scholarly journals Motivational strategies and approaches for single and multi-player exergames: a social perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e230
Author(s):  
Gerry Chan ◽  
Ali Arya ◽  
Rita Orji ◽  
Zhao Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Situational Interest ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
The Many ◽  
Game Elements ◽  
Physical Activity Duration

Background Exergames have attracted the interest of academics, practitioners, and designers, in domains as diverse as health, human-computer interaction, psychology, and information technology. This is primarily because exergames can make the exercise experience more enjoyable and entertaining, and in turn, can increase exercise levels. Despite the many benefits of exergames, they suffer from retention problems. Thus, the objective of this article was to review theories and game elements that have been empirically examined or employed in an attempt to make exergames more motivating so people engage in sustained physical activity (duration of physical activity) in a repeating pattern over time (frequency of physical activity). Methodology A literature search and narrative review were conducted. Results Five major theories and elements were prevalent in the exergaming literature: (1) self-determination theory, (2) gamification, (3) competition and cooperation, (4) situational interest, and (5) social interaction. These theories and elements are important for encouraging long-term play and show promise for designing exergames to promote sustained engagement and motivate physical activity. We discuss their strengths and weaknesses throughout the paper. Conclusions The long-term effectiveness of exergame interventions is unclear mainly because of the limited amount of long-term studies. Better metrics are also needed to evaluate this effectiveness. We also identified particular attention to social factors and group dynamics, such as multi-player exergames and more effective player matchmaking strategies for increasing social connectedness, as a key area of future research.

Perspectives and Experiences Related to Physical Activity of Elders in Long-Term-Care Settings

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine J. Phillips ◽  
Marcia Flesner
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Situational Factors ◽  
Home Exercise ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exercise Programs ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Supervised Exercise ◽  
Group Interviews

This qualitative study investigated individual and situational factors influencing physical activity (PA) practices of elders in residential-care/assisted-living (RC/ AL) communities. This article describes the results of focus-group interviews involving 47 residents across 6 RC/AL settings. Thematic analysis revealed 6 themes: staying active, past PA experiences, value of PA, barriers to PA, strategies to facilitate PA, and support needs to promote PA. Staying active meant walking indoors and out, attending chair-exercise programs, performing professionally prescribed home exercises, and using available exercise equipment. Past PA experiences shaped current preferences and practices. Participants agreed that exercise helped maintain physical functioning but recounted cognitive and situational barriers to PA. Lack of dedicated exercise space and short corridors hampered efforts to stay active. Participants wished for individualized home exercise programs and supervised exercise sessions. Future research should examine the extent to which the physical environment and PA programming in RC/AL communities affect elders’ PA.

Effects of Leadership Style and Group Dynamics on Enjoyment of Physical Activity

2000 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 277-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley D. Fox ◽  
W. Jack Rejeski ◽  
Lise Gauvin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Leadership Style ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
The Other ◽  
Future Research ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Single Session ◽  
Supportive Leadership ◽  
Group Environment

Purpose. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the independent and combined effects of leadership style and group dynamics on the enjoyment of physical activity. Design. A completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design was used in which the manipulation of “leadership style” (socially enriched vs. bland) was crossed with a manipulation of “group dynamics” (socially enriched vs. bland). Setting. The study was conducted in an aerobics studio on a university campus. Subjects. The sample included 48 male and 42 female undergraduate students who were moderately active. Intervention. Each participant was involved in a single session of step aerobics. A female graduate student provided either an enriched or bland series of interactions to manipulate leadership style, and a trained group of planted undergraduates was used to promote either an enriched or bland group environment. Measures. The outcome measures of interest were enjoyment and the probability of engaging in a similar activity in the future. Results. Participants in the enriched leadership style plus enriched group dynamics condition reported higher enjoyment than did participants in the other three conditions. On average, the level of enjoyment was 22.07% higher in this condition than in the other three conditions (p < .001). The probability of future involvement was 13.93% higher for participants in the enriched group environment, irrespective of leadership style (p < .03). Conclusions. Enjoyment during physical activity is optimized when a positive and supportive leadership style is coupled with an enriched and supportive group environment. Future research is required to extend these findings to other activities and populations.

Youth Motivation and Participation in Sport and Physical Activity

2012 ◽  
pp. 519-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen R. Weiss ◽  
Anthony J. Amorose ◽  
Lindsay E. Kipp
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Activity Involvement ◽  
The Many ◽  
Achievement Contexts ◽  
Activity Domain ◽  
Physical Activity Domain

Sports and physical activities are ubiquitous achievement contexts for children and adolescents worldwide. Motivation to initiate, continue, and sustain physical activity involvement is important for ensuring positive developmental and healthy outcomes. In this chapter we synthesize and consolidate theory-driven knowledge about determinants and outcomes of youth motivation and participation in sport and physical activity. First, we discuss relevant theoretical frameworks for understanding youth motivation in the physical activity domain. Second, we review empirical research on social-contextual factors and individual differences related to youths’ desire to continue physical activity and opportunities for accruing the many benefits from such participation. Finally, based on our review of literature, we offer several avenues for future research that address gaps in the knowledge base about mechanisms of influence on youths’ motivation and participation in physical activity.

