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Hermsen S, Van Abswoude F, Steenbergen B. The Effect of Social Networks on Active Living in Adolescents: Qualitative Focus Group Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e46350. [PMID: 37796582 PMCID: PMC10587806 DOI: 10.2196/46350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in organized sports and other forms of active living have important health benefits in adolescence and adulthood. Unfortunately, the transition to secondary school has been shown to be a barrier to participation. Social networks can play important roles in activating adolescents, and information and communication technology (ICT) interventions can augment this role. To date, there are few insights into what adolescents themselves think and feel about barriers to and motivators for active living, the role of their social networks in active living, and the potential of ICT for physical activity (PA). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to gather insights into the perspectives of adolescents aged 12 to 14 years on active living and sports participation, motivators and demotivators for active living, and the potential roles of their social network and of ICT. METHODS A total of 26 adolescents aged 12 to 14 years from different levels of Dutch secondary schools participated in 1 of 5 semistructured focus group interviews, in which they talked about sports and PA, their social networks, their ICT use, and the role of social networks and ICT in PA. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic qualitative approach. RESULTS The study showed that all participants were physically active, although the transition to secondary school made this difficult, mostly because of time constraints. Participants saw positive physical and mental health effects as important benefits of active living. They regarded social benefits as strong motivators for active living: being together, making friends, and having fun together. However, the social network could also demotivate through negative peer judgment and negative feedback. Participants were willing to share their own positive experiences and hear about those from close peers and friends but would not share their own (and were not interested in others') negative experiences or personal information. Participants were mainly interested in descriptive norms set by others and obtained inspiration from others for PA. With respect to using ICT for active living, participants stated a preference for social challenges among friends, personalized feedback, goals, activities, and rewards. Competition was seen as less important or even unattractive. If mentioned, participants felt that this should be with friends, or peers of a similar level, with fun being more important than the competition itself. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that adolescents feel that their social network is and can be a strong driver of active living. They are willing to use ICT-based solutions that make use of social networks for PA as long as these solutions involve their current (close) network and use an approach based on being together and having fun together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Hermsen
- Precision Health and Nutrition Group, OnePlanet Research Centre, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Femke Van Abswoude
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Bert Steenbergen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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García-Méndez C, García-Padilla FM, Romero-Martín M, Sosa-Cordobés E, Domínguez-Pérez MDM, Robles-Romero JM. Social networks: A quality tool for health dissemination? JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2022; 11:355. [PMID: 36618459 PMCID: PMC9818683 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_355_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social networks are integrated in our lives and, amongst other functions, they are a means of dissemination. There are numerous social network accounts dedicated to health that could be used as an educational resource. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of accounts dedicated to health in different social networks, assessing their content and didactic and technological effectiveness and accessibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS Observational cross-sectional descriptive study in which an analysis of social networks related to health was carried out from April to June 2021 in Spain. Twenty-eight accounts were analysed using a mixed qualitative-quantitative methodology. Content analysis of the speeches disseminated through the selected accounts was performed. In addition, the quality of the accounts was assessed with the Instrumento de Evaluación de Recursos Educativos Digitales (#IE_RED) (Digital Educational Resources Evaluation Instrument [#IE_RED]). RESULTS Four categories were identified according to the content: student-focused profiles, specific professionals' profiles, current health issues and profiles promoting a healthy lifestyle. In addition, the quality of the accounts obtained a score that indicates they meet the requirements to be validated as a good educational digital resource but could be improved. Instagram social network accounts and those managed by nurses scored significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS The analysed accounts were revealed as a quality tool for health dissemination, with varied content and applicable to teaching. Their use could be applied both to the training of health professionals and to the promotion of the population's health.
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Rick P, Sánchez-Martín M, Singh A, Navas-León S, Borda-Mas M, Bianchi-Berthouze N, Tajadura-Jiménez A. Investigating psychological variables for technologies promoting physical activity. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221116559. [PMID: 35923757 PMCID: PMC9340353 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221116559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many technological interventions designed to promote physical activity (PA) have limited efficacy and appear to lack important factors that could increase engagement. This may be due to a discrepancy between research conducted in this space, and software designers' and developers' use of this research to inform new digital applications. Objectives This study aimed to identify (1) what are the variables that act as barriers and facilitators to PA and (2) which PA variables are currently considered in the design of technologies promoting PA including psychological, physical, and personal/contextual ones which are critical in promoting PA. We emphasize psychological variables in this work because of their sparse and often simplistic integration in digital applications for PA. Methods We conducted two systematized reviews on PA variables, using PsycInfo and Association for Computing Machinery Digital Libraries for objectives 1 and 2. Results We identified 38 PA variables (mostly psychological ones) including barriers/facilitators in the literature. 17 of those variables were considered when developing digital applications for PA. Only few studies evaluate PA levels in relation to these variables. The same barriers are reported for all weight groups, though some barriers are stronger in people with obesity. Conclusions We identify PA variables and illustrate the lack of consideration of these in the design of PA technologies. Digital applications to promote PA may have limited efficacy if they do not address variables acting as facilitators or barriers to participation in PA, and that are important to people representing a range of body weight characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rick
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Loyola
Andalucía, Spain
| | | | - Aneesha Singh
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, UK
| | | | - Mercedes Borda-Mas
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatment, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Ana Tajadura-Jiménez
- UCL Interaction Centre, University College London, UK,DEI Interactive Systems group, Department of Computer Science and
Engineering, Universidad Carlos III de
Madrid, Spain,Ana Tajadura-Jiménez, Universidad Carlos
III de Madrid, Av. de la Universidad, 30, 28911 Leganés, Madrid, Spain.
