scholarly journals Associations Between Commercial App Use and Physical Activity: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/17152 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. e17152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine Maria Petersen ◽  
Eva Kemps ◽  
Lucy K Lewis ◽  
Ivanka Prichard

Background In today’s society, commercial physical activity apps (eg, Fitbit and Strava) are ubiquitous and hold considerable potential to increase physical activity behavior. Many commercial physical activity apps incorporate social components, in particular app-specific communities (allowing users to interact with other app users) or the capacity to connect to existing social networking platforms (eg, Facebook or Instagram). There is a growing need to gain greater insights into whether commercial physical activity apps and specific components of these apps (social components) are beneficial in facilitating physical activity. Objective This study aimed to examine the relationship between the use of commercial physical activity apps and engagement in physical activity. The social components of commercial physical activity apps (app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms) were also explored. This involved isolating specific features (eg, sharing, providing, and receiving encouragement, comparisons, and competitions) of app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms that were most valuable in facilitating physical activity. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted. Participants were 1432 adults (mean age 34.1 years, 1256/1432, 88.00% female) who completed measures assessing physical activity, the use of commercial physical activity apps, and engagement with app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms. Results Overall, 53.14% (761/1432) of the sample reported engaging with a commercial physical activity app. The most commonly used apps were Fitbit (171/761, 22.5%), Strava (130/761, 17.1%), and Garmin (102/761, 13.4%). The use of physical activity apps was significantly associated with physical activity. Notably, the use of app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms facilitated significantly greater engagement in physical activity. The features of app-specific communities that were most beneficial in promoting engagement in physical activity were providing encouragement to a partner, receiving encouragement from close friends and family, and engaging in competitions with members of public app-specific communities. In relation to existing social networking platforms, sharing physical activity posts predicted engagement in physical activity. Conclusions The findings indicate that app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms are components of apps that are fundamental in facilitating physical activity. They further suggest that commercial physical activity apps afford high population level reach and hold great potential to promote engagement in physical activity, an important public health consideration.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine Maria Petersen ◽  
Eva Kemps ◽  
Lucy K Lewis ◽  
Ivanka Prichard

BACKGROUND In today’s society, commercial physical activity apps (eg, Fitbit and Strava) are ubiquitous and hold considerable potential to increase physical activity behavior. Many commercial physical activity apps incorporate social components, in particular app-specific communities (allowing users to interact with other app users) or the capacity to connect to existing social networking platforms (eg, Facebook or Instagram). There is a growing need to gain greater insights into whether commercial physical activity apps and specific components of these apps (social components) are beneficial in facilitating physical activity. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the relationship between the use of commercial physical activity apps and engagement in physical activity. The social components of commercial physical activity apps (app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms) were also explored. This involved isolating specific features (eg, sharing, providing, and receiving encouragement, comparisons, and competitions) of app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms that were most valuable in facilitating physical activity. METHODS A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted. Participants were 1432 adults (mean age 34.1 years, 1256/1432, 88.00% female) who completed measures assessing physical activity, the use of commercial physical activity apps, and engagement with app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms. RESULTS Overall, 53.14% (761/1432) of the sample reported engaging with a commercial physical activity app. The most commonly used apps were Fitbit (171/761, 22.5%), Strava (130/761, 17.1%), and Garmin (102/761, 13.4%). The use of physical activity apps was significantly associated with physical activity. Notably, the use of app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms facilitated significantly greater engagement in physical activity. The features of app-specific communities that were most beneficial in promoting engagement in physical activity were providing encouragement to a partner, receiving encouragement from close friends and family, and engaging in competitions with members of public app-specific communities. In relation to existing social networking platforms, sharing physical activity posts predicted engagement in physical activity. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that app-specific communities and existing social networking platforms are components of apps that are fundamental in facilitating physical activity. They further suggest that commercial physical activity apps afford high population level reach and hold great potential to promote engagement in physical activity, an important public health consideration.


