Middle-Aged Women’s Preferred Theory-Based Features in Mobile Physical Activity Applications

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1379-1385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane K. Ehlers ◽  
Jennifer L. Huberty
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Technology Adoption ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Progress Monitoring ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Perceived Effort ◽  
Effort Expectancy

Background:The purpose of this study was to describe which theory-based behavioral and technological features middle-aged women prefer to be included in a mobile application designed to help them adopt and maintain regular physical activity (PA).Methods:Women aged 30 to 64 years (N = 120) completed an online survey measuring their demographics and mobile PA application preferences. The survey was developed upon behavioral principles of Social Cognitive Theory, recent mobile app research, and technology adoption principles of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Frequencies were calculated and content analyses conducted to identify which features women most preferred.Results:Behavioral features that help women self-regulate their PA (PA tracking, goal-setting, progress monitoring) were most preferred. Technological features that enhance perceived effort expectancy and playfulness were most preferred. Many women reported the desire to interact and compete with others through the application.Conclusions:Theory-based PA self-regulation features and theory-based design features that improve perceived effort expectancy and playfulness may be most beneficial in a mobile PA application for middleaged women. Opportunities to interact with other people and the employment of social, game-like activities may also be attractive. Interdisciplinary engagement of experts in PA behavior change, technology adoption, and software development is needed.

scholarly journals Physical activity and mental well-being under COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional multination study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Costas I. Karageorghis ◽  
Jonathan M. Bird ◽  
Jasmin C. Hutchinson ◽  
Mark Hamer ◽  
Yvonne N. Delevoye-Turrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Steps Per Day ◽  
Western Nations

Abstract Background COVID-19 lockdowns have reduced opportunities for physical activity (PA) and encouraged more sedentary lifestyles. A concomitant of sedentariness is compromised mental health. We investigated the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations (USA, UK, France, and Australia). Methods An online survey was administered in the second quarter of 2020 (N = 2541). We measured planned and unplanned dimensions of PA using the Brunel Lifestyle Physical Activity Questionnaire and mental health using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire. Steps per day were recorded only from participants who used an electronic device for this purpose, and sedentary behavior was reported in hours per day (sitting and screen time). Results In the USA and Australia samples, there was a significant decline in planned PA from pre- to during lockdown. Among young adults, Australians exhibited the lowest planned PA scores, while in middle-aged groups, the UK recorded the highest. Young adults exhibited the largest reduction in unplanned PA. Across nations, there was a reduction of ~ 2000 steps per day. Large increases in sedentary behavior emerged during lockdown, which were most acute in young adults. Lockdown was associated with a decline in mental health that was more pronounced in women. Conclusions The findings illustrate the deleterious effects of lockdown on PA, sedentary behavior, and mental health across four Western nations. Australian young and lower middle-aged adults appeared to fare particularly badly in terms of planned PA. The reduction in steps per day is equivalent to the non-expenditure of ~ 100 kcal. Declines in mental health show how harmful lockdowns can be for women in particular.

Utilizing Social Cognitive Theory to Enhance Physical Activity Among People With Spinal Cord Injuries

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jereme Wilroy ◽  
Lori Turner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Social Cognitive Theory ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Spinal Cord Injuries ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Program Planning ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
The United States

In the United States, approximately 28 to 55 people per million have experienced spinal cord injuries. While exercise benefits are well documented, participation is low. The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of articles that use social cognitive theory to increase physical activity among individuals with spinal cord injuries. Self-efficacy was the primary predictor of physical activity in each study; self-regulation emerged as a direct influencing factor. SCT may be helpful in program planning for people with spinal cord injuries to increase activity, increasing mobility, independence, social integration and quality of life.

scholarly journals An Online Physical Activity Intervention for Youth With Physical Disabilities: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ritu Sharma ◽  
Amy E. Latimer-Cheung ◽  
John Cairney ◽  
Kelly P. Arbour-Nicitopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Physical Disabilities ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Implementation Fidelity ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Feedback Questionnaire

