Sharona Vonck’s research while affiliated with Hasselt University and other places

Background Advancements in smartphone technology have paved the way for innovative interventions aimed at promoting physical activity (PA) and have led to the development of an mHealth app called MIA. The primary objective of this feasibility study is to comprehensively investigate the potential of the MIA app in effectively promoting PA and fostering sustained, healthy behaviors among its users. Methods A diverse sample of 30 participants aged 65 or older, free of severe illness from the community was recruited. Baseline data was collected on demographics, assessed PA (IPAQ SF), measured PA enjoyment (PACES), and evaluated digital health readiness (DHRQ). Participants used the app while providing real-time feedback via a “think-aloud” protocol. A five-week usage period followed, with post-period PACES assessment and usability measures (SUS, UEQ, NPS, CSAT). We analyzed the app usage patterns with Power BI and gathered qualitative data through five focus groups. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were employed, assessing clinical relevance alongside statistical significance, and descriptive statistics to summarize results were used. Results The study included 30 participants, averaging 69.9±5.3 years old, with 17 females (56.7%) and 13 males (43.3%), primarily having completed higher education (50%) and displaying strong digital literacy skills (average 59.6±8.8). Regarding PA, 10% were inactive, 40% minimally active, and 50% vigorously active, indicating a highly active sample. Usability and acceptance were positive, with an SUS score of 77.41, CSAT score of 86.6%, and 87% expressing satisfaction. Power BI data showed participants engaged in an average of three workouts per week and read one to two articles weekly. Focus groups supported quantitative findings, suggesting improvements like more motivational tips, app usage tutorials, clearer instructions for workout videos, expanded community activities, a reader tracker, enriched learning modules, and enhanced progression tracking. Discussion and conclusion The Mia app shows feasibility in usage, acceptability, demand, and practicality, prompting further impact assessments. Positive feedback highlights the need for user-tailored improvements before clinical trials. However, limitations include a non-representative, digitally literate sample, potential bias from self-reported PA measures, and lack of blinding. Future research should explore less tech-savvy older adults’ perceptions, gauging accessibility and appeal to a broader audience.

Introduction Despite many existing initiatives to aid return-to-work (RTW), not every patient is reached or makes use of the provided support. In Belgium, 60 ‘primary care zones’ (PCZs) have been established to help coordinate the work of local authorities and healthcare providers. This research explores the potential role of PCZ’s in aligning RTW-actors. Methods Two co-creation sessions were organized in two PCZ’s with following objectives: (1) establish a return-to-work ‘program’ that can be implemented within the PCZ and (2) establish an implementation plan to ensure successful execution. In a final phase, findings are brought together in a generic plan of approach for PCZs in Flanders. Results Preliminary results show the fragmentation of RTW-actors and the lack of communication among themselves and with primary care actors. There is a clear need for organized communication to share knowledge and improve coordination of the RTW-path. PCZ’s might be able to fulfill a role as networking medium for local RTW- and primary care actors, to benefit RTW for people with long-term sickness. Discussion Increased understanding and local collaboration concerning the RTW-path could improve RTW for long-term sickness. Authorized ministers could utilize the policy preparatory output to integrate return-to-work as a health objective in the future, thereby aiding implementation of local RTW-initiatives and emphasizing the importance of RTW for health and quality of life. Conclusion Local collaboration of RTW-actors and primary care providers could benefit RTW for people with long-term sickness.

BACKGROUND Advancements in smartphone technology have paved the way for innovative interventions aimed at promoting physical activity (PA). OBJECTIVE The main objective of this feasibility study is to thoroughly assess the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of the MIA, a specifically developed app, in promoting PA among healthy older adults. METHODS Our study utilized a mixed methods approach to evaluate the MIA app’s acceptability, feasibility, and usability. First, a "think-aloud" method was used to provided immediate feedback during initial app use. Participants then integrated the app into their daily activities for five weeks. Behavioral patterns, such as user session duration, feature usage frequency, and navigation paths were analyzed, focusing on engagement metrics and user interactions. User satisfaction was assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS), User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), Net Promoter Score (NPS) and the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT). Qualitative data from focus groups, performed after the five-week intervention, helped gather insights into user experiences. Recruitment targeted healthy, native Dutch-speaking older adults over 65 without severe illnesses. RESULTS The study involved 30 participants. The app received positive ratings, with a sustainable usability scale of 77.4 and a customer satisfaction score of 86.6%. Analysis showed general satisfaction with the app’s workout videos and broad acceptance of its content. Qualitative feedback suggested improvements in navigation and content relevance. CONCLUSIONS Mobile health apps offer promise for promoting PA in older adults. Tailoring technology that suits individual needs is crucial to ensure user-friendly, relevant, sustainable, and agile solutions. Future enhancements should focus on personalization and integration with wearable devices to provide real-time health data, which can optimize activity recommendations and health monitoring. Furthermore, incorporating robust social networking features and predictive analytics could enhance user engagement. CLINICALTRIAL The study was preregistered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05650515).

