objective physical activity data collected from accelerometers, physical activity self-efficacy, psychological distress and participation.

RESULTS: Twenty-four participants commenced the program (20 with stroke, 4 with traumatic injury), with outcomes collected from 23 and 22 participants post-program and 3-months follow-up, respectively. The program required very little clinician contact time with an average of 32.8 minutes (SD 22.8) per participant during the 8-week program. Acceptability was very high, with more than 95% being either very satisfied or satisfied with the myMoves program and stating that it was worth their time. All participants stated they would recommend the program to others with ABI.

CONCLUSION: A remotely delivered self-management program aimed at increasing physical activity is feasible and acceptable for adults with ABI. Further large-scale efficacy trials are warranted.

© 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

Language: en