4. Discussion
CRF, anxiety
MINOR, CRF
This pilot study aimed to explore the efficacy of smart technology and digital devices to support a 16-week exercise program of AP and monitor training data in sedentary persons with HIV.Despite our previous encouraging experiences with the use of digital devices in favoring physical exercise [AP is a training strategy that allows the management of physical activity into feasible exercise portions [Exercise adherence is the most important issue that determines the success of a training protocol [Beyond being unable to assess the primary objective of the study and the overall low benefit of the program on CRF, we observed a substantial improvement in steady-state Besides the technical issues encountered, additional limitations of this study were the low sample size and consequent low statistical power. Furthermore, women were underrepresented; indeed, only two women were enrolled and only one completed the study. However, as our study is the first to evaluate the use of digital devices with these specific features in a well-defined population and using an activity pacing approach, we designed a pilot study, which by definition, has a reduced sample size.In any case, the information collected in this pilot study might be useful to the implementation of the use of digital devices for the prescription and monitoring of physical activity programs, both in research studies as well as in real life. To this regard, it is crucial to use only fully technically validated tools that are user-friendly and compatible among different brands. Indeed, the technical problems encountered in our study not only prevented the download of data and their feedback to participants, but also substantially reduced their motivation to exercise. It is important to consider that even minor technical issues might substantially impact on exercise programs. This may be particularly relevant in certain situations, as for instance with elderly people, who are often unfamiliar with new technologies, which may generate anxiety and subjective difficulties in performing. Beyond the technical issues, the AP program used in this study proved to be a feasible way to alternate and gradually increase activities and it was well received by the participants. The further development of AP-based programs for digital devices deserves consideration in upcoming clinical studies.