Background Physical activity (PA) is a recognized boon for older adults, enhancing their overall well-being and mitigating health risks. Nevertheless, to encourage active lifestyles in this demographic, it is vital to understand the factors influencing PA. Conventional approaches predominantly rely on supervised cross-sectional evaluations, presuming both the stability of PA determinants over time and their isolated components. However, the complex nature of real-life dynamics often involves temporal variability in individual-level determinants. Digital phenotyping (DP), employing data recruited from personal digital devices, enables the continuous, unsupervised and real-time quantification of an individual's behavior within their natural context. This approach offers more ecological and dynamic assessments, revolutionizing our understanding of the intricacies underlying individual PA patterns in their environmental context. Objective This paper aims to design a robust research protocol for the DP of PA behavior among healthy community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above by employing a novel measurement approach. Methods Observational data will be collected over a two-week period to assess various functions combining both cross-sectional and longitudinal data collection methods. Patterns of PA behavior and factors affecting PA outcomes will be detected in order to identify digital phenotypes related to PA. The measurements are based on the Behavior Change Wheel and include self-reporting and clinical assessments for cross-sectional data collection and ecological momentary assessment as well as time series collection for longitudinal data. The statistical analysis involves machine learning which will handle data complexity. Unsupervised learning will be used to uncover patterns, and supervised learning to identify variables. The analysis will be conducted in RStudio (v3.6.3) with significance set at 0.05. Discussion A novel approach to understanding older adults' PA behavior will be used in this study. Challenges include varying technology adoption, usability, and unproven validity of health tech. Ethical considerations, representativeness, participant engagement, and machine learning expertise are also key aspects of the study's success. This study offers promise in bridging traditional and dynamic assessment methods for older adults' PA behavior to promote active lifestyles. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov: NCT06094374

Background Physical activity (PA) has wide-ranging, and well documented benefits for older adults, encompassing physical, cognitive, and mental well-being. The World Health Organization advocates for a minimum of 150–300 min of moderate intensity PA per week, supplemented by muscle-strengthening exercises. However, the rates of PA among older adults remain a concern. While portable technologies hold promises in promoting PA, sustaining long-term engagement continues to be a challenge. Objective The aims of this study are to identify barriers and facilitators to PA in older adults, to develop an mHealth app promoting PA and an active healthy lifestyle in collaboration with community-dwelling older adults guided by the design thinking process, and to test it. Methods A co-creative process was used, employing design thinking. Interviews were conducted to understand the needs of the target population and identify the problem of insufficient PA. Two cocreation sessions involving older adults and experts were conducted to generate innovative ideas. Participants were selected based on age (≥65 years), no severe illness, Dutch language proficiency, and active participation ability. Results were qualitatively analyzed and coded. Finally a prototype was developed and tested. Results Interviews with older adults highlighted diverse perceptions of PA but unanimous agreement on its importance. They recognized health benefits such as improved mobility, balance, and reduced fall risk, while emphasizing the social and mental aspects. Barriers included poor health, time constraints, weather conditions and fear of falling. Cocreation sessions identified key topics: perception of a healthy lifestyle, coping strategies, mHealth App features, screen visualization, and tailored notifications, which led to the development of a mobile app promoting PA and an active lifestyle. The app was stepwise prototyped. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of promoting PA among older adults through a collaborative design thinking approach. However, the implementation of mHealth apps faces obstacles due to the digital divide, necessitating personalized solutions to bridge the gap. Moreover, it calls for further research to investigate the long-term impact of such interventions and explore behavior change patterns in this population.

Persons with MS have the highest unemployment rates compared to other chronic diseases. We want to develop a MS Toolkit with several aids for persons with MS to help them gain a sustainable employment with sufficient and permanent attention and guidance for the daily obstacles in the workplace. Therefore, the opportunities and bottlenecks were mapped through a survey with persons with MS and employers, a diary and expert interviews. There were 3 major problems identified: Persons with MS find it difficult to ask for help in time; they have little or no concrete knowledge about who they can turn to for support and healthcare professionals do not always possess the expertise to guide their patients through problems experienced on the work floor. These problems were used as fundaments in a cocreation session to create the content of the MS Toolkit: a screening tool and dashboard. The screening tool ensures an annual reflection of the work situation. The dashboard links each problem to the most appropriate service.