2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Al-Tannir ◽  
Samer Kobrosly ◽  
Taha Itani ◽  
Mariam El-Rajab ◽  
Sawsan Tannir

Background:This survey aims to assess the prevalence of physical activity among adult Lebanese, and to report the relationship between sociodemographic variables and physical activity behavior, highlighting the correlates discouraging people to carry out physical activity.Methods:A cross-sectional study using an anonymous self-reported questionnaire was conducted on 346 adults from four Lebanese districts. Demographic characteristics, physical activity, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and medical history were obtained.Results:Prevalence of physical activity among Lebanese adults was 55.5% (192/346). Age, BMI, marital status, medical history, occupation, educational level, and smoking were significantly associated with physical activity (P < .05). Inactive obese participants were about three times more likely to report hypertension and diabetes than inactive normal weight participants (P = .013). BMI was significantly higher among inactive participants (P = .014).Conclusion:Physical activity among Lebanese adults was comparable to other populations. Married, non–office workers, and smokers were the main correlates of physical inactivity in Lebanese adulthood.


2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 472-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ailsa G. Niven ◽  
Samantha G. Fawkner ◽  
Ann-Marie Knowles ◽  
Claire Stephenson

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between physical self-perceptions (PSPs), maturation, and physical activity and compared the strength of the relationships of biological and chronological age with PSPs in early adolescent girls (N = 208; mean age = 11.83 ± 0.39 years). Participants completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children, the Children’s Physical Self-Perception Profile, and the Pubertal Development Scale. Results indicated that PSPs were significantly and moderately correlated with physical activity. There were no differences in physical activity between maturation stages. Girls who were in the early stages of maturation had significantly more positive perceptions of body attractiveness and physical self-worth than girls in the mid stages of maturation. There was no evidence of a relationship between PSPs and chronological age. This study provided further support for the relationship between PSPs and physical activity and the relationship between maturation and aspects of PSPs. In this age group, maturation does not appear to be related to physical activity or the PSPs most strongly influential on physical activity behavior.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1017.2-1018
Author(s):  
N. Kelly ◽  
E. Hawkins ◽  
H. O’leary ◽  
K. Quinn ◽  
G. Murphy ◽  
...  

Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory condition that affects 0.5% of the adult population worldwide (1). Sedentary behavior (SB) is any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure of ≤1.5 METs (metabolic equivalent) and a sitting or reclining posture, e.g. computer use (2) and has a negative impact on health in the RA population (3). Sleep is an important health behavior, but sleep quality is an issue for people living with RA (4, 5). Poor sleep quality is associated with low levels of physical activity in RA (4) however the association between SB and sleep in people who have RA has not been examined previously.Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SB and sleep in people who have RA.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients were recruited from rheumatology clinics in a large acute public hospital serving a mix of urban and rural populations. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of RA by a rheumatologist according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria age ≥ 18 and ≤ 80 years; ability to mobilize independently or aided by a stick; and to understand written and spoken English. Demographic data on age, gender, disease duration and medication were recorded. Pain and fatigue were measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. SB was measured using the ActivPAL4™ activity monitor, over a 7-day wear period. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe participant characteristics. Relationships between clinical characteristics and SB were examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficients and regression analyses.Results:N=76 participants enrolled in the study with valid data provided by N=72 participants. Mean age of participants was 61.5years (SD10.6) and the majority 63% (n = 47) were female. Participant mean disease duration was 17.8years (SD10.9). Mean SB time was 533.7 (SD100.1) minutes (8.9 hours per day/59.9% of waking hours). Mean sleep quality score was 7.2 (SD5.0) (Table 1). Correlation analysis and regression analysis found no significant correlation between sleep quality and SB variables. Regression analysis demonstrated positive statistical associations for SB time and body mass index (p-value=0.03846, R2 = 0.05143), SB time and pain VAS (p-value=0.009261, R2 = 0.07987), SB time and HADS (p-value = 0.009721, R2 = 0.08097) and SB time and HADSD (p-value = 0.01932, R2 = 0.0643).Conclusion:We found high levels of sedentary behavior and poor sleep quality in people who have RA, however no statistically significant relationship was found in this study. Future research should further explore the complex associations between sedentary behavior and sleep quality in people who have RA.References:[1]Carmona L, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2010;24:733–745.[2]Anon. Letter to the editor: standardized use of the terms “sedentary” and “sedentary behaviours”. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab = Physiol Appl Nutr Metab 2012;37:540–542.[3]Fenton, S.A.M. et al. Sedentary behaviour is associated with increased long-term cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis independently of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 18, 131 (2017).[4]McKenna S, et al. Sleep and physical activity: a cross-sectional objective profile of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int. 2018 May;38(5):845-853.[5]Grabovac, I., et al. 2018. Sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and associations with pain, disability, disease duration, and activity. Journal of clinical medicine, 7(10)336.Table 1.Sleep quality in people who have RASleep variableBed Time N(%) before 10pm13(18%) 10pm-12pm43 (60%) after 12pm16 (22%)Hours Sleep mean(SD)6.56 (1.54)Fall Asleep minutes mean(SD)33.3(27.7)Night Waking N(%)45(63%)Self-Rate Sleep mean(SD)2.74 (0.90)Hours Sleep mean(SD)6.56 (1.54)Disclosure of Interests:None declared