Background: Physical activity (PA) interventions are limited in number and reach for youth with physical disabilities (YPD) who experience systemic barriers that may preclude their in-person participation. Further, a lack of theory in the development and evaluation of PA interventions impedes our understanding and replication of active components of behavior change. These limitations pose challenges in the effective promotion of PA in YPD. Theory-based and more inclusive methods of PA intervention delivery must be explored in our efforts to promote PA and overall health in YPD.Methods: A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of an online, 4-week social cognitive theory-based PA intervention for YPD. Intervention feasibility (implementation fidelity, intervention compliance, and intervention acceptability) was evaluated through manual documentation, weekly feedback questionnaires, and open-ended feedback at 1-month post-intervention. Targeted social cognitive (outcome expectations, self-efficacy [task, self-regulatory, barrier] and self-regulation) and PA behavior outcomes were self-reported at baseline and 1-week and 1-month post-intervention.Results: Sixteen YPD (Mage = 17.4 ± 2.7 years, 69% female) completed the study. Intervention feasibility was supported by high implementation fidelity (100%), high intervention compliance (>90%), and positive ratings on indicators of acceptability for all weeks of the intervention (weekly feedback questionnaire means ranging from 5.74 to 6.19 out of 7). Through open-ended feedback, participants indicated the intervention was easy to use and understand, favorably shifted their self-awareness and personal meaning of PA, and provided value and potential for future use pertaining to the learned self-regulation skills and strategies. Participants also provided formatting and content recommendations for intervention improvement. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed significant and large effect sizes for changes in participants' task (p = 0.01, n2p = 0.28) and barrier (p = 0.02, n2p = 0.24) self-efficacy, goal-setting and planning and scheduling behaviors (ps < 0.001, n2ps = 0.42), and self-reported PA behavior (p = 0.02, n2p = 0.26).Conclusions: An online PA intervention for YPD is feasible and may offer potential benefit through the enhancement of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and PA behavior. Continued research is necessary to understand the efficacy and longer-term outcomes of online, theory-based interventions for YPD as a PA promotion strategy.

The deadly couch: physical (in)activity in middle-aged women in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Sabine Krajewski
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Global Awareness ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Menopausal Women ◽  
Structuralist Framework

Abstract Global awareness about an increase of chronic diseases and premature mortality due to ‘unhealthy eating’ and ‘sedentary lifestyles’ is embedded in various discourses shaped by relationships and power. In this article, I investigate the role of physical activity in the lives of middle-aged women in Australia and how their experiences with exercise influence the way they position themselves within the context of inter-discursivity regarding fitness and ‘healthy ageing’. Results reveal how ‘knowledge’ about ‘healthy lifestyles’ is created and accessed, and how women make sense of the healthism discourse, the obesity crisis, and discourses around menopause and ageing. The participants for this study are nine women in their forties to sixties who volunteered to participate in semi-structured interviews after completing an online survey about physical activity that was part of a larger project. Their accounts of health and fitness, healthy eating, weight management, mental wellbeing and ageing are categorised and interpreted in a post-structuralist framework through the lens of feminist relational discourse analysis. Results show that all women are influenced by healthism discourses as well as being affected by assumptions and recommendations for ageing, menopausal women. They shape female identity by adopting, but also by resisting, discourses around their bodies and minds.

scholarly journals Engagement Features in Physical Activity Smartphone Apps: Focus Group Study With Sedentary People (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco D'Addario ◽  
Dario Baretta ◽  
Francesco Zanatta ◽  
Andrea Greco ◽  
Patrizia Steca
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Physical Activity Participation ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions ◽  
Participation Motives

BACKGROUND Engagement with physical activity mobile apps has been reported to be a core precondition for their effectiveness in digital behavior change interventions. However, to date, little attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives, needs, expectations, and experiences of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the features that are judged to be important for engagement with a physical activity mobile app and the reasons for their importance. METHODS A qualitative focus-group methodology with elements of co-design was adopted in this study. Participants reporting sedentary lifestyles and willingness to improve their physical activity behavior through mobile technology were recruited. The focus group sessions consisted of 13 participants (8 men and 5 women, mean [SD] age 41.9 [7.1] years). Two researchers conducted the data analysis independently by using the inductive thematic approach. RESULTS Four main themes emerged in relation to the research question and were named as follows: “physical activity participation motives,” “autonomy and self-regulation,” “need for relatedness,” and “smart.” Additionally, 2 subthemes originated from “physical activity participation motives” (ie, “medical guidance” and “weight loss and fitness for health”) and “smart” (ie, “action planning” and “adaptable and tailored”). CONCLUSIONS Features enhancing autonomy and self-regulation and positively affecting health and physical well-being as well as the need for relatedness, adaptability, and flexibility should be considered as core elements in the engagement of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. The emerged findings may orient future research and interventions aiming to foster engagement of potential users with physical activity apps.

scholarly journals Engagement Features in Physical Activity Smartphone Apps: Focus Group Study With Sedentary People

