SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Pilot Trial of Behavioral Incentives to Mobilize Following Hospital Discharge

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This pilot study examined whether a behavioral economics intervention could increase mobility after hospital discharge in Veterans age 60+ receiving home health services. It was a two-arm, 8-week pragmatic randomized trial in which participants were given both an ActivPAL actigraphy device and a waist-worn pedometer to track activity and step count.<br /><br />The main goals were to assess the feasibility and usability of wearable devices in post-acute care and to gather baseline data for future mobility interventions. The study found that enrolling and retaining participants was difficult: 37 Veterans consented, but only 16 completed the study (9 intervention, 7 control). This highlights the challenges of conducting research in post-acute settings.<br /><br />Device performance favored the pedometer. Participants reported more complete data and preferred using the waist-worn pedometer over the ActivPAL. Incomplete data occurred in 29% of ActivPAL records compared with only 5% of pedometer records, suggesting the pedometer was more feasible and acceptable.<br /><br />The trial was not powered to detect meaningful differences in step counts between groups. Baseline step counts did not differ significantly between intervention and control groups, and the intervention group averaged 882 fewer steps over the study period, but this difference was not statistically significant. Large variation in baseline activity and changes over time indicated that larger studies are needed to evaluate intervention effectiveness.<br /><br />Overall, the study suggests that while wearable tracking is possible after discharge, recruitment and retention remain major barriers, and simple pedometers may be more practical than ActivPAL devices in this population.

Asset Subtitle

Jacqueline A. Benson

Meta Tag

Author List Jacqueline A. Benson, Kimberly J. Waddell, Matthew Wilson, Robert E. Burke

Category Research

Concept Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Concept Mobility

Concept Underpowered Study

Concept Behavioral Economics

Concept Wearable Activity Device

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion

Presenting Author Jacqueline A. Benson

Track Transitions of Care

Keywords

behavioral economics

mobility

hospital discharge

Veterans

home health services

wearable devices

pedometer

ActivPAL

pragmatic randomized trial

post-acute care

Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Mobility

Underpowered Study

Behavioral Economics

Wearable Activity Device