An E-Learning Program for Increasing Physical Activity Associated Behaviors Among People with Spinal Cord Injury: Usability Study

JMIR Formative Research, 2019 · DOI: 10.2196/14788 · Published: August 16, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Education Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

The study developed and tested an e-learning program (e-STORIES) designed to help people with spinal cord injury (SCI) increase their physical activity. The program uses storytelling and interactive elements to improve social cognitive factors, such as self-confidence and self-regulation, related to physical activity behavior. Usability testing showed the program could be completed quickly and was perceived as valuable for enhancing the intention to perform physical activity among individuals with SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

142 in national survey, 12 in usability testing, people with SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Usability testing demonstrated that the e-learning program could be completed in a timely manner, specifically in under 30 minutes.
2
Participants reported that the program improved their social cognitions related to physical activity participation, fostering increased self-regulation and confidence.
3
Qualitative analysis revealed that participants had positive perceptions of the program's quality, operation, and effectiveness, though recommendations for improvement were also suggested.

Research Summary

This study developed and tested the usability of e-STORIES, a brief e-learning program designed to increase physical activity behavior among people with SCI, using an evidence-based framework. The program was found to be completable in a timely manner and was reported by participants as valuable and useful for enhancing intent-to-perform physical activity. While the program shows promise, feasibility testing is required before its implementation in a larger trial to ensure its effectiveness in real-world settings.

Practical Implications

Clinical Application

The e-STORIES program can be utilized in clinic waiting rooms or inpatient clinics for people with SCI, providing a convenient and accessible tool to promote physical activity.

Broader Reach

The e-learning format allows for global dissemination through internet-distribution channels, reaching a broader sample of people with SCI who may benefit from the program.

Supplementary Tool

The program can be integrated as a supplementary behavior change tool within existing exercise training regimes, enhancing the overall effectiveness of physical activity interventions.

Study Limitations

1
The usability testing sample was limited, consisting only of people with paraplegia, which restricts the understanding of usability within various subgroups of people with SCI.
2
The low number of individuals identifying with the chaos narrative reduced the statistical power to detect differences in readiness among the narratives.
3
The program only presented three narratives (cure, quest, and chaos), while other narratives concerning LTPA among people with SCI exist in the literature but were not included.

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