Using the Internet to Promote Physical Activity: A Randomized Trial of Intervention Delivery Modes

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekah Steele ◽  
W. Kerry Mummery ◽  
Trudy Dwyer
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Delivery Modes ◽  
Main Effect

Background:A growing number of the population are using the Internet for health information, such as physical activity (PA). The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of delivery modes for a behavior change program targeting PA.Methods:A randomized trial was conducted with 192 subjects randomly allocated to either a face-to-face, Internet-mediated, or Internet-only arm of a 12-wk intervention. Subjects included inactive adults with Internet access. The primary outcome variable was self-reported PA, assessed at four time points.Results:The results showed no group × time interaction for PA F(6, 567) = 1.64, p > 0.05, and no main effect for group F(2, 189) = 1.58, p > 0.05. However, a main effect for time F(3, 567) = 75.7, p < 0.01 was observed for each group. All groups were statistically equivalent immediately post-intervention (p < 0.05), but not at the follow-up time points (p > 0.05). The Internet-mediated and Internet-only groups showed similar increases in PA to the face-to-face group immediately post-intervention.Conclusions:This study provides evidence in support of the Internet in the delivery of PA interventions and highlights avenues for future research.

scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aymen El Masri ◽  
Gregory S. Kolt ◽  
Emma S. George
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Session Attendance ◽  
Australian Community

Abstract Background Despite being one of the largest migrant groups in Australia, few physical activity interventions exist for Arab-Australians. The primary aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women. Methods This study used a single-group pretest–posttest design, and was informed by extensive formative research and consultation involving the Arab-Australian community. Participants were insufficiently active Arab-Australian women aged 35–64 with no current illness or injury that would limit physical activity participation. The intervention comprised 6 face-to-face physical activity and education sessions over 12 weeks. The intervention was conducted at 2 separate intervention sites in Western Sydney, Australia. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, session attendance, and retention. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed through a process evaluation questionnaire completed post-intervention. Accelerometers and the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to measure physical activity at baseline and post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used for feasibility and acceptability outcomes, and changes in physical activity were examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Of the 53 women who were contacted or expressed interest, 22 were eligible and enrolled in the study. Participants were primarily recruited through direct contact by Arab-Australian community workers and by word-of-mouth. Average session attendance was 63% and the retention rate post-intervention was 68%. The culturally-related intervention components, such as the appropriateness of content, and women-only setting, were rated highly favourably (4.33 to 4.87/5). General intervention elements, such as the face-to-face delivery, knowledge and approachability of facilitators, and session structure, were also rated favourably (4.33 to 4.93/5), and the lowest scored item was the intervention session frequency (3.2/5). There were no statistically significant changes in physical activity post-intervention. Conclusions The findings from this study highlighted factors related to recruitment and delivery that need to be considered when developing physical activity interventions for Arab-Australian women. Further research is required using a larger sample and a randomised controlled trial design to examine the longer-term impact on physical activity, and to also examine ways of increasing intervention engagement and retention among Arab-Australian women. Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001392257. Registered 20 August 2018, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375636.

scholarly journals Cyber-Flirting: An Examination of Men's and Women's Flirting Behaviour Both Offline and on the Internet

2004 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica T. Whitty
Keyword(s):  
Physical Attractiveness ◽  
The Body ◽  
Nonverbal Cues ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Interactions

AbstractWhile flirting is a relatively underresearched area within psychology, even less is known about how people cyber-flirt. This paper explores how often individuals flirt offline compared to online. Moreover, it attempts to examine how men and women flirt within these different spaces. Five thousand, six hundred and ninety-seven individuals, of which 3554 (62%) were women and 2143 (38%) were men, completed a survey about their flirting behaviour both in face-to-face interactions and in chatrooms. The first hypothesis, which stated that the body would be used to flirt with as frequently online as offline, was partly supported. However, it was found that individuals downplayed the importance of physical attractiveness online. Women flirted by displaying nonverbal signals (offline) or substitutes for nonverbal cues (online), to a greater extent than men. In chatrooms men were more likely than women to initiate contact. It is concluded that cyber-flirting is more than simply a meeting of minds and that future research needs to consider the role of the body in online interactions.

