scholarly journals User Preferences Related to Multimedia Elements of a Mobile Application to Prevent Postpartum Diabetes: A Study with Focus Groups (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yisel Pinillos-Patiño ◽  
Yaneth Herazo-Beltrán ◽  
Orlando Rodríguez ◽  
Amada Esther Escorcia Bermejo ◽  
Enrique Martelo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Visual Elements ◽  
Healthy Habits

BACKGROUND Designing and implementing strategies using information technology to support programs that stimulate a healthy lifestyle in primary care plays an important role in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases. OBJECTIVE To understand user preferences related to the characteristics of an application that promotes and provides education on healthy habits in order to correctly design multimedia elements. METHODS Comprehensive qualitative study with an hermeneutical strategy, which gathered information using well-researched questions that were posed to focus groups consisting of 32 participants. These participants were asked for opinions related to multimedia elements to display educational messages about physical activity and healthy eating in a mobile application. Three analysis categories of multimedia elements: text, visual elements, and audio elements. RESULTS The majority of participants, 93.75%, are in the low socioeconomic stratum; 68.75% are in a civil union with their partner; 53.12% completed or failed to complete secondary school and 68.75% are housemakers. Based on the qualitative results, we found that mobile applications become mediating tools that support the adoption of actions that tend to improve lifestyles and increase knowledge about proper nutrition and physical activity. Message text used in mobile applications should promote the use of healthy habits and remind users of their benefits. Images and videos should be accompanied by text and audio to provide greater clarity regarding recommendations of healthy habits. CONCLUSIONS Technology serves as a complement to health care, improving the accessibility and availability of timely care and enabling customized health self-management.

Does physical and health education classes improve physical fitness?

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Chow ◽  
Drew Hollenberg ◽  
Cooper Midroni ◽  
Stuart Cumner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
School Year ◽  
Healthy Habits ◽  
Physical And Health Education ◽  
High Intensity Interval

AbstractTraditional continuous exercise, as well as low-volume high-intensity interval training in adults, have shown to offer benefits to one’s cardio-metabolic health. With the benefits of physical activity being proven without a doubt, education curricula around the world have implemented physical and health education programs with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle through physical activity and healthy habits. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether physical and health education, alone without any change, improved heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SP) and diastolic blood pressure (DP) of adolescents at Crescent School. HR, SP and DP of students were recorded before and immediately after they ran 1 mile, and statistical analyses were conducted to determine whether there was any difference in HR, SP and DP from baseline at the beginning of the year to Term 2, the middle of the school year. While mile-run times did improve from baseline to Term 2, SP, DP and HR did not significantly change from one term to another. This study does suggest that SP, DP and HR are not affected by physical and health education classes, but it is important to keep in mind that the sample group was already a very healthy and active group.

scholarly journals Physical activity and diet among adolescents of Kathmandu, Nepal: Knowledge and attitudes

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Pahlm ◽  
J Svensson ◽  
S K Joshi ◽  
K Swahnberg
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Phenomenological Method ◽  
Healthy Life ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Unhealthy Diet

Background: Non-communicable diseases are becoming more prevalent in Nepal and many risk factors attributing to these diseases are behaviour-related and therefore preventable. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes among students of grade eight and nine in Kathmandu toward physical activity and diet and their knowledge about how it affects their health. Methods: We conducted four focus groups that included 24 students to explore knowledge and attitudes toward physical activity among them. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim later. Method described by K. Malterud, inspired by Giorgi’s phenomenological method was used to analyze the transcribed material. Results: Participants considered physical activity to be benefi cial for health in many ways. They also believed that healthy food is important to avoid diseases. Several participants mentioned that a balanced lifestyle is essential for a healthy life. Conclusion: Though the students saw the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet to avoid diseases and stay healthy, most of them did not connect a lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet to possible noncommunicable diseases in the future. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i2.10623Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 2, Issue 4, Apr.-Jun., 2013, Page: 51-58

scholarly journals Impacto de las apps móviles en la actividad física: un meta-análisis (Impact of mobile apps on physical activity: A meta-analysis)

Retos ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 52-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Aznar Díaz ◽  
María Pilar Cáceres Reche ◽  
Juan Manuel Trujillo Torres ◽  
José María Romero Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Revisión Sistemática ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Experimental Group

