ArticlePloS one2025
Exploring user experience: A qualitative analysis of the use of a physical activity support app for people with heart failure.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- How digital health tools shape emotional support experiences in cardiovascular care: a systematic review and thematic synthesis.Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine · 2026Pooled it
- A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies on cardiovascular disease patients' experiences using digital health tools.Frontiers in public health · 2025Pooled it
- A qualitative study of telemedicine in heart failure care.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionHeart failure (HF) is a prevalent and debilitating global health issue, affecting approximately 65 million people worldwide. Physical activity is recommended for HF management, yet many people with HF remain sedentary. This study explored user experiences with an mHealth tool called the Activity Coach (the app), designed to support physical activity among people with HF. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe users' experiences with an app designed for supporting physical activity in people with HF.
methodsUsing a qualitative design, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with ten people with HF who used the app for 12 weeks. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, data items identified and coded and themes were generated based on these codes. The themes were subsequently defined and described.
resultsThe analysis yielded two themes: "Cultivating awareness of physical activity engagement" and "Motivation through enjoyment in the monitoring process and through physical and emotional changes". We found that while the app was found easy to use, users faced challenges in defining and tracking physical activity. The app increased users' awareness and motivation for physical activity and helped establish new routines. Users also experienced improved physical health and emotional well-being.
conclusionsThe app created physical activity awareness and motivation, and the study shows that mHealth may be used to increase physical activity motivation and engagement in people with heart failure.
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Registered trials
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