Increases in Muscle-Strengthening Activities Among Latinas in Seamos Saludables

Identifying Behavior Change Techniques in an Artificial Intelligence-Based Fitness App: A Content Analysis

In the field of artificial intelligence-based fitness apps, the effective integration of behavior change techniques (BCTs) is critical for promoting physical activity and improving health outcomes. However, the specific BCTs employed by apps and their impact on user engagement and behavior change are not explored sufficiently. This study investigates the Freeletics fitness app through a mixed-methods approach to evaluate the use of BCTs. In the quantitative analysis, fifteen unique BCTs were identified based on the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (V1). In the qualitative analysis, user reviews (n=400) were examined to understand perspectives on the app's effectiveness in promoting behavior change. Goal setting, action planning, self-monitoring of behavior, and social support were among the most prevalent BCTs identified in the Freeletics app, and their effectiveness in enhancing user engagement and promoting behavior change was also highlighted by user reviews. Among the areas of improvement identified in the study were the need for simplifying personalization options and addressing user concerns regarding the specificity of feedback. The study underscores the importance of integrating BCTs effectively within AI-based fitness apps to drive user engagement and facilitate behavior change. It contributes valuable insights into the design and implementation of BCTs in fitness apps and offers recommendations for developers, emphasizing the significance of goal setting, feedback mechanisms, self-monitoring, and social support. By understanding the impact of specific BCTs on user behavior and addressing user concerns, developers can create more effective fitness apps, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles and positive behavior change.

The association between work-related activities and leisure-time physical activity among Latinos

OBJECTIVES

Latinos engage in high levels of occupational physical activity, yet low levels of leisure-time physical activity. Limited research has examined specific work-based activities that may contribute to leisure-time physical activity for meeting current physical activity recommendations among Latinos. The purpose of our study was to examine associations between frequency of work-related exertion and standing/walking with meeting the aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines among Latinos and whether associations varied by nativity.

DESIGN

We used cross-sectional 2015 National Health Interview Survey data on Latinos ≥18 years of age (n = 3162). Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between the frequency of work-related activities with meeting the aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines. Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, Latino subpopulation, shift work, and nativity. We also examined whether associations varied by nativity.

RESULTS

In adjusted models, compared with those never engaging in exertion at work, participants always exerting themselves were significantly less likely to meet the aerobic activity guideline (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.66, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.51-0.87). Compared with those never standing/walking at work, participants seldom standing/walking were also less likely to meet the aerobic activity guideline (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.95). Models were adjusted for age, sex, education, Latino subpopulation, shift work, and nativity. When stratified by nativity, the patterns in the strength of the associations were similar, while differences were observed in the associations of work-related activities with meeting guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that engaging in higher frequency of exertion and standing/walking at work are associated with being less likely to meet the aerobic physical activity guideline during leisure time among Latinos, with variation observed in meeting guidelines by nativity. Insight into physical activities performed at work could inform efforts aimed at promoting recommended levels of physical activity among Latinos.