Acceptability of Activity Monitor Use During and After Hospitalization in Older Adults with Heart Failure

Abstract

Background: Many activity monitors have been validated and accepted to track physical activity in adults, however research is limited in clinical populations such as older adults with heart failure. Health tends to decline as people age and makes it more difficult to perform activities of daily living and to get the recommended amount of daily exercise. Getting daily exercise for heart failure patients is essential because it can potentially improve the patient’s condition. Activity monitors may help older adults with heart failure track their physical activity levels and support management of their health, but only if they are willing to wear the monitors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine acceptability of activity monitor wear by older adults with heart failure during and after hospitalization and 30 days after discharge.

Methods: This secondary analysis reviewed data from 27 participants (mean age 78 (SD=9.8)). The participants were given an activity monitor to wear during their hospital stay and continued for 30 days after discharge. The average daily steps in the hospital and at home were calculated and recorded. Average wear time was also calculated for both settings. The participants were also interviewed about their opinions of the activity monitor and wearing it. Activity (steps) and other outcomes were analyzed comparing age groups (60-79 years and >80 years).

Results: Those 60-79 years had a longer average length of stay in the hospital (5.8 days (SD=4.7)) than those >80 years (4.2 days (SD=2.5)); the 60-79 age group took more daily steps on average in the hospital (1,801 steps (SD=1460)) compared to the >80 age group (1,006 steps (SD=465)). Average daily steps for the cohort for the 30 days after discharge was 4,852 (SD=2,254), but the 60-79 age group had a higher average of daily steps (5,083 (SD=2,401)) than the >80 age group (4,412 (SD=2,005)). The percentage of wear time in the hospital was 99% and at home it was 92%. Two themes were identified from participant responses; ease of wearing and monitor interest. The major problem with the monitor post-discharge was remembering to put it back on if taken off. Only four participants were interested to wear and use the monitor long-term.

Conclusion: There was high acceptability of monitor wear both during and after hospitalization during participation in the study. Overall there were no difficulties with the use of the activity monitors. Few participants were interested to use the activity monitors on their own.