Plan 9 From Cyberspace: The Implications of the Internet for Personality and Social Psychology

2000 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katelyn Y. A. McKenna ◽  
John A. Bargh
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Physical Distance ◽  
The Body ◽  
Relationship Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Relationship Formation ◽  
Main Effect

Just as with most other communication breakthroughs before it, the initial media and popular reaction to the Internet has been largely negative, if not apocalyptic. For example, it has been described as “awash in pornography”, and more recently as making people “sad and lonely.” Yet, counter to the initial and widely publi cized claim that Internet use causes depression and social isolation, the body of ev idence (even in the initial study on which the claim was based) is mainly to the con trary. More than this, however, it is argued that like the telephone and television before it, the Internet by itself is not a main effect cause of anything, and that psy chology must move beyond this notion to an informed analysis of how social iden tity, social interaction, and relationship formation may be different on the Internet than in real life. Four major differences and their implications for self and identity, social interaction, and relationships are identified: one's greater anonymity, the greatly reduced importance of physical appearance and physical distance as “gating features” to relationship development, and one's greater control over the time and pace of interactions. Existing research is reviewed along these lines and some promising directions for future research are described.

scholarly journals Can Instagram be used to deliver an evidence-based exercise program for young women? A process evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel G. Curtis ◽  
Jillian C. Ryan ◽  
Sarah M. Edney ◽  
Carol A. Maher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Sign Test ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Strongly Agree

Abstract Background Instagram provides an opportunity to deliver low cost, accessible and appealing physical activity content. This study evaluated the feasibility of delivering an exercise program for young women using Instagram. Methods A single-group pre- and post-intervention trial examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week Instagram-delivered program with young inactive women (n = 16; M = 23 years), which prescribed running and body weight exercises to complete three times per week. Daily Instagram posts delivered the exercises, video demonstrations and motivational content. Feasibility was evaluated by examining exposure (Instagram posts viewed per week), engagement (likes, comments and tags on Instagram posts; number of exercise sessions completed per week; retention, defined as completion of the online survey at weeks 6 and 12), and acceptability [whether the program increased participants’ motivation to exercise (1 = strongly disagree-5 = strongly agree); satisfaction with the program (1 = not satisfied-5 = very satisfied)]. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated by comparing baseline and 12-week self-reported physical activity (IPAQ short-form) and fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscle strength; 1 = very poor-5 = very good, International Fitness Scale) using the Exact sign test. Results On average, participants reported seeing six posts in their Instagram feed per week. Posts received an average of five likes (IQR = 3–6). A total of four comments and one tag were observed across all posts. On average, participants reported completing two exercise sessions per week. Retention was 88% at 6 weeks but dropped to 56% at 12 weeks. Participants reported increased motivation to exercise (Mdn = 4, IQR = 3–4) and were satisfied with the program (Mdn = 4, IQR = 3–4). Only self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness showed a meaningful, though nonsignificant, improvement (MdnΔ = 1, IQR = 0–1, p = .06). Conclusions Although Instagram has the potential to deliver a low cost, convenient exercise program for young women, additional research is needed to identify methods of improving engagement (interaction with the Instagram content, exercise sessions completed, and retention in the program). Future research could examine the use of behaviour change theory and provide information that enables participants to tailor the exercises to their interests and needs. Additionally, the use of objective assessments of physical activity and fitness among a larger participants sample is needed.

scholarly journals A Casual Video Game with Psychological Well-Being Concepts for Young Adolescents: Protocol for an Acceptability and Feasibility Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russell Pine ◽  
James Mbinta ◽  
Lisa Te Morenga ◽  
Theresa Fleming
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Zealand Secondary School

BACKGROUND Many face-to-face and digital therapeutic supports are designed for adolescents experiencing high levels of psychological distress. However, promoting psychological well-being among adolescents is often neglected despite significant short-term and long-term benefits. OBJECTIVE This research has 3 main objectives: (1) to assess the acceptability of Match Emoji, a casual video game with psychological well-being concepts among 13-15-year-olds in a New Zealand secondary school (2) to identify the feasibility of the research process (3) to explore the preliminary well-being and therapeutic potential of Match Emoji. METHODS Approximately 40 participants aged 13–15-years from a local secondary college in Wellington, New Zealand will be invited to download and play Match Emoji 3-4 times a week for 5-15 minutes over a 2-week period. Participants will complete 4 assessments at baseline, post intervention and 3 weeks later to assess psychological well-being and therapeutic changes. Statistical analysis will be used to synthesize data from interviews and triangulated with assessment changes and game analytics. This synthesis will help to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the Match Emoji. RESULTS The key outputs from the project will include the acceptability, feasibility, and therapeutic potential of Match Emoji. CONCLUSIONS Data from the study is expected to inform future research on Match Emoji including a randomized control trial and further adjustments to the design and development of the game. CLINICALTRIAL This study received ethics approval from the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee (21/NTA/34) on the 28th of May 2021

scholarly journals The Associations Between Access to Recreational Facilities and Adherence to the American Heart Association's Physical Activity Guidelines in US Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa Andrade ◽  
Ryan Geffin ◽  
Mark Maguire ◽  
Pura Rodriguez ◽  
Grettel Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Recreational Facilities ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines

