Abstract
Background Falls in older adults are a serious public health problem that can lead to reduced
quality of life or death. Patients often do not receive fall prevention guidance from
primary care providers (PCPs), despite evidence that falls can be prevented. Mobile
health technologies may help to address this disparity and promote evidence-based
fall prevention.
Objective Our main objective was to use human-centered design to develop a user-friendly, fall
prevention exercise app using validated user requirements. The app features evidence-based
behavior change strategies and exercise content to support older people initiating
and adhering to a progressive fall prevention exercise program.
Methods We organized our multistage, iterative design process into three phases: gathering
user requirements, usability evaluation, and refining app features. Our methods include
focus groups, usability testing, and subject-matter expert meetings.
Results Focus groups (total n = 6), usability testing (n = 30) including a posttest questionnaire [Health-ITUES score: mean (standard deviation
[SD]) = 4.2 (0.9)], and subject-matter expert meetings demonstrate participant satisfaction
with the app concept and design. Overall, participants saw value in receiving exercise
prescriptions from the app that would be recommended by their PCP and reported satisfaction
with the content of the app.
Conclusion This study demonstrates the development, refinement, and usability testing of a fall
prevention exercise app and corresponding tools that PCPs may use to prescribe tailored
exercise recommendations to their older patients as an evidence-based fall prevention
strategy accessible in the context of busy clinical workflows.
Keywords
exercise - mobile apps - geriatrics - primary care - evidence-based behavior change
strategies