scholarly journals Using a Mobile Social Networking App to Promote Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study of Users’ Perspectives (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huong Ly Tong ◽  
Enrico Coiera ◽  
Liliana Laranjo
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Networking ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Mobile Social Networking

BACKGROUND Despite many health benefits of physical activity, nearly a third of the world’s adult population is insufficiently active. Technological interventions, such as mobile apps, wearable trackers, and Web-based social networks, offer great promise in promoting physical activity, but little is known about users’ acceptability and long-term engagement with these interventions. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to understand users’ perspectives regarding a mobile social networking intervention to promote physical activity. METHODS Participants, mostly university students and staff, were recruited using purposive sampling techniques. Participants were enrolled in a 6-month feasibility study where they were provided with a wearable physical activity tracker (Fitbit Flex 2) and a wireless scale (Fitbit Aria) integrated with a social networking mobile app (named “fit.healthy.me”). We conducted semistructured, in-depth qualitative interviews and focus groups pre- and postintervention, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed in Nvivo 11 using thematic analysis techniques. RESULTS In this study, 55 participants were enrolled; 51% (28/55) were females, and the mean age was 23.6 (SD 4.6) years. The following 3 types of factors emerged from the data as influencing engagement with the intervention and physical activity: individual (self-monitoring of behavior, goal setting, and feedback on behavior), social (social comparison, similarity and familiarity between users, and participation from other users in the network), and technological. In addition, automation and personalization were observed as enhancing the delivery of both individual and social aspects. Technological limitations were mentioned as potential barriers to long-term usage. CONCLUSIONS Self-regulatory techniques and social factors are important to consider when designing a physical activity intervention, but a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to satisfy different users’ preferences. Future research should adopt innovative research designs to test interventions that can adapt and respond to users’ needs and preferences throughout time.

Status Quo or Drop-Off: Do Older Adults Maintain Benefits From Choose to Move—A Scaled-Up Physical Activity Program—12 Months After Withdrawing From the Intervention?

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Heather A. McKay ◽  
Lindsay Nettlefold ◽  
Joanie Sims-Gould ◽  
Heather M. Macdonald ◽  
Karim M. Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Secondary Objective ◽  
Baseline Values

Background: Choose to Move is one of few scaled-up health-promoting interventions for older adults. The authors evaluated whether Choose to Move participants maintained their intervention-related gains in physical activity (PA), mobility, and social connectedness 12 months after the intervention ended. Methods: The authors assessed PA, mobility, loneliness, social isolation, and muscle strength via questionnaire and objective measures in 235 older adults at 0 months (baseline), 6 months (end of intervention), and 18 months (12-months postintervention). The authors fitted linear mixed models to examine the change in each outcome from 6 to 18 months (primary objective) and 0 to 18 months (secondary objective) and reported by age group (60–74 and ≥75 y). Results: In younger participants, PA decreased between 6 and 18 months, but remained significantly higher than at baseline. Intervention-related benefits in loneliness, social isolation, mobility, and muscle strength were maintained between 6 and 18 months in the younger participants. Older participants maintained their intervention benefits in loneliness, mobility, and muscle strength. When compared with baseline values, PA levels in older participants were unchanged, whereas social isolation increased. Conclusions: Older adults maintained some, but not all, health benefits of Choose to Move 12 months after the intervention ended. Long-term commitments are needed to deliver effective health-promoting interventions for older adults if benefits are to be maintained.

Characteristics of tree hollows used by Australian birds and bats

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ross L. Goldingay
Keyword(s):  
Research Effort ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Tree Hollows ◽  
Dead Trees ◽  
Australian Birds ◽  
Absolute Requirement ◽  
Passive Rewarming ◽  
The Many

Many hundreds of species of wildlife worldwide are dependent on tree hollows (cavities) for their survival. I reviewed the published literature for hollow-using Australian birds and microbats to document their tree-hollow requirements and to guide future research and management. Such information is vital to the conservation of these species. The hollow requirements of only 35 of 114 hollow-using bird species and 15 of 42 hollow-using microbat species were documented in some detail. This overall paucity of information limits the ability to manage for the future requirements of species. However, some generalisations can guide management until further studies are conducted. Most species used a variety of available tree species, and the extensive use of dead trees probably reflects the high likelihood of these trees containing hollows. Birds (other than large parrots) and bats chose hollow entrances of a size close to body width. Large parrots require large hollows, with a preference for large vertical spouts and trunk hollows. Few birds or bats demonstrated an absolute requirement for high (>10 m) tree hollows, with most (70%) using some hollows with entrances ≤5 m above ground. Temperature has been postulated to influence roost selection among microbats because it enables passive rewarming from torpor and there is some evidence from Australian bats to support this. Many studies suggest a future shortage of hollow-bearing trees. Currently, artificial hollows appear to be the most likely interim solution to address this. Knowledge of the natural hollow requirements of species can be used to refine artificial-hollow designs. An increase in research effort is needed to address the many gaps in knowledge that currently exist. Priorities for research include (1) many additional studies to document the characteristics of the hollow-bearing trees used by species of microbat, (2) the need to conduct long-term bioregional studies of hollow-bearing tree attrition to help identify where management responses are most needed and (3) investigating whether fire plays a significant role in the creation of tree hollows of a range of size classes and therefore may have a management use. Such information has broad relevance because it will provide ecological insight that can be applied to the management of hollow-using birds and bats elsewhere in the world.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Interventions Among Older Adults: A Literature Review

