Grant: Operating Grant: Knowledge to Action

Health Canada recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate/vigorous physical activity for adults, including people with knee osteoarthritis. However, some patients may be reluctant to exercise due to pain. Interestingly, light activities, such as daily tasks done in standing or slow walking, provide health benefits. Sedentary lifestyle (too much sitting), on the other hand, is a predictor of poor health outcomes. Despite what is known about being active, over half of people with arthritis are sedentary even when the symptoms are controlled. Several modifiable risk factors are linked to low level of physical activity, including low motivation, doubts about the effectiveness of exercises, and lack of health professional advice regarding progression. This range of factors highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that provides support in terms of knowledge, timely advice from health professionals, and motivational support to stay active. We propose to develop a new communication and social network application that is compatible with Fitbit, a popular wireless physical activity tracking device. This application includes two components: 1) the Activity Tracker will track patients' activity level and provide on demand display that can be shared with health professionals for feedback; 2) the Health Club will provide a secured online environment for patients to form exercise groups, share tips and encourage each other to be active. We will assess the effect of this tool for improving physical activity in 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis. This project combines the expertise of researchers from health, computer, and social sciences. The Graphics, Animation, and New Media (GRAND) Network will facilitate the development of future industry partnerships. Our patient and health professional partners have been involved in this project since its conception, and will play a major role in future implementation after the evaluation period.