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Satomi Sawa ◽  
Michikazu Sekine ◽  
Masaaki Yamada ◽  
Yugo Fukazawa ◽  
Yusuke Hiraku

Abstract Background Many studies have already reported on the relationship between exercise habits and health among schoolchildren. However, few have examined social and/or family factors as determinants of exercise habits. Methods This study’s participants included 1721 schoolchildren aged between 6 and 13 who were involved in the Super Shokuiku School Project in January 2016. A survey was conducted to assess gender, grade level, physical activity, lifestyle, overall health, enrichment of school life, social background, and parental lifestyles. Both dislike and lack of physical activity were used to measure poor exercise habits; correlates were analyzed using logistic regression. Results “Lack of close friends” had the strongest links with both dislike (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 5.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.78–10.1) and lack of (adjusted OR 5.40; 95% CI, 2.81–10.4) physical activity. Further, children who engaged in long periods of screen time and lacked parental communication also tended to dislike and lack physical activity. Children with mothers who were unemployed (housewives) and had unhealthy lifestyles, as well as those with poor health, were also more likely to lack physical activity. Conclusion Social and family factors (e.g., having close friends) may be determinants of exercise habits among schoolchildren, independent of their own lifestyle factors. Although a longitudinal study is needed to determine causality, substantial attention may thus be required to these factors when promoting physical activity in children.


Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 274-282
Author(s):  
Leonardo Intelangelo ◽  
Nacim Molina Gutiérrez ◽  
Nicolás Bevacqua ◽  
Cristian Mendoza ◽  
Iris Paola Guzmán-Guzmán ◽  
...  

Objective: to determine lifestyle changes, such as physical activity, nutrition, and sleep in an Argentinean university population, caused by confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional study via web survey. 1021 the Argentinean university population (women, n = 645 and men, n = 376) aged between 18–70 years old was participate. Survey was utilized to measure participant physical activity behavior, nutrition, and sleep April to May 2020. Results: the main findings revealed that 4.3% of the sample showed obesity; the highest proportion of the sample stayed more than 6 hours in a sedentary status; 21.74% reported bad sleep quality; a reduction in good feeding pattern; and an increase in subjects who do not perform physical activity. According to socio-demographic and anthropometric factors, being a student (OR 2.19, CI95% 1.18 - 4, p= .012), overweight (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.19 – 2.44, p= .003), obesity (OR 4.45, CI95% 2.27 – 8.7, p< .001), and have been confined more than 45 days was associated with bad feeding. Likewise, low physical activity levels were associated with obesity (OR 3.2 CI95% 1.66 – 6.18, p= .001), being female (OR 1.61, CI95% 1.14 –2.28, p= .006) and get married (OR 1.72, CI95% 1.14 – 2.61, p= .009). Moreover, being a student was associated with poor sleep quality (OR 43.6, CI95%5.4 – 350, p< .001). Conclusion: This study suggests that confinement decreased healthy living habits such as good nutrition and physical activity and affected the quality of sleep in young subjects.  Resumen. Objetivo: determinar los cambios en el estilo de vida, como la actividad física, la nutrición y el sueño en una población universitaria argentina, causados por el confinamiento durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta por Internet. Participaron 1021 personas de la población universitaria argentina (mujeres, n = 645 y hombres, n = 376) de entre 18 y 70 años de edad. La encuesta fue utilizada para medir el comportamiento de la actividad física, la nutrición y el sueño de los participantes de abril a mayo de 2020.Resultados: los principales hallazgos mostraron que el 4,3% de la muestra presentaba obesidad; la mayor proporción de la muestra permaneció más de 6 horas en estado sedentario; el 21,74% informó sobre la mala calidad del sueño; una reducción de los hábitos correctos de alimentación; y un aumento de los participantes que no realizan actividad física. De acuerdo con factores socio-demográficos y antropométricos, ser estudiante (OR 2.19, CI95% 1.18 - 4, p= .012), el sobrepeso (OR 1.71, CI95% 1.19 - 2.44, p= .003), la obesidad (OR 4.45, CI95% 2.27 - 8.7, p< .001), y haber estado confinado más de 45 días se asoció con una mala alimentación. Asimismo, los bajos niveles de actividad física se asociaron con la obesidad (OR 3,2; IC95% 1,66 - 6,18, p= .001), ser mujer (OR 1,61; IC95% 1,14 -2,28, p= .006) y estar casado (OR 1,72; IC95% 1,14 - 2,61, p= .009). Además, ser estudiante se asoció con una mala calidad de sueño (OR 43,6, CI95% 5,4 - 350, p< .001). Conclusión: Este estudio sugiere que el confinamiento disminuyó los hábitos de vida saludables como la buena nutrición, la actividad física, y afectó la calidad del sueño en sujetos jóvenes.


