Boosting Everyday Movement : Co-designing a digital micropatterns intervention with socioeconomically diverse UK and Australian Women

Background Vigorous (VILPA) and moderate-to-vigorous (MV-ILPA) intermittent lifestyle physical activity refer to brief bouts of physical activity (<1 and <3 minutes, respectively) embedded in daily routines. Evidence suggests that 4–6 daily bursts of VILPA/MV-ILPA can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers. These “micropatterns” of activity may offer a time-efficient and accessible alternative to structured exercise, particularly for women from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds who face intersecting barriers to traditional forms of physical activity. This study aimed to explore women’s perspectives and experiences of VILPA/MV-ILPA and co-design a micropatterns intervention to promote these behaviours among socioeconomically diverse women. Methods The study involved a series of three co-design workshops with women in Glasgow (N=19) and Sydney (N=31). Workshops incorporated participatory activities, education, training, discussion, and reflection to explore the concept of micropatterns, related facilitators and barriers and co-design the intervention. This study was guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel and MRC and 6SQuID intervention development frameworks. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic framework analysis. Results Participants identified a range of barriers (e.g. concerns about ability and safety, low mood, sociocultural norms) and facilitators (e.g. adaptability, dual-purpose activities, minimal time commitment) to engaging in micropatterns. Following reflection on the barriers and facilitators, six modifiable factors were identified to be addressed in the intervention, these included: lack of knowledge and awareness, concerns about ability and safety, low mood and poor mental health, sociocultural norms and environmental constraints. Participants identified thirteen intervention components that utilized seven intervention functions (education, persuasion, training, environmental restructuring, modelling, incentivisation, and enablement) to promote VILPA/MV-ILPA activities. Participants emphasised the importance of educational content, social support, and inclusive delivery formats (e.g. short videos, visual materials). Terminology such as “Mindful Movement” and “Boosting Everyday Movement” were preferred over technical acronyms and jargon. Conclusions The final intervention involved a six-week programme of education, training, goal setting and VILPA/MV-ILPA tracking. Due to the popularity of social components and mixed perceptions of the accessibility of digital technology, the intervention was designed with three different delivery mechanisms:1) a smartphone application, 2) a smartphone application and a wearable device (e.g. Fitbit) and 3) workshops, a smartphone application and a wearable device. With further testing, this co-designed intervention could offer a feasible approach to promoting physical activity micropatterns among women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.