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jo-Ana D. Chase
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
The Past ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Research Findings

Physical activity (PA) is important in the management of chronic illness among older adults worldwide. Researchers have conducted several intervention studies to increase PA behavior in this population. This review of the past 12 years of relevant PA intervention research among adults aged 60 years and older systematically summarized research findings, identified characteristics of successful interventions, and proposed areas of future research. There were 20 studies reviewed for this article, most employing a combination of cognitive-behavioral intervention design. Cognitive-based only and combination interventions were more successful in changing PA behavior; however, behavioral-based interventions demonstrated more long-term changes in PA behavior. Among theory-based interventions, self-efficacy was the most commonly operationalized construct. Findings from this review may inform future primary research to promote PA behavior among older adults, as well as gerontological clinical practice.

Pre-stroke physical activity and admission stroke severity: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302199527
Author(s):  
Stanley H Hung ◽  
Deena Ebaid ◽  
Sharon Kramer ◽  
Emilio Werden ◽  
Helen Baxter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Treatment Delivery ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Activity Duration ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Distal Occlusion ◽  
Physical Activity Duration

Background Admission stroke severity is an important clinical predictor of stroke outcomes. Pre-stroke physical activity contributes to stroke prevention and may also be associated with reduced stroke severity. Summarizing the evidence to date will inform strategies to reduce burden after stroke. Aims To summarize the published evidence for the relationship between pre-stroke physical activity and admission stroke severity and to provide recommendations for future research. Summary of review MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CENTRAL, and gray literature databases were searched on 14 February 2020 using search terms related to stroke and pre-stroke physical activity in adult stroke survivors. We screened 8,152 references and assessed 172 full-text references for eligibility. We included seven studies ( n = 41,800 stroke survivors). All studies were observational, assessed pre-stroke physical activity using self-reported questionnaires, and assessed admission stroke severity using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Analyses were categorized as the presence of pre-stroke physical activity (four studies) or dose-response (five studies). In three studies, presence of pre-stroke physical activity was associated with milder stroke severity, and no association in one study. Greater pre-stroke physical activity duration and intensity (two studies) or amount (three studies) were associated with milder stroke severity. Studies ranged between moderate to critical risk of bias, primarily due to confounding factors. Pre-stroke physical activity may be associated with reduced risk factors for severe stroke, distal occlusion, smaller infarcts, and shorter time-to-treatment delivery. Conclusion Pre-stroke physical activity may be associated with reduced admission stroke severity. Lack of randomized controlled trials limited causality conclusions. Future research recommendations were provided.

scholarly journals Outdoor Public Recreation Spaces And Social Connectedness Among Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Rivera ◽  
Jenny Veitch ◽  
Venurs HY Loh ◽  
Jo Salmon ◽  
Ester Cerin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sports Facilities ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Public Recreation ◽  
Multilevel Linear Regression

Abstract Background: Outdoor public recreation spaces are important settings for leisure and physical activity. Adolescents’ use of these spaces may be related to their social connectedness; however, research on this topic is limited. This study examined associations of frequency of visitation and physical activity in outdoor public recreation spaces with social connectedness among adolescents in Melbourne, Australia. Methods: Adolescents self-reported their frequency of visitation to parks, trails, beach/lake, and sports facilities; frequency of physical activity in a park, local street or path, and their street; and social connectedness. Separate analyses were conducted for visitation (n=349, 15.4±1.6 years, 58% female) and physical activity (n=441, 15.4±1.6 years, 59% female) using multilevel linear regression models. Results: No significant associations were observed for frequency of visitation to a park (B = 0.86, 95% CI= -0.26, 1.99), trails (B = 0.41, 95% CI= -0.61, 1.44), beach/lake (B = -0.44, 95% CI= -1.46, 0.57), or sports facilities (B =0.64, 95% CI= -0.43, 1.70), nor for frequency of physical activity in their street (B = -0.07, 95% CI= -0.46, 0.31), local streets/paths (B = -0.05, 95% CI= -0.43, 0.33) or in parks (B = 0.23, 95% CI= -0.14, 0.60) with adolescents’ social connectedness. Conclusions: The findings did not support the hypothesis that visiting and being active in outdoor public recreation spaces are associated with adolescents’ social connectedness. Future research should consider the duration and context of outdoor public recreation space use (e.g., sports, socialising, relaxing alone) and whether different types and/or a combination of public spaces are more/less conducive to social connectedness.

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.

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