A Mobile Intervention Merging Yoga and Self-Management Skills (MY-Skills Mobile) for Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions and their Care Partners: A Single-Arm Feasibility and Usability Pilot (Preprint)
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: BACKGROUND Nearly 77% of older adults have multiple chronic conditions (MCC), leading to functional impairments and greater healthcare needs, which are exacerbated by depressive symptoms. Limited screening and treatment accessibility necessitates innovative interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the feasibility and usability of MY-Skills Mobile, an mHealth intervention combining yoga and self-management strategies, among older adults with MCC experiencing depressive symptoms and their care partners. METHODS A single-site, single-arm pilot trial was conducted. Participants included individuals over 60 with MCC and depressive symptoms, and their care partners. MY-Skills Mobile was an 8-week program involving synchronous virtual yoga sessions and asynchronous self-management tools. Feasibility was assessed using benchmarks for recruitment, retention, attendance, tool usage, and data collection. Usability was measured using the User Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). RESULTS N=33 participants who were 70±5 years old enrolled in the trial, including n=24 older adults with 5±3 chronic conditions and 9 of their care partners. Benchmarks were achieved for recruitment, enrollment, retention, yoga attendance, and usability. Self-management tool usage was slightly below expectations. No adverse events were reported, though five participants were flagged for moderate suicide risk. Participants rated MY-Skills Mobile positively (mean uMARS score 3.7/5) and qualitative feedback highlighted the program's relaxation, calming, and anxiety-reducing benefits. Trends indicated potential improvements in older adult depressive symptoms and self-efficacy, and care partner social support. CONCLUSIONS MY-Skills Mobile is a feasible and user-friendly intervention for older adults with MCC and their care partners. The program's positive reception and preliminary health benefits suggest potential for enhancing well-being in this population. Future research should focus on enhancing self-management tool engagement and conducting larger trials to confirm these findings and assess long-term impacts. CLINICALTRIAL NCT04758312
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7164549301