Usability and acceptability of the digital interventions
Experiences from using the activity tracker Mi Smart Band varied among participants. Some thought that the activity tracker was too simple and small, especially for those who previously had used other sport watches (Garmin, Polar, Apple). In a few cases the device needed to be replaced with a new one after being used 24/7 for several months.It has gone perfectly well. It takes some time to get used to it (the Mi Smart Band), that’s the only thing, Otherwise, it is very nice and easy to use. Although it lacks some activities you can choose on the watch. So far, it’s pretty good (ID 17).Technical issues were experienced by some, especially with synchronizing the activity tracker with the two apps (PAI Health and Zepp Life), which could make participants demotivated to continue in the study because their fitness scores were not up to date.I am using the apps in between just to update and synchronize, and to follow my PAI score (…). But I do not use it actively, I think the system seems kind of cumbersome (ID14).Most participants liked to follow their PAI score and found it very motivating to reach the goal, or notice they need some more PA that day or week to reach 100 PAI-points.Few participants used Les Mills+. Most participants perceived the website and classes as too advanced, with too many options and difficult to navigate to find a suitable training program fitting their personal level of fitness. Lack of space or equipment at home was also an issue for some. Some perceived that online training did not suit them or did not increase their motivation, others preferred to exercise outside or at their local gym instead of using online home-based exercise. Only few participants had no problem using Les Mills+ and found the site easy to use, but only one used it regularly.I think I only tried it twice, but I did not feel that it gave me anything. That Les Mills-thing was not for me (…). I tried an activity for the whole body, but it was too much jumping up and down. It is not that I do not like group training, but on a digital platform is not for me. I like a real-life instructor present (ID 12).Most participants did not find the Facebook group motivating or to have any influence on their PA level. Some participants did not join the group at all because they were not on Facebook, whilst others followed the group but did not actively interact. Another reason for not being active in the Facebook group was the fear of losing their own feeling of mastery when comparing themselves to other group members. Some also recognized another participant in the group, making them even more reluctant to post from their own activities or sharing experiences. Caution in posting things and pictures about themselves was highlighted as a factor for not being active in the group, although some participants liked status and pictures posted on PA from other participants. Some wanted more information and follow-up from the project group, like posts on how many PAI scores during a week or month they had, or other information regarding motivation to perform PA.That Facebook group …there has not been so much activity there, but it is fun to see when someone post pictures. I do not think it has motivated me to do something about my own activity level (ID 20).