Evaluation of the usability and acceptability of the P-STEP (Personalised Space Technology Exercise Platform) ® mobile app: Feasibility study

Background The P-STEP® (Personalised Space Technology Exercise Platform) app is designed to bring together tailored exercise guidance and up-to-date air quality information for patients with long term health conditions. The app allows individuals to plan outdoor exercise walking routes while minimising their exposure to air pollution. Individuals with chronic long-term conditions, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, can use the app to minimise the risk of their symptoms being worsened by pollution, while gaining the benefits of outdoor exercise. Methods This study measured the usability and acceptability of the P-STEP® app. The study was a single-arm 12-week pilot study based in Leicestershire, United Kingdom (UK). We recruited 93 participants from an existing cohort study to evaluate the app for 12 weeks. Questionnaire data were collected at three timepoints; baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the System Usability Scale at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the User Engagement Scale Short Form, SF-12, Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire, bespoke app-specific usability questions and feasibility outcomes. Additional data collected include participant demographic information, technology self-efficacy, and adverse events. Weekly anonymised app usage data were collected and analysed separately to complement the questionnaire data. Results 342 individuals were assessed for eligibility, of whom 182 (53%) were eligible. 93 (51%) eligible participants were enrolled and given access to the app for 12 weeks. 61 (66%) participants completed the study. At 12 weeks, the mean (SD) System Usability Score was 61.68 (22.9), Bespoke usability score was 66.82 (14.75) and User Engagement Score was 3.08 (0.79). Completion rates across all questionnaires were high. Participants accepted the format of online questionnaires, with no participants requiring help to complete and no participants withdrawing from the study for this reason. Discussion This study helps to understand the feasibility and acceptability of administering this app in the community. The results will help inform the design of a future randomised controlled trial. Ethics and dissemination This study has received ethical approval from the South West Frenchay Research Ethics (23/SW/0060) Committee. There is no need for further approval from the Health Research Authority as the study is not taking place in the NHS. The ClinicalTrials.gov ID number is NCT05830318.