Web workouts and consumer well-being: The role of digital-physical activity during the UK COVID-19 lockdown

A comparison of physiological intensity and psychological perceptions during three different group exercise formats

Introduction

Past research highlighted that group fitness is an ideal format to meet exercise prescription guidelines. To add, a group enhances exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction. In the last five years, streaming (live classes on screen with other participants visible) and on demand (pre-recorded classes on screen without other participants visible) formats have grown in popularity. Our goal is to compare the physiological intensity and psychological perceptions of live group, live streaming, and non-live on demand classes. We hypothesize that live classes will have the greatest cardiovascular intensity, enjoyment, and satisfaction followed by streaming and finally on demand.

Methods

Fifty-four adults between 18–63 years, who regularly participate in group fitness classes, recorded their heart rate with a chest transmitter during a mixed-martial arts cardiovascular class on consecutive weeks in random order. We calculated the mean, identified the max, and extracted the top 300 values (5 min) for comparison between conditions.

Results

Following each class, the participants completed an online survey to evaluate their rate of perceived exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction. Confirming our hypothesis, mean class heart rate and mean heart rate for the five minutes at the highest intensity were 9% greater during the live group format compared to both live streaming and non-live on demand (all values, p < 0.01). However, there was no difference in any heart rate variables between the streaming and on demand formats. Also, rate of perceived exertion, enjoyment, and satisfaction were all significantly greater during the live session compared to the home collections (all values, p < 0.05).

Discussion

Streaming and on demand group fitness formats are viable options for meeting exercise prescription guidelines. But physiological intensity and psychological perceptions were greater during the live class format.

Effectiveness of Different Modalities of Remote Online Training in Young Healthy Males

Since 2020 there has been an increase in demand for home workouts. Therefore, different ways of delivering distance training have been proposed to promote “stay active at home.” This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three different training programs consisting of a total of 15 workouts (three sessions per week): supervised livestreaming (LS), unsupervised following a video recording (VR), and unsupervised following a written program (WP). Changes in anthropometric and cardiovascular variables, muscle fitness, and physical activity levels were evaluated. To provide a meaningful analysis for significant comparisons between small groups, mean differences (∆), 95% confidence interval (95% C.I.), and Cohen’s effect sizes (E.S.) were also calculated. The three training modalities increased physical activity levels, with an adherence rate of LS = 93.3%, VR = 86%, and WP = 74%. Although there was no reduction in body weight, waist circumference decreased by 1.3 cm (95% C.I. = −2.1, −0.5; E.S. = 0.170; p < 0.004). Furthermore, where LS, VR, and WP resulted in improvements in muscle fitness, only LS showed changes in cardiovascular variables, such as resting heart rate (∆ = −7.3 bpm; 95% C.I. = −11.9, −2.7; E.S. = 1.296; p < 0.001) and Ruffier’s index (∆ = −2.1bpm; 95% C.I. = −3.5, −0.8; E.S. 1.099; p < 0.001). Remote online training proved its effectiveness over a short period of time. However, supervised training proved to be the most effective, highlighting the importance of an experienced trainer.

"I wouldn't have joined if it wasn't online": understanding older people's engagement with teleyoga classes for fall prevention

BACKGROUND

Yoga-based exercise is a promising strategy for promoting healthy ageing, with the potential to reduce falls and increase physical, cognitive and psychological wellbeing. Teleyoga (real-time yoga provided via interactive videoconferencing) can deliver yoga programs at scale, potentially reducing costs, increasing convenience, and reaching people who cannot attend studio-based classes. But better understanding of how older people perceive and engage with teleyoga is needed to optimise its design, implementation and promotion.

METHODS

This study built on a previous realist process evaluation of the SAGE yoga trial which is testing the effect of a yoga-based exercise program on falls among 700 community-dwelling people aged 60 + years. In this second phase of evaluation we conducted focus groups with participants who had completed the SAGE program online and with the yoga instructors who were delivering it. We also conducted interviews with participants who had withdrawn from the trial. Six program theories developed in the earlier evaluation provided a framework for data analysis, supplemented by inductive coding and an analytical workshop.

RESULTS

Participants described physical and psychological benefits from the SAGE teleyoga program. While noting that teleyoga cannot facilitate hands-on correction or the same quality of observation or interaction as studio classes, participants were highly appreciative of their yoga instructors' strategies for optimising visibility, instruction, social connection and therapeutic alliance, and for adapting to constrained home environments. Some participants argued that teleyoga was superior to studio classes due to its accessibility and convenience, its lower exposure to potential embarrassment about physical appearance or capabilities, and a reduced sense of peer competition and distraction. Our program theories applied across studio and online modes of delivery.

CONCLUSION

Teleyoga increases accessibility for people in diverse locations and circumstances; it provides a psychologically safer space which combats self-consciousness and unwanted competitiveness; it may enhance embodiment and mindfulness for some; and it has the potential to be offered relatively cheaply at scale which could support free or reduced price classes for people on low incomes and pensions, thereby encouraging a wider population to engage in yoga for healthy ageing and fall prevention.

Pandemics and consumers' mental well-being

This article presents the immense impact that pandemics can have specifically on consumers' mental well-being, extending many of the well-being topics examined in this special issue on pandemics and consumer well-being. Avenues for future research in the area are suggested, with expanded discussion and future research suggestions related to four consumer characteristics including three areas associated with negative mental well-being (parenthood, suffering with chronic illness, aging, and family) as well as another characteristic associated with positive mental well-being (religion). The article concludes with a pressing call to action for academics and others to step up to the purpose in their careers and make a difference in the world for good in relation to consumers' mental well-being.

Identifying consumer segments based on COVID-19 pandemic perceptions and responses

Consumer responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have varied widely. Thus, marketers need to understand consumer segments based on pandemic-related responses and behaviors. Through two studies conducted 9 months apart, we find that consumers shift from three segments in Study 1-the Apprehensive, the Prepared, and the Dismissive, to two segments in Study 2-the Dedicated and the Dismissive. The Apprehensive feel particularly threatened of the virus. The Prepared and the Dedicated perceive a lower susceptibility but still take the health threat seriously. The Dismissive downplay the threat and exhibit more negative reactions to mitigation measures. We also demonstrate between-segment downstream response differences. While the Apprehensive and the Prepared/Dedicated exhibit positive attitude toward companies enforcing guidelines, the Apprehensive engage in the most panic buying, hoarding, and stockpiling. The Dedicated also express greater stress and less life satisfaction than the Dismissive. The findings offer theoretical and practical implications for pandemic-related consumer responses.