Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
JMIR Cancer
Volume
7
Issue
3
Publisher
JMIR Publications
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences / Exercise Medicine Research Institute / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research
RAS ID
36593
Funders
Australian New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group
Commonwealth Research Training Program
Freemasons Centre for Men's Health
National Health and Medical Research Council Early Career Researcher Fellowship
Victorian Cancer Agency
Grant Number
NHMRC Number : 1090517
Abstract
Background:
Digital health interventions such as tailored websites are emerging as valuable tools to provide individualized exercise and behavioral change information for individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to investigate and iteratively refine the acceptability and usability of a web-based exercise intervention (ExerciseGuide) for men with metastatic prostate cancer and determine how well individuals can replicate the video-based exercise prescription.
Methods:
A laboratory-based multi-methods design was used, incorporating questionnaires, think-aloud tests, interviews, and movement screening among 11 men aged 63 to 82 years with metastatic prostate cancer. Overall, 9 participants were undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, and 2 were completing chemotherapy. Data were collected in two waves, with changes made for quality improvement after participant 5.
Results:
The intervention's usability score was deemed moderate overall but improved after modifications (from 60, SD 2.9 to 69.6, SD 2.2 out of 100). Overall, the participants found the intervention acceptable, with scores improving from wave 1 (24.2, SD 1.1 out of 30) to wave 2 (26.3, SD 2.1 out of 30). The personalized multimodal exercise prescription and computer-tailored education were seen as valuable. After wave 1, website navigation videos were added, medical terminology was simplified, and a telehealth component was included after expert real-time telehealth support was requested. Wave 2 changes included the added variety for aerobic exercise modes, reduced computer-tailoring question loads, and improved consistency of style and grammar. Finally, the participants could replicate the resistance exercise videos to a satisfactory level as judged by the movement screen; however, additional technique cueing within the videos is recommended to address safety concerns.
Conclusions:
The acceptability and usability of ExerciseGuide were deemed satisfactory. Various problems were identified and resolved. Notably, the participants requested the inclusion of personalized expert support through telehealth. The resistance training algorithms were shown to provide appropriate content safely, and the users could replicate the exercise technique unaided to a satisfactory level. This study has optimized the ExerciseGuide intervention for further investigation in this population.
DOI
10.2196/28370
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Evans, H. E. L., Forbes, C. C., Galvão, D. A., Vandelanotte, C., Newton, R. U., Wittert, G., . . . Short, C. E. (2021). Usability, acceptability, and safety analysis of a computer-tailored web-based exercise intervention (exerciseguide) for individuals with metastatic prostate cancer: Multi-methods laboratory-based study. JMIR Cancer, 7(3), Article e28370.
https://doi.org/10.2196/28370