Darcy Ummels

58 | Chapter 3 treatment in order to increase successful implementation in future care. The participants used an activity tracker for at least one week and were then interviewed about their experiences. In general, they experienced the use of the activity trackers as positive and enjoyed using them. The activity trackers motivated them to increase their physical activity levels and reach their daily goals, and, they became aware of their physical activity. However, they experienced certain limitations, such as the complexity of the activity tracker, doubts about its validity and reliability, the lack of clear instructions for using the activity tracker by the physiotherapist, and high standard goals set by the activity tracker. The majority of the participants did not discuss their activity tracker data with their physiotherapists, as the treatment delivered by the physiotherapist was valued more than the data of the activity tracker. The results of the interviews are in line with previous studies 29,30 in which the acceptance and usefulness of activity trackers in their daily life for people with a chronic disease was examined. Mercer et al. concluded that activity trackers were perceived as acceptable and useful, but the participants needed support in setting up the device and interpreting the data. 29 Rosenberg et al. also concluded that men with prostate cancer perceived activity trackers as acceptable but found several barriers to their use such as problems with syncing the activity trackers and data inaccuracies. 30 Activity trackers should be as straightforward as possible, with personal demonstrations and written manuals provided. Mercer et al. and Rosenberg et al. both suggested that usability could be improved by having more compatible computers and smartphones, comprehensive paper manuals, and apps that interpret the user data. Studies among the elderly and adults 15 ‐ 28 showed considerable similarities with the results of this study and those of Mercer et al. and Rosenberg et al. Older people and adults accepted the activity tracker, found them stimulating, increased awareness, and experienced them as useful. However, especially elderly stated they would prefer an activity tracker which is easier to use and adapted to their needs and skills. Adults prefer an activity tracker adapted to their routines and needs, and like to have a more accurate (i.e., reliable and valid) activity tracker. In this study, a framework analysis was used to analyze the data, resulting in a framework with seven categories: 1) purchase of the activity trackers, 2) instruction, 3) characteristics of the activity tracker, 4) correct functioning, 5) sharing data and privacy, 6) use of the activity tracker, and 7) interest in feedback. Each category had several subcategories. The two themes, all categories and sub ‐ categories, except for four subcategories, of the framework were consistent with the literature used. Two new sub ‐ categories were added during the analysis of the interviews: choice of the activity tracker and discussing results with a physiotherapist. A final framework was produced which includes all of the important concepts from the experiences reported by people