Mobile Exergames to Reduce Sedentary Time in Patients With Heart Failure: What Do Health Care Professionals Expect?

Mobile exergames represent a viable digital health intervention for mitigating sedentary behavior among patients diagnosed with heart failure. By leveraging gamification to encourage physical activity, these tools offer a novel approach to cardiac disease management. The primary objective of integrating such technology into clinical practice is to enhance patient motivation and adherence to exercise regimens, thereby improving long-term health outcomes in a population that often struggles with traditional rehabilitation constraints.

Qualitative analysis involving seventeen healthcare professionals reveals a consensus that mobile exergaming serves as a valuable, complementary tool rather than a substitute for conventional cardiac rehabilitation. Experts highlight that the efficacy of these interventions hinges on high levels of personalization, ensuring that exercise intensity and game mechanics align with the specific physical limitations and medical requirements of heart failure patients. Furthermore, the successful adoption of these digital solutions necessitates a strategic integration into existing care pathways to ensure clinical oversight and patient safety.

Implementation efforts must proactively address significant barriers, most notably the digital divide prevalent among older patient demographics. Technological familiarization and user-friendly design are essential to ensure equitable access and sustained engagement. While mobile exergames show promise in fostering active lifestyles, their deployment requires a balanced approach that mitigates technical challenges while maintaining the rigor of established cardiovascular exercise guidelines. Future efforts should focus on refining these digital tools to bridge the gap between clinical necessity and patient accessibility, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and personalized model of cardiac care.