Author(s):  
Carla Cruz ◽  
Paula Nelas ◽  
Emília Coutinho ◽  
Cláudia Chaves ◽  
Odete Amaral

Abstract.THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CONTEXT ON PARENT/BABY BONDINGBackground: The bonding process is essential to favors and/or determines the future relationship between parent and baby and influences the cognitive and social development of the child. The bonding is conditioned by a set of interrelated factors with parental and situational conditions that may assist or prevent the establishment of bonding (Pereira, 2009).Objective: Establish the relationship between the sociodemographic context (age, marital status, educational qualifications and length of relationship) and bonding parent/baby.Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study, correlational descriptive, quantitative, attended by 349 parents, aged between 19 and 55, with an average age of 31,84 (sd=6,067). To providing a reliable sample characterization the social-demographic we applied questionnaires and Bonding Scale (Figueiredo et al., 2005).Results: This study reveals that positive bonding is influenced by age (p=0,010), being higher in parents aged 30 years or less. With regard to qualifications, it was found that the smaller the educational level of the parents, the greater the bonding positive (p=0,045). On the other hand the marital status and the length of the relationship did not influence the bonding.Conclusion: Given the importance of the bonding process between parent and baby, whose involvement should exist from the beginning of pregnancy, it’s imperative that the Nurse Specialist in maternal health take responsibility to educate and stimulate the paternal bonding supporting and integrating the father in the process of adaptation to parenthood.Keywords: Father, Baby, Bonding; Pregnancy.Resumo. Enquadramento: O processo de vinculação é indispensável pois favorece e/ou determina a futura relação entre a díade: pai/bebé e influencia o desenvolvimento cognitivo e social da criança. Este processo de vinculação (bonding) é condicionado por um conjunto de fatores interligados com as condições parentais e situacionais que poderão coadjuvar ou impedir o estabelecimento do proceso de vinculação (Pereira, 2009).Objetivo: Estabelecer a relação entre o contexto sociodemográfico (idade, estado civil, habilitações literárias e duração do relacionamento) e a vinculação (bonding) entre o pai e o bebé.Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo-correlacional, de natureza quantitativa, com uma amostra de 349 pais com média de idade de 31,84 anos (dp= 6,067). O instrumento de colheita de dados foi o questionário que permitiu caracterizar a amostra nas variáveis sociodemográficas e a Escala de Bonding (Figueiredo et al., 2005).Resultados: Os resultados demonstram que o bonding positivo é influenciado pela idade (p=0,010), sendo mais elevado nos pais com idade igual ou inferior a 30 anos. No que concerne às habilitações literárias, verificou-se que quanto menor é a escolaridade dos pais, maior é o bonding positivo (p=0,045).Por outro lado o estado civil e a duração do relacionamento não influenciam o bonding.Conclusão: Face à importância do processo de vinculação pai/bebe, cujo envolvimento debe existir desde o início da gravidez, é imprescindível que o Enfermeiro especialista em saúde materna assuma a responsabilidade de educar e estimular o bonding paterno apoiando e integrando o pai no processo de adaptação à parentalidade.Palavras-chave: Pai; Bebé; Bonding; gravidez