Physical activity decreases the risk of long-term health consequences including cardiac diseases. According to the American Health Association (AHA), adults should perform at least 75 min of vigorous physical activity (PA) or 150 min of moderate PA per week to impact long-term health. Results of previous studies are varied and have yet to integrate perceived access to facilities with AHA PA guidelines. We investigated whether access to free or low-cost recreational facilities was associated with meeting the AHA PA guidelines.Methodology: This cross-sectional study utilized data extracted from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) database collected in 2017 (n = 1,750). The main exposure variable was access to free or low-cost recreational facilities. The main outcome variable was meeting the AHA guidelines of 150 min moderate PA or 75 min vigorous PA per week. Covariates included age, sex, level of education, overall health, BMI, ethnicity, hours of work per week, income, and time living at current address. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analysis were used to calculate measures of odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Of the 1,750 included participants, 61.7% (n = 1,079) reported to have access to recreational facilities. Of those with access to facilities, 69.9% met AHA PA guidelines while 30.4% did not. After adjusting for covariates, participants who reported access to recreational facilities were 42% more likely to meet AHA PA guidelines compared with participants who did not (adjusted OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.14–1.76). Secondary results suggest that healthier individuals were more likely to have met AHA PA guidelines.Conclusions: Having access to free or low-cost recreational facilities such as parks, walking trails, bike paths and courts was associated with meeting the AHA PA guidelines. Increasing prevalence and awareness of neighborhood recreational facilities could assist in access to these facilities and increase the ability of individuals to meet AHA PA guidelines. Future research should determine which types of recreational facilities impact physical activity strongest and discover methods of increasing their awareness.

scholarly journals Effects of an 8-Week Intervention Targeting the Veridicality of Actual and Perceived Motor Competence Among Irish Adolescents in Project FLAME

2021 ◽  
pp. 003151252110350
Author(s):  
Conor Philpott ◽  
Till Utesch ◽  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
Brian Donovan ◽  
Fiona Chambers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Motor Competence ◽  
Intervention Effect ◽  
Community Sport ◽  
Low Levels

High levels of perceived motor competence and low levels of actual motor competence in youth populations have been reported world-wide. Both perceived and actual motor competence have been deemed independent correlates of health and physical activity (PA) behavior, and past research has indicated that their alignment may be linked to more consistent PA. Moreover, there is potential for a movement-based intervention to strengthen the alignment between perceived and actual motor competence, perhaps then guiding future health, PA, and community sport engagement globally. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an 8-week movement-based intervention on increasing the alignment (i.e., veridicality) between PMC and AMC among Irish adolescent youth. We collected data on adolescents ( n = 324; females = 149; M age = 14.5, SD = 0.88 years) across six second-level schools in Ireland, including measurements of actual and perceived, motor competence at pre- and post-intervention. We observed low levels of actual in contrast to high levels of perceived motor competence. We found a small but significant veridical alignment between perceived and actual motor competence, but there was no intervention effect on alignment. Future research should prioritize a longer intervention duration that targets student learning and understanding in order to develop veridical perceptions in adolescents that might sustain their participation in PA.

scholarly journals An Examination of Self-Reported Physical Activity and Physical Activity Self-Efficacy Among Children with Obesity: Findings from the Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.) Pilot Study (Análisis de la actividad física autoreportad

Retos ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 212-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shauna M. Burke ◽  
Leigh M. Vanderloo ◽  
Anca Gaston ◽  
Erin S. Pearson ◽  
Patricia Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Children's Health ◽  
Children’S Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Home Based

