Designing a mobile application to promote physical activity in spousal care partners of persons living with dementia and their care-recipient

Background: Care partners of persons living with dementia and their care-recipient have low levels of physical activity. Mobile applications have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting physical activity among older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of spousal care partners of persons with dementia and their care-recipient on the design and content of a mobile application intended to promote physical activity. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 care partners and their care-recipient. After the interviews were transcribed verbatim, thematic analysis was performed. Results: Four themes emerged from the participants’ responses related to the design and content of a mobile application to promote physical activity: 1) exercise preferences and habits, 2) barriers to exercise, 3) motivations for exercise, and 4) mobile application preferences and supportive features. Conclusion: Findings lay the foundation for designing an effective user-friendly mobile application to promote physical activity that caters to the diverse needs, preferences, and challenges among spousal care partners of persons with dementia and their care-recipient.