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clécio Gabriel Souza ◽  
Marcelo Cardoso Souza ◽  
Hugo Jario Silva ◽  
Sanderson Assis ◽  
Diego Sousa Dantas

Abstract Background: Rheumatic diseases are increasingly present in the world population, represented by chronic joint and musculoskeletal pain. Among them, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent. It is considered the third most prevalent chronic non-communicable disease in the Brazilian population, being responsible for a high rate of physical disability and reduced quality of life. Little has been discussed about the social factors associated with this health condition. This study aimed to analyze the social factors associated with arthritis in the Brazilian population.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study based on data from the 2013 National Health Survey in Brazil with arthritis as its main outcome. Sex, age, body weight, usual activities, physical activity, self-perceived health and diagnosis of depression were analyzed as independent variables. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Poisson multiple regression was performed, and the prevalence ratio (PR) and confidence interval (CI) of 95% were calculated using a significance level of 5% (p≤0.05).Results: A total of 60,202 individuals of both sexes took part in this study and the rheumatic diseases or arthrtitis prevalence was 6.4%. The individual factors associated with a higher prevalence of arthritis were female (PR = 2.09; CI = 1.95-2.25), age over 35 years (PR = 2.88; CI = 2.57-3.24) and excess body weight (PR = 1.61; CI = 1.25-2.07). The presence of rhemautic diseases showed an association with lower performance of usual activities (PR = 1.61; CI = 1.50-1.73) and self-perceived health as very poor (PR = 3.96; CI = 3.31-4.72). In addition, it was associated with a higher prevalence of mental illnesses such as depression (PR = 1.77; CI = 1.64-1.90).Conclusion: Social and modifiable factors which are associated with a higher prevalence of arthritis can be controlled through incentive measures such as social participation and physical activity.


Author(s):  
Thaynã Alves Bezerra ◽  
Paulo Felipe Ribeiro Bandeira ◽  
Anastácio Neco de Souza Filho ◽  
Cain Craig Truman Clark ◽  
Jorge Augusto Pinto Silva Mota ◽  
...  

Background: The relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and fundamental motor skill (FMS) is inconsistent in early childhood, due to its complex and nonlinear characteristics. This study aimed to analyze the nonlinear relationships between MVPA, FMS, body mass index (BMI), sex, and age in preschoolers. Methods: This cross-sectional study with preschoolers (n = 204; 4.0 [0.8] y old; 99 boys), provided objective physical activity data, FMS assessments, and BMI. The associations between MVPA, FMS, BMI, sex, and age were explored using the network analysis (RStudio and qgraph). Results: Boys were more motor competent than girls in all FMS skills, while girls were more active than boys during the weekend. Older children were less active than their younger peers during these days. MVPA is weak and differently related to each FMS, and the leap skill emerged with the highest betweenness and strength values in the network. Conclusions: For the assessed preschoolers, when considering BMI, age, and sex, the relationships between MVPA and FMS are inconsistent, and leap emerged as the main variable. During early childhood, these variables are connected as part of a complex system in which each skill has a dynamic role within the emerging pattern.


Author(s):  
Carlos M. Arango-Paternina ◽  
Jhon F. Ramírez-Villada ◽  
Annie A. Tibaduiza-Romero ◽  
Leonardo Rodríguez-Perdomo

The identification of social network factors associated with gait speed may offer different perspectives for improving community and clinical interventions for older adults. The objective of this study was to explore the associations of the social network of friends with gait speed. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of 128 older adult women recruited in community groups of physical activity. Clinical screening, social network questions, body composition evaluation, and gait speed test were applied to the participants. Logistic regression models were used to analyze associations between characteristics of the social network of friends and high gait speed. Findings indicated that social isolation was not associated with high gait speed and that popularity and proportion of friends with high gait speed were significantly associated with high gait speed. Findings suggested that there was a relationship between social network factors and the ability to perform high gait speed.


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