10.2196/20460 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e20460
Author(s):  
Marco D'Addario ◽  
Dario Baretta ◽  
Francesco Zanatta ◽  
Andrea Greco ◽  
Patrizia Steca
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Physical Activity Participation ◽  
Activity Participation ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions ◽  
Participation Motives

Background Engagement with physical activity mobile apps has been reported to be a core precondition for their effectiveness in digital behavior change interventions. However, to date, little attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives, needs, expectations, and experiences of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the features that are judged to be important for engagement with a physical activity mobile app and the reasons for their importance. Methods A qualitative focus-group methodology with elements of co-design was adopted in this study. Participants reporting sedentary lifestyles and willingness to improve their physical activity behavior through mobile technology were recruited. The focus group sessions consisted of 13 participants (8 men and 5 women, mean [SD] age 41.9 [7.1] years). Two researchers conducted the data analysis independently by using the inductive thematic approach. Results Four main themes emerged in relation to the research question and were named as follows: “physical activity participation motives,” “autonomy and self-regulation,” “need for relatedness,” and “smart.” Additionally, 2 subthemes originated from “physical activity participation motives” (ie, “medical guidance” and “weight loss and fitness for health”) and “smart” (ie, “action planning” and “adaptable and tailored”). Conclusions Features enhancing autonomy and self-regulation and positively affecting health and physical well-being as well as the need for relatedness, adaptability, and flexibility should be considered as core elements in the engagement of potential users with physical activity mobile apps. The emerged findings may orient future research and interventions aiming to foster engagement of potential users with physical activity apps.

scholarly journals Determinants of Continuance Intention to Use Health Apps among Users over 60: A Test of Social Cognitive Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10367
Author(s):  
Eunhye Kim ◽  
Semi Han
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Research Model ◽  
Continuance Intention ◽  
Health Apps

Promoting healthy behavior among seniors is important in reducing the burden of care and healthcare expenses in a rapidly aging society. Health apps can play an important role in health promotion for older adults, but the level of user retention in health apps is low. To increase continued health app use among older adults, this study examined the factors influencing older users’ continuance intentions to use health apps. The research model was developed based on the social cognitive theory of health behavior, which integrates cognitive, environmental, and behavioral perspectives. To test the research model, an anonymous online survey was conducted among respondents aged 60 to 79 years who were using health apps. The measurement items in the questionnaire were developed based on validated scales from the literature. A total of 250 samples were analyzed. The assessment of the measurement model indicates that the reliability and validity of the items are satisfactory. The results of testing the structural model illustrate the determinants of health app continuance intention: health technology self-efficacy, self-evaluative outcome expectations, self-regulation, and privacy risk. The interrelationships among determinants are also investigated. Theoretical and practical implications are suggested to encourage older adults’ continued health app use and promote their health behavior over the long term.

scholarly journals Development of a Healthy Lifestyle Mobile App for Overweight Pregnant Women: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Lau ◽  
Ling Jie Cheng ◽  
Claudia Chi ◽  
Cammy Tsai ◽  
Kai Wen Ong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Regulation Model ◽  
Methodological Guidelines

BACKGROUND Mobile apps are becoming an increasingly ubiquitous platform for delivery of health behavior interventions among overweight and obese perinatal women. However, only a few methodological guidelines on integrating theory, evidence, and qualitative research for their designs are available. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a theory-based, evidence-driven, and user-centered healthy lifestyle app targeting overweight and obese multiethnic pregnant women. METHODS This paper illustrates how intervention development may be enriched with theoretical basis, systematic review, and qualitative study. An individual face-to-face interview was performed to incorporate the user’s involvement in the design. These interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Thematic analysis technique was used for emerging themes. RESULTS Integrated concepts of social cognitive theory of self-regulation, self-regulation model, and strength model of self-control were selected as bases of the intervention. Evidence from our systematic review and meta-analysis provided the strongest evidence for the development of intervention. We invited 16 obese or overweight pregnant women to participate in a semistructured interview . The following key themes emerged: content, platform, interactivity, format, and functionality. Apps are a favorable technology platform for healthy diet advice, appropriate physical exercise, and weight management because they are user-friendly and convenient. The app used in this study contains culture-specific, pregnancy-related, and credible contents, including educational, professional and peer support, and self-monitoring domains. The design should include aesthetic appeal, visualized features, and interactive multimedia. CONCLUSIONS A 3-step process integrating theoretical basis, evidence from systematic review, and research findings from target users can be considered a guide for future app development.

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