scholarly journals Messagerunner: Gamifying Behavioural Change Through Mobile Media

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Xudong Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Transtheoretical Model ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Behavioural Intervention ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Persuasive Technologies

<p>This research proposes a design solution that integrates gamification and behavioural change theories into a mobile fitness application to promote and maintain physical activity for young adults. This research proposes that the usability of mobile apps on behavioural modification can be improved by integrating psychological interventional methods into the product design. The design output, Messagerunner, will provoke critical reflection about the future design of mobile fitness applications. During the design process, I identified and collected related theories to analyse existing precedents, and then extracted design methods and criteria. Various methodologies including literature analysis, contextual inquiry, and iterative prototyping support the design solution.   Messagerunner seeks to balance the tedious exercise routine with the enjoyment from gamification. It uses widely accepted theories and methods on behavioural intervention to promote physical activity. This research was started by analysing the benefits and cost of behavioural intervention counselling and mobile persuasive technologies. Mobile applications have the benefits of being low cost and easy to access, compared to counselling. However, the existing applications have limits compared to professional intervention. Design solutions that combine intervention methods with persuasive technologies could lead to a better management for sedentary lifestyles.   Messagerunner adopts activity promotion methods drawn from a range of theories. These includes the transtheoretical model (TTM), the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) , and flow theory. The design of the app is inspired by three precedents: Pokémon Go, Habitica, and Run An Empire. To test the method, the design process includes contextual inquiry, prototyping, and user testing. The design outcomes apply to users worldwide and reflect on the design of current commercial fitness apps. The outputs produce a concept and UI design for the final iteration of Messagerunner. This research will provide insightful perspectives for future designs for fitness applications.</p>

scholarly journals Messagerunner: Gamifying Behavioural Change Through Mobile Media

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Xudong Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Transtheoretical Model ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Behavioural Intervention ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Persuasive Technologies

<p>This research proposes a design solution that integrates gamification and behavioural change theories into a mobile fitness application to promote and maintain physical activity for young adults. This research proposes that the usability of mobile apps on behavioural modification can be improved by integrating psychological interventional methods into the product design. The design output, Messagerunner, will provoke critical reflection about the future design of mobile fitness applications. During the design process, I identified and collected related theories to analyse existing precedents, and then extracted design methods and criteria. Various methodologies including literature analysis, contextual inquiry, and iterative prototyping support the design solution.   Messagerunner seeks to balance the tedious exercise routine with the enjoyment from gamification. It uses widely accepted theories and methods on behavioural intervention to promote physical activity. This research was started by analysing the benefits and cost of behavioural intervention counselling and mobile persuasive technologies. Mobile applications have the benefits of being low cost and easy to access, compared to counselling. However, the existing applications have limits compared to professional intervention. Design solutions that combine intervention methods with persuasive technologies could lead to a better management for sedentary lifestyles.   Messagerunner adopts activity promotion methods drawn from a range of theories. These includes the transtheoretical model (TTM), the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) , and flow theory. The design of the app is inspired by three precedents: Pokémon Go, Habitica, and Run An Empire. To test the method, the design process includes contextual inquiry, prototyping, and user testing. The design outcomes apply to users worldwide and reflect on the design of current commercial fitness apps. The outputs produce a concept and UI design for the final iteration of Messagerunner. This research will provide insightful perspectives for future designs for fitness applications.</p>

scholarly journals Beyond TTM and ABC: A Practice Perspective on Physical Activity Promotion for Adolescent Females from Disadvantaged Backgrounds

Societies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 80
Author(s):  
Ellyse Hopkins ◽  
Nicola Bolton ◽  
David Brown ◽  
Nic Matthews ◽  
Melissa Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Transtheoretical Model ◽  
Practice Theory ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Change Models ◽  
Disadvantaged Women ◽  
Activity Promotion

This paper builds on a growing body of literature on the promise of practice theory in understanding and promoting behavior change in society and develops upon Blue (2017) and Spotswood et al.’s (2019) rationale for evolving theories of practice into the domain of contemporary physical activity research. We begin by considering the intersectional nature of the problem. Statistics reveal that physical activity gradients exist based on gender, as well as socio-economic position. Women, girls, and disadvantaged populations report lower levels of activity than more affluent males and females. More problematic still is what StreetGames (2017) call the “double jeopardy”, where these characteristics intersect, intensifying the negative gradient. Our argument then comprises three parts. First, we provide a critical discussion of intervention studies seeking to transform exercise behavior amongst these populations. The issue we identify is that studies typically rely on behavior change models, such as the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and the ABC framework. However, these models tend to take insufficient account of the practical and social aspects of behavior change in physical activity, and thus their subjects often succumb to value-action gaps (Shove, 2010). Second, in contrast, we propose that practice theory provides a promising alternative theoretical lens for promoting behavior change in disadvantaged and often resistant populations. Third, the paper highlights a range of conceptual considerations for exploring the relationship between young, disadvantaged women and physical activity, as well as the development of tangible solutions to improve participation.

