Use of a Wearable Technology and Motivational Interviews to Improve Sleep in Older Adults With Osteoarthritis and Sleep Disturbance: A Pilot Study

Res Gerontol Nurs. 2019 Jul 1;12(4):167-173. doi: 10.3928/19404921-20190319-02. Epub 2019 Mar 25.

Abstract

The feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a mobile health self-management intervention aimed at improving sleep among older adults with osteoarthritis and disturbed sleep were evaluated. This was a one-group pre-/posttest pilot study. Feasibility was measured by the number of participants eligible, enrolled, and retained. Primary efficacy outcomes were Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score and two sleep actigraphy variables: total sleep time (TST) and sleep efficiency (SE). Overall step count, self-efficacy (SEff), and acceptance of sleep difficulties (ASD) were mechanisms of action variables. Assessments were at baseline, Week 14 (postintervention), and Week 19 (follow up). Mixed effect models were used to measure change over time. Twenty-four participants (mean age = 71 years) were enrolled and 22 completed the study. Improvements of 1.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] [-2.43, -0.05]; p = 0.04) and 2.5 (95% CI [0.9, 4.9]; p = 0.02) points in the ISI and ASD scores, respectively, were found over the 19-week period. These findings add to a growing literature that suggests older adults might reap benefits from mobile health interventions.

Targets: Older adults with osteoarthritis and insomnia symptoms.

Intervention description: Activity trackers synced to a dashboard that triggered personalized weekly step goals and motivational messages augmented by telephone motivational interviews.

Mechanism of action: Physical activity, SEff, and ASD.

Outcomes: Sleep measures. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2019; 12(4):167-173.].

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Actigraphy
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / instrumentation*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation*
  • Osteoarthritis / complications*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / etiology
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / therapy*
  • Telemedicine / instrumentation
  • Telemedicine / methods
  • Telephone*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wearable Electronic Devices*