Exploring the Major Barriers to Physical Activity in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Observational Longitudinal Study.

Background: Physical activity (PA) represents a low-cost and readily available means of mitigating multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and alleviating the disease course. Nevertheless, persons with MS engage in lower levels of PA than the general population.

Objective: This study aims to enhance the understanding of the barriers to PA engagement in persons with MS and to evaluate the applicability of the Barriers to Health Promoting Activities for Disabled Persons (BHADP) scale for assessing barriers to PA in persons with MS, by comparing the BHADP score with self-reported outcomes of fatigue, depression, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life, as well as sensor-measured PA.

Investigating the prognostic value of digital mobility outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Background: Reduced mobility is a central feature of COPD. Assessment of mobility outcomes that can be measured digitally (digital mobility outcomes (DMOs)) in daily life such as gait speed and steps per day is increasingly possible using devices such as pedometers and accelerometers, but the predictive value of these measures remains unclear in relation to key outcomes such as hospital admission and survival.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review, nested within a larger scoping review by the MOBILISE-D consortium, addressing DMOs in a range of chronic conditions.

Mobilizing Patient and Public Involvement in the Development of Real-World Digital Technology Solutions: Tutorial.

Although the value of patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) activities in the development of new interventions and tools is well known, little guidance exists on how to perform these activities in a meaningful way. This is particularly true within large research consortia that target multiple objectives, include multiple patient groups, and work across many countries. Without clear guidance, there is a risk that PPIE may not capture patient opinions and needs correctly, thereby reducing the usefulness and effectiveness of new tools.

Effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on physical activity outcomes in COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Rationale: The effect of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on physical activity (PA) outcomes is not fully elucidated in patients with COPD. The objectives of the present study were to provide estimation of treatment effects of all available interventions on PA outcomes in patients with COPD and to provide recommendations regarding the future role of PA outcomes in pharmacological trials.

Materials And Methods: This review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and reported in line with PRISMA.

Feasibility and scalability of a fitness tracker study: Results from a longitudinal analysis of persons with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Consumer-grade fitness trackers offer exciting opportunities to study persons with chronic diseases in greater detail and in their daily-life environment. However, attempts to bring fitness tracker measurement campaigns from tightly controlled clinical environments to home settings are often challenged by deteriorating study compliance or by organizational and resource limitations.

Objectives: By revisiting the study design and patient-reported experiences of a partly remote study with fitness trackers (BarKA-MS study), we aimed to qualitatively explore the relationship between overall study compliance and scalability.

Non-equivalent, but still valid: Establishing the construct validity of a consumer fitness tracker in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Tools for monitoring daily physical activity (PA) are desired by persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, current research-grade options are not suitable for longitudinal, independent use due to their cost and user experience. Our objective was to assess the validity of step counts and PA intensity metrics derived from the Fitbit Inspire HR, a consumer-grade PA tracker, in 45 persons with MS (Median age: 46, IQR: 40-51) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation.

Listening to the patients' voice: a conceptual framework of the walking experience.

Background: walking is crucial for an active and healthy ageing, but the perspectives of individuals living with walking impairment are still poorly understood.

Objectives: to identify and synthesise evidence describing walking as experienced by adults living with mobility-impairing health conditions and to propose an empirical conceptual framework of walking experience.

Methods: we performed a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative evidence, searching seven electronic databases for records that explored personal experiences of walking in individuals living with conditions of diverse aetiology.

Methodological heterogeneity biases physical activity metrics derived from the Actigraph GT3X in multiple sclerosis: A rapid review and comparative study.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is reduced in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), though it is known to aid in symptom and fatigue management. Methods for measuring PA are diverse and the impact of this heterogeneity on study outcomes is unclear. We aimed to clarify this impact by comparing common methods for deriving PA metrics in MS populations.

Experiences of health tracking in mobile apps for multiple sclerosis: A qualitative content analysis of user reviews.

Background: Mobile health applications (apps) are promising condition self-management tools for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, most existing apps do not include health tracking features. This gap has been raised as a priority research topic, but the development of new self-management apps will require designers to understand the context and needs of those living with MS.

Health Tracking via Mobile Apps for Depression Self-management: Qualitative Content Analysis of User Reviews.

Background: Tracking and visualizing health data using mobile apps can be an effective self-management strategy for mental health conditions. However, little evidence is available to guide the design of mental health-tracking mechanisms.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the content of user reviews of depression self-management apps to guide the design of data tracking and visualization mechanisms for future apps.

Connecting real-world digital mobility assessment to clinical outcomes for regulatory and clinical endorsement-the Mobilise-D study protocol.

Background: The development of optimal strategies to treat impaired mobility related to ageing and chronic disease requires better ways to detect and measure it. Digital health technology, including body worn sensors, has the potential to directly and accurately capture real-world mobility. Mobilise-D consists of 34 partners from 13 countries who are working together to jointly develop and implement a digital mobility assessment solution to demonstrate that real-world digital mobility outcomes have the potential to provide a better, safer, and quicker way to assess, monitor, and predict the efficacy of new interventions on impaired mobility.

