Feasibility and acceptability of physical activity monitoring as an educational tool in the management of pediatric type 1 diabetes

Introduction The spontaneous, sporadic and sometimes unpredictable nature of children's physical activity causes fluctuations in blood glucose level and challenges for children with type 1 diabetes. Physical activity monitoring has potential utility. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of physical activity monitoring among healthcare professionals and assess the feasibility and acceptability of using it in the management of paediatric type 1 diabetes. Methods Seven healthcare professionals from one paediatric diabetes centre in the UK were involved in a focus group. Data were analysed thematically. Physical activity monitoring using a wrist-worn monitor was tested for feasibility with thirteen children aged 7-11 years with type 1 diabetes. The primary outcome was feasibility (i.e., recruitment, adherence, data completion, adverse events and acceptability). Secondary measures were glycaemic control, parental self-efficacy for diabetes management and parental fear of hypoglycaemia. Results Healthcare professionals valued having an awareness of the level, type and intensity of children’s physical activity. They identified unmet training and resource needs that would facilitate them being able to give physical activity advice to children and families. Recruitment rate was 20%, adherence to the activity monitoring was good and study completion rate was 62%. No adverse events were reported. Physical activity monitoring was deemed acceptable by parents. Conclusions Physical activity monitoring could be a feasible part of routine clinical practice, but further research is needed to understand whether healthcare professionals are best placed to implement it and what impact it has on health outcomes.