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Lau PWC, Wang JJ, Ransdell LL, Shi L. The effectiveness of Facebook as a social network intervention to increase physical activity in Chinese young adults. Front Public Health 2022; 10:912327. [PMID: 35937270 PMCID: PMC9354571 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.912327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Facebook, one of the worlds' most popular online social networks, is easy to access and cost-effective. Its use to enhance individual's physical activity (PA) participation should be examined. This research reviews the effectiveness and successful features of Facebook for influencing PA behaviors in young adults (Study 1), and empirically examines the efficacy of the features purported in increase PA via a Facebook intervention (Study 2). Methods In Study 1, PubMed, Medline, SPORT Discus, ERIC, and Embase were searched for articles that identified successful features and effectiveness of Facebook PA interventions published between January 2005 and February 2022. In Study 2, a 4-week Facebook PA intervention with University students was conducted using features identified in Study 1. The PA behaviors with objective (ActiGraph) and subjective (questionnaire) measures, perceived PA level, stage of readiness, effectiveness, and efficiency of Facebook were examined. Results Study 1 concluded that the most effective strategies for producing significant PA changes in young adults using a PA Facebook intervention included the following: Adding behavior modification (goal setting and self-monitoring), using influence agents, recruiting members of an existing network with the snowball technique, being attentive to group size, enhancing social support with motivational quotes, interactive posts, opinion polls, increasing tailored feedback, and providing educational information. Study 2 found no significant difference in PA between the intervention and the control groups, as measured objectively, but the subjective reporting of PA behavior was higher in the intervention group. Compared to the control group, the Facebook PA intervention group reported more positive change in perceived stage of readiness in PA participation, commuting type, sport type, sport venue, sport emotion, and fast breathing or sweating. When features were ranked by the Facebook PA intervention group, motivation (supports from your friends) and tailored feedback (the responses from your friends are really personal and fits you) were the top two ranked features. Conclusion The use of influence agents in the Facebook PA intervention could address exercise preference and facilitate higher program engagement. Significant differences related to commuting type, sport types, sport venue barriers, and exercise intensity across groups were noteworthy and warrant additional investigation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick W. C. Lau
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Exercise Science and Health, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), Zhuhai, China
| | - J. J. Wang
- National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: J. J. Wang
| | - Lynda L. Ransdell
- Department of Kinesiology, Boise State University, Boise, ID, United States
| | - Lei Shi
- Laboratory of Exercise Science and Health, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), Zhuhai, China
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Park A. Tweets Related to Motivation and Physical Activity for Obesity-Related Behavior Change: Descriptive Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e15055. [PMID: 35857347 PMCID: PMC9350819 DOI: 10.2196/15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is one of the greatest modern public health problems, due to the associated health and economic consequences. Decreased physical activity is one of the main societal changes driving the current obesity pandemic. OBJECTIVE Our goals are to fill a gap in the literature and study whether users organically utilize a social media platform, Twitter, for providing motivation. We examine the topics of messages and social network structures on Twitter. We discuss social media's potential for providing peer support and then draw insights to inform the development of interventions for long-term health-related behavior change. METHODS We examined motivational messages related to physical activity on Twitter. First, we collected tweets related to physical activity. Second, we analyzed them using (1) a lexicon-based approach to extract and characterize motivation-related tweets, (2) a thematic analysis to examine common themes in retweets, and (3) topic models to understand prevalent factors concerning motivation and physical activity on Twitter. Third, we created 2 social networks to investigate organically arising peer-support network structures for sustaining physical activity and to form a deeper understanding of the feasibility of these networks in a real-world context. RESULTS We collected over 1.5 million physical activity-related tweets posted from August 30 to November 6, 2018. A relatively small percentage of the tweets mentioned the term motivation; many of these were made on Mondays or during morning or late morning hours. The analysis of retweets showed that the following three themes were commonly conveyed on the platform: (1) using a number of different types of motivation (self, process, consolation, mental, or quotes), (2) promoting individuals or groups, and (3) sharing or requesting information. Topic models revealed that many of these users were weightlifters or people trying to lose weight. Twitter users also naturally forged relations, even though 98.12% (2824/2878) of these users were in different physical locations. CONCLUSIONS This study fills a knowledge gap on how individuals organically use social media to encourage and sustain physical activity. Elements related to peer support are found in the organic use of social media. Our findings suggest that geographical location is less important for providing peer support as long as the support provides motivation, despite users having few factors in common (eg, the weather) affecting their physical activity. This presents a unique opportunity to identify successful motivation-providing peer support groups in a large user base. However, further research on the effects in a real-world context, as well as additional design and usability features for improving user engagement, are warranted to develop a successful intervention counteracting the current obesity pandemic. This is especially important for young adults, the main user group for social media, as they develop lasting health-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Park
- Department of Software and Information Systems, College of Computing and Informatics, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
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Powell J, Atherton H, Williams V, Mazanderani F, Dudhwala F, Woolgar S, Boylan AM, Fleming J, Kirkpatrick S, Martin A, van Velthoven M, de Iongh A, Findlay D, Locock L, Ziebland S. Using online patient feedback to improve NHS services: the INQUIRE multimethod study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr07380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Online customer feedback has become routine in many industries, but it has yet to be harnessed for service improvement in health care.