Evaluation of the Implementation of a Home-Based Exercise Training Program for People With COPD: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Recently, we developed a home-based, minimal-equipment exercise training program HOMEX for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tested its effectiveness over 1 year in a randomized controlled trial. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the implementation of HOMEX from the perspectives of all involved persons and to optimize the program to ensure its long-term sustainability. In this mixed-methods study, we used qualitative and quantitative approaches to evaluate the implementation of the intervention on the level of patients with COPD and coaches who provided the intervention and relevant stakeholders.

Three weeks of rehabilitation improves walking capacity but not daily physical activity in patients with multiple sclerosis with moderate to severe walking disability.

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis have low levels of physical activity. This is of concern because low activity levels are related to cardiovascular disease, poor walking ability, and reduced quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of rehabilitation on daily physical activity and walking capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis who have moderate to severe walking disability.

Effectiveness of a Long-term Home-Based Exercise Training Program in Patients With COPD After Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Most patients with COPD do not maintain exercise training after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

Research Question: Does a 12-month home-based, minimal-equipment strength training program after PR have an effect on dyspnea, exercise capacity, and patient-reported outcomes in patients with COPD?

Study Design And Methods: In a parallel-arm multicenter study across four Swiss PR clinics, patients with COPD were allocated randomly (1:1 ratio) into an intervention group (IG; home-based strength training program) or control group (CG; usual care). The primary outcome was change in Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) dyspnea scale score from baseline to 12 months.

Key Drivers and Facilitators of the Choice to Use mHealth Technology in People With Neurological Conditions: Observational Study.

Background: There is increasing interest in the potential uses of mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as wearable biosensors, as supplements for the care of people with neurological conditions. However, adherence is low, especially over long periods. If people are to benefit from these resources, we need a better long-term understanding of what influences patient engagement.

Data Visualization for Chronic Neurological and Mental Health Condition Self-management: Systematic Review of User Perspectives.

Background: Remote measurement technologies (RMT) such as mobile health devices and apps are increasingly used by those living with chronic neurological and mental health conditions. RMT enables real-world data collection and regular feedback, providing users with insights about their own conditions. Data visualizations are an integral part of RMT, although little is known about visualization design preferences from the perspectives of those living with chronic conditions.

Walking on common ground: a cross-disciplinary scoping review on the clinical utility of digital mobility outcomes.

Physical mobility is essential to health, and patients often rate it as a high-priority clinical outcome. Digital mobility outcomes (DMOs), such as real-world gait speed or step count, show promise as clinical measures in many medical conditions. However, current research is nascent and fragmented by discipline.

Walking-related digital mobility outcomes as clinical trial endpoint measures: protocol for a scoping review.

Introduction: Advances in wearable sensor technology now enable frequent, objective monitoring of real-world walking. Walking-related digital mobility outcomes (DMOs), such as real-world walking speed, have the potential to be more sensitive to mobility changes than traditional clinical assessments. However, it is not yet clear which DMOs are most suitable for formal validation.

Patients' Measurement Priorities for Remote Measurement Technologies to Aid Chronic Health Conditions: Qualitative Analysis.

Background: Remote measurement technology (RMT), including the use of mobile phone apps and wearable devices, may provide the opportunity for real-world assessment and intervention that will streamline clinical input for years to come. In order to establish the benefits of this approach, we need to operationalize what is expected in terms of a successful measurement. We focused on three clinical long-term conditions where a novel case has been made for the benefits of RMT: major depressive disorder (MDD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and epilepsy.

Patient perspectives on the acceptability of mHealth technology for remote measurement and management of epilepsy: A qualitative analysis.

Background: Innovative uses of mobile health (mHealth) technology for real-time measurement and management of epilepsy may improve the care provided to patients. For instance, seizure detection and quantifying related problems will have an impact on quality of life and improve clinical management for people experiencing frequent and uncontrolled seizures. Engaging patients with mHealth technology is essential, but little is known about patient perspectives on their acceptability.

Engaging across dimensions of diversity: A cross-national perspective on mHealth tools for managing relapsing remitting and progressive multiple sclerosis.

Background: Smartphone apps and wearable devices could augment clinical practice by detecting changes in health status for multiple sclerosis (MS). This study sought to investigate potential barriers and facilitators for uptake and sustained use in (i) people with both relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) and progressive MS (PMS) and (ii) across different countries.

Methods: Twenty four participants with MS took part in four focus groups held in three countries (2 in the UK, 1 in Spain, and 1 in Italy) to investigate potential barriers and facilitators for mHealth technology.

Barriers to and Facilitators of Engagement With mHealth Technology for Remote Measurement and Management of Depression: Qualitative Analysis.

Background: Mobile technology has the potential to provide accurate, impactful data on the symptoms of depression, which could improve health management or assist in early detection of relapse. However, for this potential to be achieved, it is essential that patients engage with the technology. Although many barriers to and facilitators of the use of this technology are common across therapeutic areas and technology types, many may be specific to cultural and health contexts.