Partnership tests whether health tech helps kids stick to exercise programmes
A 10-month pilot to test the effects of technology on driving adherence to physical activity and exercise recommendations is being run by a partnership of Nuffield Health and health tech provider Innerstrength Health.
It is hoped the results will trigger better utilisation of technological solutions to spur patient behavioural change and drive improved health outcomes.
The pilot will include 20 children, aged 13-16 years, who are part of the Nuffield Health’s Cystic Fibrosis Exercise Programme. The children will use ‘Hacka Health 4 CF’ technology to track and record physical activity and exercise patterns via a smartphone and a wearable activity tracker. The pilot seeks to prove that the technology will remind and motivate users to stick to their exercise programmes.
The Hacka Health solution was developed following the award of a Small Business Research Initiative/NHS England contract to develop a solution to reduce the burden of care on children and young people living with long-term conditions.
The Nuffield Health Cystic Fibrosis Exercise Programme provides free, tailored personal training and exercise to young people aged 5-17 living with the life-threatening condition, as well as free access to swimming facilities to under 5s.
Avril Copeland, Founder and CEO of Innerstrength Health, said: “We believe this technology has the potential to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people living with CF, so we are delighted to be partnering with Nuffield Health to bring this technology to patients and their families.”
Dr Davina Deniszczyc, Charity and Medical Director of Nuffield Health, said: “We believe our partnership with Innerstrength can improve the lives of young people living with cystic fibrosis. The insights from the pilot have the potential to change the way we treat all patients and adherence to exercise programmes – we look forward to sharing our results.”