El uso de aplicaciones (apps) móviles en la práctica deportiva se ha convertido en algo habitual. Cada vez es más común ver a personas practicando deporte mientras utiliza su dispositivo móvil para medir su rendimiento o simplemente por el hecho de estar usando una app lúdica que requiere el desplazamiento. Por tanto, debido a la relevancia de la temática, en este estudio se propuso como objetivo analizar el efecto de las aplicaciones móviles en la actividad física a partir de la revisión de las investigaciones indexadas en las bases de datos Scopus y PubMed (2013-2018). La metodología utilizada ha sido una revisión sistemática con meta-análisis, poniendo el foco de interés concretamente en cinco variables de análisis en base a estudios previos: muestra, aplicación móvil, diseño metodológico, instrumentos de recogida de datos y principales hallazgos. La muestra se compuso por investigaciones de carácter empírico con mínimo de un grupo experimental y otro control (n = 18). Entre los resultados, se constata la variabilidad de apps utilizadas en la actividad física, así como el efecto estadísticamente significativo a favor del grupo experimental. Finalmente, los dispositivos móviles son un potente recurso para la mejora y aumento de la práctica deportiva, al mismo tiempo que se establecen nuevos componentes motivacionales para realizar deporte y sus implicaciones en la enseñanza de la educación física.Abstract. The use of mobile applications (apps) in sports has become common practice. It is increasingly common to see people practicing sports while using their mobile device to measure their performance or simply because they are using a playful app that requires movement. Therefore, due to the relevance of the subject, this study aimed to analyse the effect of mobile applications on physical activity from the review of the research indexed in the Scopus and PubMed databases (2013-2018). The methodology used was a systematic review with meta-analysis, placing the focus of interest specifically on five analysis variables based on previous studies: sample, mobile application, methodological design, data collection instruments, and main findings. The sample was composed of empirical research papers with at least one experimental group and another control (n = 18). Among the results, the variability of apps used in physical activity is verified, as well as the statistically significant effect in favour of the experimental group. Finally, mobile devices are a powerful resource for the improvement and increase of sports practice, while establishing new motivational components for sports and their implications in the teaching of physical education.

scholarly journals Cambios en hábitos saludables relacionados con actividad física y sedentarismo durante un confinamiento nacional por covid-19 (Changes in healthy habits regarding physical activity and sedentary lifestyle during a national lockdown due to covid-19)

Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 415-421
Author(s):  
Eva Santos-Miranda ◽  
Javier Rico-Díaz ◽  
Aida Carballo-Fazanes ◽  
Cristian Abelairas-Gómez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Redes Sociales ◽  
Humanitarian Crisis ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Healthy Habits

  El presente estudio analizó el efecto del confinamiento en España derivado de la COVID-19 en niveles de actividad física diaria, ejercicio físico y comportamientos sedentarios. Tras la declaración del estado de alarma, se difundió un cuestionario por redes sociales con preguntas sociodemográficas, actividad física y comportamientos sedentarios. Posteriormente, se envió por correo electrónico otro cuestionario en relación con la nueva situación de confinamiento. Respondieron a ambos cuestionarios 474 participantes. Se registró un aumento del peso e índice de masa corporal durante el confinamiento (p < .001). Aumentó el número de días en los que se realizaba ejercicio físico en tiempo de ocio (p < .001), pero no el tiempo de práctica semanal total. Se redujo el tiempo de actividad física durante actividades académicas y/o profesionales y el tiempo destinado a desplazamientos (p < .001). Se registró un mayor tiempo de sueño, siestas y sedestación (p < .01). El presente estudio evidencia la necesidad de crear estrategias eficaces encaminadas a aumentar la práctica actividad física y promover los hábitos de vida saludables, especialmente durante la actual crisis humanitaria y posibles futuras.  Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a lockdown in Spain due to COVID-19 on the levels of physical activity, exercise and sedentary lifestyle. After declaring state of alarm in Spain, a questionnaire was distributed via social networks with demographic questions, academic and/or employment status, physical activity and sedentary lifestyle. Subsequently, another questionnaire was sent by email in relation to the new lockdown measures. 474 participants replied to both questionnaires. An increase in weight and body mass index was recorded during lockdown (p <0.001). The number of days in which physical activity was practiced during leisure time increased (p <0.001), but the total time of weekly practice stayed the same. The time of physical activity during academic and the time spent walking was reduced, as well as was the time spent walking (p <0.001). Longer sleep, naps and sitting time was also recorded (p <0.01). The present study shows the need to create effective strategies aimed to increase the practice of physical activity and promote a healthy lifestyle during the current humanitarian crisis and possible future ones.

scholarly journals User Preferences Related to Multimedia Elements of a Mobile Application to Prevent Postpartum Diabetes: A Study with Focus Groups (Preprint)

