Digital future-self interventions to promote physical activity: perspectives of minimally active middle-aged and older adults

Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity, vol. 20, pp. 20250014

Abstract

Objectives: Promoting physical activity is crucial for reducing disease risk and improving overall health. This study targeted minimally active individuals aged 45 and older. It aimed to inform the design of effective digital tools for promoting physical activity by exploring their perspectives on two prototype future-self interventions: a mental imagery and an avatar-based approach. Methods: Three online focus groups (n=10, age range 47-70) were conducted to assess the comprehensibility, acceptability, anticipated effectiveness and preferred formatting of both prototypes. Results: The prototype for both interventions was deemed comprehensible, but the mental imagery approach was found more appealing and anticipated to be more effective in encouraging physical activity. Participants highlighted the importance of user-friendly, visually engaging, and customizable features in the intervention. Conclusions: Based on the insights, we recommend prioritizing mental imagery future-self interventions with clear default settings - such as future-self task order - while allowing for personalization to optimize user engagement and effectiveness. Findings from this study provide actionable guidance for developing digital physical activity interventions tailored to minimally active middle-aged to older adults.

Authors 6

1. Kristell M. Penfornis Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   4496 Leiden University , Health, Medical & Neuropsychology , Leiden , RA , Netherlands

2. Nienke Nooren

   University of Twente

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Twente , Enschede , Overste , Netherlands

3. Eline M. Meijer Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden , ZH , Netherlands

4. Winifred A. Gebhardt Aachen Health

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Health, Medical and NeuroPsychology , Leiden University , Leiden , ZH , Netherlands

5. Veronica R. Janssen Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University Medical Center , Leiden , ZH , Netherlands

6. Geke Ludden

   University of Twente

   Affiliation as printed

   University of Twente , Enschede , Overste , Netherlands