Abstract. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity is a global public health concern. Numerous experts have noted that comprehensive treatment methods are required to address this complex condition. The Children’s Health and Activity Modification Program (C.H.A.M.P.), a 4-week intervention delivered in a unique camp-based format, was developed for children with obesity and their families using a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the short- (i.e., 1-week post-intervention) and longer-term (i.e., 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-intervention) effects of C.H.A.M.P. on children’s self-reported: (a) task and barrier self-efficacy; and (b) home-based physical activity. A secondary purpose was to determine whether task and/or barrier self-efficacy served as predictors of self-reported home-based physical activity at any of these time points. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C; Crocker, Bailey, Faulkner, Kowalski, & McGrath, 1997) was used to assess self-reported home-based physical activity and modified versions of the Self-Efficacy Scale and Barrier Efficacy Scale (McAuley & Mihalko, 1998) were administered to children to assess task and barrier self-efficacy, respectively. Forty participants (36 different children) completed Year 1 (n = 15; Mage = 10.6; 53% female) and/or Year 2 (n = 25; Mage = 10.6; 56% female) of the program. Results showed that participation in C.H.A.M.P. was associated with significant increases in task and barrier self-efficacy from pre- to post-intervention, after which mean values remained significantly higher than baseline at the 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. No significant changes were observed from baseline to any of the post-intervention time points for home-based physical activity. Linear regression analysis revealed that task and barrier self-efficacy explained between 18% and 34% of the variance in self-reported home-based physical activity scores. While task self-efficacy contributed more towards the prediction of home-based activity at baseline, 1-week post-intervention, and 3-months post-intervention, barrier self-efficacy emerged as the predominant predictor at 6- and 12-months post-intervention. These results suggest that efficacious beliefs to be physically active and to overcome physical activity-related barriers may be important in the prediction of self-reported home-based physical activity in children with obesity. Taken together, the current findings also emphasize the importance of targeting self-efficacy as a first step towards increasing physical activity in this young population.Resumen. La creciente prevalencia de la obesidad infantil es un problema de salud pública mundial. Numerosos expertos han señalado que se requieren métodos de tratamiento integral para hacer frente a esta condición compleja. El programa de modificación de la salud y la actividad en niños (CHAMP), una intervención de 4 semanas diseñada en un formato único de tipo campamento, fue desarrollado para niños con obesidad y sus familias mediante un enfoque multidisciplinario. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar a corto plazo (es decir, 1 semana después de la intervención) y a largo plazo (es decir, 3, 6, y 12 meses después de la intervención) los efectos de CHAMP en la percepción subjetiva de los niños: (a) la autoeficacia en la tarea y en la barrera; y (b) la actividad física en el entorno familiar. Un objetivo secundario fue determinar si la autoeficacia en la tarea y/o barrera sirvió como predictores de la actividad física auto-reportada en el entorno familiar en cualquiera de estos puntos en el  tiempo. El cuestionario de actividad física para niños mayores (PAQ-C; Crocker, Bailey, Faulkner, Kowalski, y McGrath, 1997) se utilizó para evaluar la actividad física auto-reportada en el contexto familiar y versiones modificadas de la escala de autoeficacia y la escala de eficacia de la barrera (McAuley y Mihalko, 1998) se administraron a los niños para evaluar la autoeficacia de tarea y relativa a las barreras, respectivamente. Cuarenta participantes (36 niños diferentes) completaron el año 1 (n = 15; Medad = 10,6; 53% chicas) y el año 2 (n = 25; Medad = 10,6; 56% chicas) del programa. Los resultados mostraron que la participación en C.H.A.M.P. se asoció con aumentos significativos en la autoeficacia de la tarea y la barrera en la pre y post-intervención, después de que los valores medios se mantuvieron significativamente más altos que en la línea base en las evaluaciones de seguimiento a los 3 y 6 meses. No se observaron cambios significativos desde el inicio hasta cualquiera de los puntos en el tiempo posteriores a la intervención para la actividad física en el entorno familiar. El análisis de regresión lineal reveló que la autoeficacia de tarea y de barrera explica entre el 18% y el 34% de la varianza en las puntuaciones de actividad física auto-reportada en el entorno familiar. Mientras la autoeficacia en la tarea contribuyó más a la predicción de la actividad física en el entorno familiar al inicio del estudio, la primera semana después de la intervención, y 3 meses después de la intervención, la autoeficacia en la barrera surgió como el factor de predicción predominante a los 6 y 12 meses después  de la intervención. Estos resultados sugieren que las creencias eficaces para ser físicamente activo y para superar las barreras relacionadas con la actividad física son importantes en la predicción de la actividad física auto-reportada en el contexto familiar en niños con obesidad. En conjunto, los hallazgos actuales también hacen hincapié en la importancia de actuar sobre la autoeficacia como un primer paso hacia el aumento de la actividad física en esta población joven

Cyber Support Venues for Cancer

2012 ◽  
pp. 689-698
Author(s):  
Thomas O. Blank ◽  
Steven D. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
Gender Based

In recent years, many cancer patients and families have turned to the Internet for information and support. Cyber support venues to serve those needs vary from small newsgroups to discussion areas as part of comprehensive eHealth support systems. Two decades of research studies, mostly on breast and/or prostate cancer venues, indicate a range of users, including both patients and family members, and reveal both advantages and disadvantages compared to face-to-face support groups. Researchers have shown consistent differences about how breast and prostate sites are used, apparently due to both gender-based approaches to communication and support and different issues related to the different cancer types. Limited research indicates mostly positive psychological well-being impacts of participating on these venues. Future research is needed to further explore gender differences and examine how newer cyber venues, such as blogs, Facebook, and Twitter, become utilized by those facing cancer.

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