10.2196/13714 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yisel Pinillos-Patiño ◽  
Yaneth Herazo-Beltrán ◽  
Orlando Rodríguez ◽  
Amada Esther Escorcia Bermejo ◽  
Enrique Martelo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
User Preferences ◽  
Postpartum Diabetes

scholarly journals A Focus Group Study Among Inactive Adults Regarding the Perceptions of a Theory-Based Physical Activity App

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicky Nibbeling ◽  
Monique Simons ◽  
Karlijn Sporrel ◽  
Marije Deutekom
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Persuasive Strategies ◽  
Framework Approach ◽  
Design Characteristics

Background: Despite the increasing attention for the positive effects of physical activity (PA), nearly half of the Dutch citizens do not meet the national PA guidelines. A promising method for increasing PA are mobile exercise applications (apps), especially if they are embedded with theoretically supported persuasive strategies (e.g., goal setting and feedback) that align with the needs and wishes of the user. In addition, it is argued that the operationalization of the persuasive strategies could increase the effectiveness of the app, such as the actual content or visualization of feedback. Although much research has been done to examine the preferences for persuasive strategies, little is known about the needs, wishes, and preferences for the design and operationalization of persuasive strategies.Objective: The purpose of this study was to get insight in the needs, wishes, and preferences regarding the practical operationalization of persuasive strategies in a mobile application aimed at promoting PA in healthy inactive adults.Methods: Five semistructured focus groups were performed. During the focus groups, the participants were led into a discussion about the design and operationalization of six predefined theory-based persuasive strategies (e.g., self-monitoring, feedback, goal setting, reminders, rewards, and social support) directed by two moderators. The audio-recorded focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed following the framework approach.Results: Eight men and 17 women between 35 and 55 years (mean age, 49.2) participated in the study. Outcomes demonstrated diverse preferences for implementation types and design characteristics of persuasive strategies in mobile applications. Basic statistics (such as distance, time and calories), positive feedback based on easy-to-achieve goals that relate to health guidelines, and motivating reminders on a relevant moment were preferred. Participants had mixed preferences regarding rewards and a social platform to invite other users to join PA.Conclusions: Findings indicated that in mHealth applications for healthy but inactive adults, persuasive strategies should be designed and implemented in a way that they relate to health guidelines. Moreover, there is a need for an app that can be adapted or can learn based on personal preferences as, for example, preferences with regard to timing of feedback and reminders differed between people.

scholarly journals Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles to Teenagers with Mobile Devices: A Case Study in Portugal

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 315
Author(s):  
María Vanessa Villasana ◽  
Ivan Miguel Pires ◽  
Juliana Sá ◽  
Nuno M. Garcia ◽  
Maria Canavarro Teixeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Physical Activity Monitoring ◽  
Active Lifestyles ◽  
The Relationship

Educating teenagers about nutrition and promoting active lifestyles is essential in reducing the long-term health risks and one idea to achieve this is by using mobile applications. Previous studies showed that the existing mobile applications have similar functionalities, such as intervention with questionnaires, and the use of gamification techniques to improve interactiveness. However, unlike our study, some studies are not validated and verified by healthcare professionals. Additionally, this study intends to promote the interaction between the teenagers and the medical communities. In this study, we analyze the benefits of the proposed mobile application, which features monitoring of physical activity, daily tips and curiosities, questionnaires, and gamification through earning points. Most of the teenagers were satisfied with the physical activity monitoring and found the tips, curiosities, and weekly questionnaires useful. The study started with 26 teenagers from two schools in the center of Portugal that would use the mobile application for five weeks. Still, at the end of the study, only 7 teenagers finalized the study. The decreasing number of teenagers in the study was affected by the lack of social interaction caused by the pandemic situation. During the period, the mobile application would engage the users with notifications on nutrition and physical activity, challenges concerning the number of steps and calories they would have to spend, and questionnaires related to the curiosities and suggestions from the previous week. We used Fisher’s test to investigate the relationship between the assessment obtained in the responses to the questionnaires, and the adoption of healthier eating and sports practices. In summary, participants were satisfied with the mobile application and experienced some improvements in diet and habits.

scholarly journals “Girls Aren’t Meant to Exercise”: Perceived Influences on Physical Activity among Adolescent Girls—The HERizon Project

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Emma S. Cowley ◽  
Paula M. Watson ◽  
Lawrence Foweather ◽  
Sarahjane Belton ◽  
Andrew Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Socioecological Framework

