FitBees: Digital fitness technology to promote physical activity in underrepresented adults – Acceptability & Feasibility

Background
The benefits of regular physical activity (PA) are established. Underrepresented groups such as older adults, ethnic minorities and people with learning disabilities are less physically active than the rest of the population and the technologies to encourage exercise usually do not reach them.
Purpose
To investigate the acceptability and feasibility of FitBees technology (digital monitoring + social connection platform) on PA among participants from underrepresented groups from HFT and Community Housing Group, charities supporting learning-disabled people and providing social housing; and Dhek Bhal (Respite services for Carers of South Asian elders).
Methods
Six British and four South Asian adults (M=3, F =7), aged 66.7±20.6 years participated in the 8-week programme. FitBees Hestia sensor (https://tendertec.org/products/) was set in their homes for activity monitoring and necessary training was provided to establish social connections between users. Participants received an instructor’s one-hour/week exercise session and were advised to continue these exercises every day. Standardised outcome measures (Berg Balance score, 6-minute walk test -6MWT) and sensor readings were taken at baseline and the end of 8 weeks. Participants’ experience of using FitBees was evaluated through semi-structured interviews.
Result
An increase of 5.6 metres between the pre-and post-evaluation of the 6MWT (from 244.5±135.3 to 250.1±142.2) suggests improvement over the 8 weeks. Berg’s balance score revealed a decrease of 0.4 points from 46 ± 9.3 to 45.6 ± 9.4, implying a maintained balance capability. Hestia data: work in progress, first readings suggest the 8-week programme was beneficial, helping to improve self-awareness and motivation to exercise.
Conclusion
FitBees is perceived as acceptable and beneficial in motivating and promoting PA for underrepresented adults, thus promoting health & well-being.
Practical Implication
Findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions, such as FitBees, in addressing disparities in PA participation among underrepresented groups.
Funding
Funded by Innovate UK: Healthy Ageing Challenge (2022-24)