An investigation into the feasibility of an adaptive coaching smartphone application used in conjunction with a novel exercise programme in sedentary individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

High levels of physical activity are of major importance in ensuring individuals live a healthy life and age successfully with limited impairments to their health status, function or overall quality of life. However, physical activity continues to be low worldwide, and rates of diseases and conditions associated with sedentary lifestyles are increasing. Furthermore, adherence to exercise prescriptions in individuals whose diseases or conditions are managed more effectively with high levels of physical activity is poor. This paper examines the feasibility of a novel adaptive coaching smartphone application in yielding a high adherence to a specific exercise programme, also designed to improve physical activity habits of previously sedentary individuals with type 2 diabetes. The findings of the current study suggest that combining the progressive short bout exercise programme with a novel adaptive coaching smartphone application is a feasible intervention in sedentary individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The findings also suggest that the combined intervention can yield high adherences, increase overall physical activity levels and improve health related outcomes.