Background. Adolescent girls are less active than boys, with approximately 10% of girls in Ireland and the United Kingdom meeting the minimum recommended daily physical activity (PA) guidelines. This study investigated factors perceived to influence PA among adolescent girls from low socioeconomic areas in order to inform the design of a future intervention (The HERizon Project). Methods. A total of 48 adolescent girls (13–18 years) from low socioeconomic areas of the United Kingdom and Ireland participated in focus groups (n = 8), to explore perspectives of physical activity and the influence of gender within this. Focus groups were thematically analyzed and interpreted within a socioecological framework. Results. Most girls enjoyed PA and were aware of its benefits. They identified both barriers and facilitators to PA at intrapersonal (fear of judgement and changing priorities WITH age), interpersonal (changing social pressures and support from others) and organizational (delivery of PE) levels. Gender inequality was a multilevel factor, crossing all socioecological levels. Conclusion. Although many adolescent girls enjoy PA, their experiences appear to be limited by a fear of judgement and an overarching sense of gender inequality. Future interventions, such as the HERizon Project, should address influences at intrapersonal, interpersonal and organizational levels to promote positive PA experiences for adolescent girls.

scholarly journals Health-Saving Technologies in the Context of Globalization

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4S) ◽  
pp. 63-67
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Starting Point

The article raises problems of the value of human life and health in the context of globalization. Health is defined as the starting point for human self-realization and is viewed from the point of view of the philosophy of prevention and protection. The new paradigm of axiological perception of a person in the unity of his physical characteristics and spiritual coordinates represents the problems of human health, quality of life, opportunities and life expectancy as priorities for social development and public policy, which determines the relevance of theoretical significance and practical development of this problem, the need for comprehensive research in medicine. philosophy, sociology, law and education; improvement of methodological and organizational approaches to the preservation of health, its formation and development. The decline of public health in modern realities necessitated the study of effective mechanisms to increase its level. This article has identified and analyzed technologies that preserve human health. Attention is focused on a healthy lifestyle and motor activity. Provides statistics related to human health and physical activity. Lack of physical activity is considered an important factor in causing noncommunicable diseases. A large role in the formation of a positive attitude to their health is played by international projects aimed at solving the problem of insufficient physical activity. The article discusses the most interesting technologies aimed at overcoming physical inactivity. Revealed their positive dynamics. Effective Ukrainian strategies are also emphasized. The study showed that health-saving technologies are prevention and protection technologies that ensure the psychophysiological safety of a person. They embody strategies aimed at preserving and promoting health and developing a healthy lifestyle. Presented in medical, educational, political and humanitarian discourses. Are a condition for the development and self-regulation of personality. These studies have shown that the formation of requirements for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important social task of medicine, philosophy, sociology, pedagogy and other branches of human knowledge, each individually perceived person and the whole society. In this regard, an integrated approach to its solution.

scholarly journals Use of Community Based Participatory Research to Design Interventions for Healthy Lifestyle in an Alternative Learning Environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110147
Author(s):  
Valeria Cristiani ◽  
Ashok Kumbamu ◽  
Gladys B. Asiedu ◽  
Shirley K. Johnson ◽  
Janna Rae Gewirtz O’Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Community School ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Alternative Learning ◽  
Alternative Learning Environment

Introduction/Objectives Childhood obesity develops as the result of the interplay between individual and environmental factors. Community based participatory research (CBPR) is an effective tool for improving health of communities. There is limited research on CBPR for facilitating healthy lifestyle in community schools with an alternative learning environment. The objective of the study was to explore student and staff perspectives via focus groups on barriers and facilitators for healthy eating and physical activity in a community school with alternative learning environment and to prioritize, design, and implement suggested interventions to improve healthy lifestyle. Methods We conducted qualitative research through 8 focus groups of middle and high school students (n = 40) and 2 focus groups of school staff (n = 8). The school community and research team subsequently identified and implemented interventions for facilitating healthy lifestyle in students within the school environment. Results Barriers identified for healthy lifestyle included lack of motivation, lack of healthy food options at school, inadequate knowledge about healthy lifestyle and insufficient opportunities for physical activity. Facilitators for healthy lifestyle were support and motivation from mentors and knowledge about healthy nutrition. Key strategies implemented were addition of healthier food options, educational materials for healthy eating, creation of a walk path, standing desks in classrooms and additional equipment in the school gymnasium. Conclusions Formative feedback from students and staff was helpful in the implementation of strategies for facilitating healthy lifestyle among students within a community school with an alternative learning environment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document