scholarly journals Physical activity promotion in daily exercise therapy: the perspectives of exercise therapists in German rehabilitation settings

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Geidl ◽  
Judith Wais ◽  
Cheyenne Fangmann ◽  
Ewnet Demisse ◽  
Klaus Pfeifer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Exercise Therapy ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Rehabilitation Team ◽  
Activity Promotion

Abstract Background This study aims to explore exercise therapists’ perspectives on the topic of physical activity promotion (PAP) with a focus on identifying (i) the intervention content and methodological approaches used for promoting physical activity (PA) in daily practice and (ii) the barriers and facilitators that affect PAP. Methods This qualitative study comprised the heads of exercise therapy departments (n = 58; 41% women; mean age = 45 years) from different rehabilitation clinics in Germany. Each participant took part in a semi-structured focus-group discussion on PAP in exercise therapy. The findings of the focus groups were processed and interpreted using a conventional qualitative content analysis. Results The exercise therapists demonstrated detailed didactic–methodological strategies and action orientations for PAP. The identified core topics of the content and methods of PAP were (1) conceptualization, (2) exercise and PA for enjoyment and pleasure, (3) education with practice–theory combinations, (4) media and materials for self-directed training, and (5) strategies to enhance personal responsibility and independence. The core topics for the associated barriers and facilitators were (1) structural conditions, (2) the role of exercise therapists, (3) the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, (4) rehabilitant experiences and expectations, and (5) aftercare services. Conclusion The topic of PAP is addressed with a high level of variability; exercise therapists involved in this study identify various methods and content for the promotion of PA within their individual practices. However, they display a limited awareness of existing evidence- and theory-based concepts for the promotion of PA as well as underlying theories of behavioural change. This variability may be due to the lack of a defined common framework for promoting PA, insufficient emphasis being placed on PA promotion in the current curricula and training, or extensive conceptual differences within German exercise therapy departments (e.g. different weighting of PAP).

Design of Chirp Signal Based on NIOS

2014 ◽  
Vol 889-890 ◽  
pp. 881-885
Author(s):  
Ling Gang Zeng ◽  
Shou Liang Yang ◽  
Xing Xing Mu
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Hardware Design ◽  
Signal Generator ◽  
Frequency Resolution ◽  
Design Solution ◽  
Chirp Signal ◽  
Frequency Bandwidth ◽  
Matlab Simulink ◽  
Dsp Builder

This paper analyzes the function of chirp. A design solution based on SOPC technology chirp signal put forward after the function had been studied both the hardware design and implement method. The chirp signal generator based on SOPC is designed according to the design process of Matlab/Simulink/DSP Builder/ QuartusII. The generator can produce the chirp signal well which is verified by the Matlab/Simulink and QuartusII. The starting frequency, bandwidth, and frequency resolution of chirp signal can be revamped by utilizing SOPC technology. This method is easier to implement since it is simple to design, easy to modify, low cost, no programming.

Education outside the classroom as upstream school health promotion: ‘adding-in’ physical activity into children’s everyday life and settings

2021 ◽  
pp. 140349482199371
Author(s):  
Peter Bentsen ◽  
Lærke Mygind ◽  
Peter Elsborg ◽  
Glen Nielsen ◽  
Erik Mygind
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
School Health ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Teaching Activities ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
The Individual

Introduction: It is central for public health to answer questions related to how to change health and wellbeing in populations through interdisciplinarity and health in all policies and sectors. For a school physical activity promotion initiative to be acceptable and thus feasible, the buy-in of teachers is fundamental. Therefore, school physical activity promotion should be integrated into and support teaching activities. Aims: We discuss the use of education outside the classroom as a feasible pedagogical approach that integrates and promotes physical activity for school children. Methods: We present and discuss theoretical arguments and empirical evidence to argue and illustrate that education outside the classroom is a promising approach for promoting physical activity. Results: Education outside the classroom is characterised by regular curriculum-based experiential teaching activities outside the classroom with the inclusion of physical activity as a means to pedagogical ends. School subjects are taught outside the classroom drawing on problem-based learning and experiential education. Here, physical activity is integrated without compromising curriculum goals which increases teacher buy-in and thereby intervention acceptability and feasibility. Empirical evidence suggests that education outside the classroom increases boys’ moderate to vigorous physical activity and girls’ light intensity physical activity. We contend that the mechanisms are a mix of place, pedagogy and pupil motivations. Conclusions: Education outside the classroom is a feasible and acceptable approach to public health and physical activity promotion because it is integrated into children’s everyday settings through curriculum time and applied broadly to child populations at a low cost. The practice of education outside the classroom is context-dependent and culturally bound, and practices therefore need to be adapted to the individual sociocultural context.

