Impact of promotion of physical activity supported by mobile technology on behavioral changes

Background: Technology-supported integrated care services can enhance clinical management of chronic patients. But, the role of an electronic Personal Health Folder (ePHF) and mobile technology (mHealth) to facilitate behavioral change is not clear. Objective: To assess the impact of an intervention supported by mHealth on behavioral aspects and health status in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Methods: One arm pilot study. Inclusion criteria: 25-70 yrs, BMI 27-35 kg/m2, apnea-hypopnea index > 15/h treated or not by CPAP. Intervention: i) Motivational interview; ii) 1-m supervised endurance training program; followed by, iii) a 2-m period of promotion of physical activity (PA) in the community supported by a mHealth tool and Fitbit®. Motivational aspects for PA, health status (SF36) and anthropometry measurements were assessed at baseline and at 3 m. Results: 15 out of 16 patients completed the study. mHealth tool usability by patients and professionals was well accepted. Motivational aspects towards PA showed a positive change after 3 months, namely: autodetermination [5.4 (0.54) vs 5.6 (0.59) p=0.011]; action planning [6.5 (0.44) vs 6.1 (0.46); p=0.002] and vitality [4.8 (0.39) vs 5.1 (0.47); p=0.001]. Neck and hip diameter (cm) diminished (43.3 vs 42.5 p=0.04 and 108 vs 107; p<0.01 for both). No significant changes in BMI (31.0 kg/m2 vs 30.7 kg/m2; p=0.33) nor in health status were showed. Conclusions: The mHealth supported intervention showed a positive impact on motivation for PA and anthropometry measurements. The ePHF may play a central role to ensure interoperability of mHealth with electronic medical records. Supported by S4H (EIT-Health)