Designing mHealth Apps for Physical Activity: Insights from People with Multiple Sclerosis

This study investigates the needs, obstacles, and motivators for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their healthcare providers in using mHealth apps for physical activity. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined focus groups, interviews, and surveys, we explored barriers and facilitators for physical activity and desired app features. The findings highlighted the importance of fatigue management, user-centered design, and gamification in mHealth app development for MS.

What was the context of the study?

MS is a disease that causes fatigue, mobility issues, and other challenges, making it hard for people to stay active. Regular physical activity can help, but many people with MS struggle to exercise. Mobile apps might help them stay motivated, but no study had explored what people with MS and their healthcare providers may want in an app.

What did we do?

We interviewed people with MS and their healthcare providers at a rehabilitation clinic in Switzerland. We asked about their needs, challenges, and what they would like in an mHealth app for physical activity. We also used surveys to learn about their health and technology habits.

What did we find?

People with MS want apps that help manage fatigue, track activities, set personalized goals, and provide rewards for completing tasks. They liked the idea of apps being fun and game-like. They also worried about privacy and wanted clear benefits from using an app. Healthcare providers thought apps should be simple and based on solid science. We created a series of personas that represent different types of persons with MS that designers and developers can use to guide their development.

Why is this important?

By understanding what people with MS and their caregivers need, developers can create better mHealth apps that encourage physical activity, improve health, and fit into users’ lives.

Reference

Giunti G, Kool J, Rivera Romero O, Dorronzoro Zubiete E. Exploring the Specific Needs of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis for mHealth Solutions for Physical Activity: Mixed-Methods Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth. 2018 Feb 9;6(2):e37. https://doi.org/10.2196/mhealth.8996. PMID: 29426814; PMCID: PMC5889817.

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