scholarly journals What works best when implementing a physical activity intervention for teenagers? Reflections from the ACTIVE Project: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e025618
Author(s):  
Michaela James ◽  
Danielle Christian ◽  
Samantha Scott ◽  
Charlotte Todd ◽  
Gareth Stratton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Support Worker ◽  
Local Council ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Registration Number

ObjectiveThis paper explores what aspects of a multicomponent intervention were deemed strengths and weaknesses by teenagers and the local council when promoting physical activity to young people.DesignQualitative findings at 12 months from a mixed method randomised control trial.MethodsActive Children Through Incentive Vouchers—Evaluation (ACTIVE) gave teenagers £20 of activity enabling vouchers every month for a year. Peer mentors were also trained and a support worker worked with teenagers to improve knowledge of what was available. Semistructured focus groups took place at 12 months to assess strengths and weaknesses of the intervention. Eight focus groups (n=64 participants) took place with teenagers and one additional focus group was dedicated to the local council’s sport development team (n=8 participants). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsTeenagers used the vouchers on three main activities: trampolining, laser tag or the water park. These appeal to both genders, are social, fun and require no prior skill or training. Choice and financial support for teenagers in deprived areas was considered a strength by teenagers and the local council. Teenagers did not engage with a trained peer mentor but the support worker was considered helpful.ConclusionsThe ACTIVE Project’s delivery had both strengths and weakness that could be used to underpin future physical activity promotion. Future interventions should focus on improving access to low cost, fun, unstructured and social activities rather than structured organised exercise/sport. The lessons learnt from this project can help bridge the gap between what is promoted to teenagers and what they actually want from activity provision.Trial registration numberISRCTN75594310

Self-Care Posters Serve as a Low-Cost Option for Physical Activity Promotion of Hospital Nurses

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 354-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcella Raney ◽  
Erin Van Zanten
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Hospital Nurses ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
The Impact

Hospital nurses play an important role in the nation’s short- and long-term patient care. At the same time, nurses often experience high levels of occupational stress and participate in low levels of physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of self-monitoring and a poster campaign on the PA behaviors of hospital nurses. Motivational and instructional exercise posters were hung in break rooms of experimental units and replaced biweekly for 8 weeks. A total of 26 nurses (control: n = 13; experimental: n = 13) wore accelerometers for 3 workdays pre-, mid-, and postintervention. Participants were provided a step counter at baseline and a PA report at each stage. Moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and step count (SC) increased pre- to midintervention for control (MVPA: 14.8 ± 7.6%; SC: 19.1 ± 7.8%) and experimental (MVPA: 26.7 ± 18.5%, SC: 17.6 ± 8.3%) participants. Physical activity levels returned to baseline postintervention for control ( p > .05) and increased mid- to postintervention for experimental (MVPA: 16.2 ± 5.2%, SC: 10.7 ± 4.7%, p < .05) participants. In conclusion, a low-cost, self-care poster campaign may increase PA levels of hospital nurses when combined with personalized PA feedback.

scholarly journals Physical activity promotion in daily exercise therapy: The perspectives of exercise therapists in German rehabilitation settings

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Geidl ◽  
Judith Wais ◽  
Cheyenne Fangmann ◽  
Ewnet Demisse ◽  
Klaus Pfeifer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Exercise Therapy ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Rehabilitation Team ◽  
Activity Promotion

Abstract Abstract Background This study aims to explore exercise therapists’ perspectives on the topic of physical activity promotion (PAP) with a focus on identifying (i) the intervention content and methodological approaches used for promoting physical activity (PA) in daily practice and (ii) the barriers and facilitators that affect PAP. Methods This qualitative study comprised the heads of exercise therapy departments (n = 58; 41% women; mean age = 45 years) from different rehabilitation clinics in Germany. Each participant took part in a semi-structured focus-group discussion on PAP in exercise therapy. The findings of the focus groups were processed and interpreted using a conventional qualitative content analysis. Results The exercise therapists demonstrated detailed didactic–methodological strategies and action orientations for PAP. The identified core topics of the content and methods of PAP were (1) conceptualization, (2) exercise and PA for enjoyment and pleasure, (3) education with practice–theory combinations, (4) media and materials for self-directed training, and (5) strategies to enhance personal responsibility and independence. The core topics for the associated barriers and facilitators were (1) structural conditions, (2) the role of exercise therapists, (3) the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, (4) rehabilitant experiences and expectations, and (5) aftercare services. Conclusion The topic of PAP is addressed with a high level of variability; exercise therapists involved in this study identify various methods and content for the promotion of PA within their individual practices. However, they display a limited awareness of existing evidence- and theory-based concepts for the promotion of PA as well as underlying theories of behavioural change. This variability may be due to the lack of a defined common framework for promoting PA, insufficient emphasis being placed on PA promotion in the current curricula and training, or extensive conceptual differences within German exercise therapy departments (e.g. different weighting of PAP).

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