FysBot - a social media chatbot for physical activity (EHiN)

Abstract

Most adults do not do sufficient physical activity although physical activity is important for overall wellbeing. The purpose of this PhD project is to develop and test a social media chatbot for physical activity among individuals living with obesity. The social media chatbot is expected to motivate users to become more active for improved health.

Introduction

Physical activity is important for physical and mental wellbeing. Today, most adults do not do sufficient physical activity [1,2].This PhD project proposes an innovative way to address the challenge of engaging the adult population in regular physical activity - FysBot, a physical activity social media chatbot.

Methods

The project is a mixed-methods study that involves: 

Qualitative methods: Focus groups and individual interviews to identify users’ preferences in the beginning and their satisfaction with the intervention at the end of the project. 

The design and development of FysBot will be based on users’ feedback. We will explore the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically ChatGPT, to deliver physical activity advice and suggestions.

Quantitative methods: A 12-week pilot study to test the feasibility of the developed chatbot. Users will report their physical activity while using FysBot. 

Results 

Two focus groups and 5 individual interviews have been conducted with obese patients staying at Evjeklinikken. Identified preferences for the FysBot can be categorized into four themes:

• Motivation
• Connectivity
• User-friendliness
• Personalization

Discussion

The social media chatbot is expected to motivate users to increase their physical activity. We posit that individuals living with obesity will be willing to use the FysBot. A study conducted among Norwegians showed that they are open to using health interventions delivered via social media [3]. In addition, they are receptive to a chatbot motivating them to increase their physical activity [4]. Furthermore, discussions with individuals living with obesity to solicit ideas for the design and development of FysBot are expected to increase their interest and willingness to use the intervention [3,5].

References

[1] World Health Organization. Physical activity [cited 2023 Oct 25]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity

[2] Pojednic R, D’Arpino E, Halliday I, Bantham A. The Benefits of Physical Activity for People with Obesity, Independent of Weight Loss: A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health. 2022;19(9).

[3] Gabarron E, Dorronzoro E, Bradway M, et al. Preferences and interests of diabetes social media users regarding a health-promotion intervention. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2018;12:2499-2506.

[4] Larbi, D., Gabarron, E., and Denecke, K., Social Media Chatbot for Increasing Physical Activity: Usability Study, Stud Health Technol Inform, 285, 227-32, 2021. 

[5] Larbi D, Wynn R, Årsand E, Denecke K, Zanaboni P, Gabarron E. Exploring Obese Adults’ Preferences for a Physical Activity Chatbot: Qualitative Study. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2023;302:478-9.