Can an Evidence-Based Book Club Intervention Delivered via a Tablet Computer Improve Physical Activity in Middle-Aged Women?
Abstract
Background: Fewer than 50% of middle-aged women participate in regular physical activity (PA). Innovative approaches that engage women who may not otherwise participate in PA programs are warranted. The purpose of this study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a 12-week tablet-based book club for improving middle-aged women's PA. Materials and Methods: Thirty women (35–64 years of age) were randomized to the Fit Minded Tablet ( n =15) and the Standard Fit Minded (i.e., face-to-face intervention) ( n =15) groups. The Fit Minded Tablet was adapted from the Standard Fit Minded, a previously tested, theory-based book club intervention using books as a platform for discussion and group support to help women adopt regular PA. Both interventions met weekly for 3 months, for a total of 12 sessions. Tablet group participants accessed materials (e.g., e-books, workbook, live/recorded videoconferencing) via a tablet computer; Standard group participants received materials (e.g., printed books, workbook, live face-to-face meetings) in person. Feasibility (i.e., implementation and expansion) was assessed using process evaluation, qualitative interviews, satisfaction surveys, and quantitative outcome assessments. Results: Women in the Tablet group attended fewer meetings (mean, 8.25) than women in the Standard group (mean, 9.9). Videoconferencing, digital literacy, and participant engagement limitations were observed in the Tablet group. Tablet participants enjoyed the e-books but thought technology barriers hindered their engagement during meetings. Women in both groups valued the support they received from other group members. Standard participants cited this support as a key contributor to their PA changes, whereas Tablet participants reported needing in-person contact to feel more connected. Conclusions: Given the popularity of tablet computers and the value that middle-aged women place on group interaction to support their PA behaviors, additional research is warranted to determine best strategies for optimizing social support, mitigating technology barriers, and improving engagement in online and mobile health promotion programs targeting middle-aged women.
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A common feature of low-quality studies was the use of mixed-methods with small sample sizes and limited detail on the method of integration of quantitative and qualitative data.
“A common feature of low-quality studies was the use of mixed-methods with small sample sizes and limited detail on the method of integration of quantitative and qualitative data [31,32,37,40,46].”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
All studies included results on feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness, and some reported issues connected with implementation.
“All studies included results on feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness, and some reported issues connected with implementation [33,36-38,40-44,47].”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
Some participants reported preferring face-to-face groups.
“Some participants reported preferring face-to-face groups.”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
All but one study reported that participants had found meeting in a videoconference group either satisfactory or a positive or very positive experience.
“All but one study [37] reported that participants had found meeting in a videoconference group either satisfactory or a positive or very positive experience.”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
The most common technical problem reported was audio difficulties, including delays, dropouts, and background noise, followed by problems in downloading software.
“The most common problem reported was audio difficulties, which included delays, dropouts, and background noise [33,37,38,44,45], followed by problems in downloading software [38,42,43].”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
One study found that attendance rates and participation by the videoconferencing group were lower compared with the face-to-face group.
“One study found that attendance rates and participation by the videoconferencing group were lower compared with the face-to-face group [37]”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
One study reported that poor digital literacy may have contributed to low participation rates.
“One study, in which a third of participants had a degree, reported that poor digital literacy may have contributed to low participation rates [37]”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
Information that was available on websites was accessed at the beginning of the intervention but much less so as the intervention continued.
“Information that was available on websites was accessed at the beginning of the intervention but much less so as the intervention continued [37,39].”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
In pre-post treatment scores, there were no significant differences in physical activity and associated factors.
“or physical activity and associated factors [37]”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
Accessing a group from home was considered beneficial in all studies except one.
“Accessing a group from home was considered beneficial in all studies except one, whose participants would have preferred to have met face-to-face [37].”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
Difficulty in retrieving online assessments and evaluation forms were reported.
“Difficulty in retrieving online assessments and evaluation forms were reported [31,37].”
From Telehealth Interventions Delivering Home-based Support Group Videoconferencing: Systematic Review (2018) · cites this paper as [37]
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- Authors
- Ehlers, D. K., Huberty, J. L., & de Vreede, G.-J.
- Affiliations
- Arizona State University (US)
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Corresponding author
- Ehlers, Diane K.
- Venue
- Telemedicine and e-Health
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2015-02
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 125-131
- ISSN
- 1530-5627 (ISSN-L)
- 1556-3669
- OpenAlex
- W2329381840
- Cited by
- 30
- References
- 30
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 1
- FWCI
- 1.11
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Telemedicine Journal and e-Health (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- University of Nebraska Omaha
- University Research Committee, Emory University
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Mobile Health and mHealth Applications
- Social Sciences › Demography › Technology Use by Older Adults
- Keywords
- physical activity, middle-aged women, tablet computers, videoconferencing, digital literacy, technology barriers, social support, group support, online health promotion, feasibility, acceptability
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Books, Feasibility Studies, Female, Group Processes, Health Promotion, Humans, Microcomputers, Middle Aged, Motor Activity, Self-Help Groups, Social Support, Program Evaluation, Health Behavior, Evidence-Based Medicine
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