Objectives
To identify the current evidence on online patient feedback; to identify public and health professional attitudes and behaviour in relation to online patient feedback; to explore the experiences of patients in providing online feedback to the NHS; and to examine the practices and processes of online patient feedback within NHS trusts.
Design
A multimethod programme of five studies: (1) evidence synthesis and stakeholder consultation; (2) questionnaire survey of the public; (3) qualitative study of patients’ and carers’ experiences of creating and using online comment; (4) questionnaire surveys and a focus group of health-care professionals; and (5) ethnographic organisational case studies with four NHS secondary care provider organisations.
Setting
The UK.
Methods
We searched bibliographic databases and conducted hand-searches to January 2018. Synthesis was guided by themes arising from consultation with 15 stakeholders. We conducted a face-to-face survey of a representative sample of the UK population (n = 2036) and 37 purposively sampled qualitative semistructured interviews with people with experience of online feedback. We conducted online surveys of 1001 quota-sampled doctors and 749 nurses or midwives, and a focus group with five allied health professionals. We conducted ethnographic case studies at four NHS trusts, with a researcher spending 6–10 weeks at each site.
Results
Many people (42% of internet users in the general population) read online feedback from other patients. Fewer people (8%) write online feedback, but when they do one of their main reasons is to give praise. Most online feedback is positive in its tone and people describe caring about the NHS and wanting to help it (‘caring for care’). They also want their feedback to elicit a response as part of a conversation. Many professionals, especially doctors, are cautious about online feedback, believing it to be mainly critical and unrepresentative, and rarely encourage it. From a NHS trust perspective, online patient feedback is creating new forms of response-ability (organisations needing the infrastructure to address multiple channels and increasing amounts of online feedback) and responsivity (ensuring responses are swift and publicly visible).
Limitations
This work provides only a cross-sectional snapshot of a fast-emerging phenomenon. Questionnaire surveys can be limited by response bias. The quota sample of doctors and volunteer sample of nurses may not be representative. The ethnographic work was limited in its interrogation of differences between sites.
Conclusions
Providing and using online feedback are becoming more common for patients who are often motivated to give praise and to help the NHS improve, but health organisations and professionals are cautious and not fully prepared to use online feedback for service improvement. We identified several disconnections between patient motivations and staff and organisational perspectives, which will need to be resolved if NHS services are to engage with this source of constructive criticism and commentary from patients.
Future work
Intervention studies could measure online feedback as an intervention for service improvement and longitudinal studies could examine use over time, including unanticipated consequences. Content analyses could look for new knowledge on specific tests or treatments. Methodological work is needed to identify the best approaches to analysing feedback.
Study registration
The ethnographic case study work was registered as Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN33095169.
Funding
This project was funded by the National institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 7, No. 38. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Powell
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen Atherton
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Veronika Williams
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fadhila Mazanderani
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Farzana Dudhwala
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steve Woolgar
- Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Thematic Studies, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anne-Marie Boylan
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joanna Fleming
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Susan Kirkpatrick
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela Martin
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Louise Locock
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Sue Ziebland
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Pope Z, Lee JE, Zeng N, Lee HY, Gao Z. Feasibility of smartphone application and social media intervention on breast cancer survivors' health outcomes. Transl Behav Med 2019; 9:11-22. [PMID: 29471477 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/iby002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer survivors are at risk for poor health, with physical activity a possible treatment. Little research has examined how technology might promote breast cancer survivor physical activity or health. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of employing a commercially available mobile health application- and social media-based health education intervention to improve breast cancer survivor physical activity or health.Ten breast cancer survivors (X̅ age = 45.80 ± 10.23 years; X̅ weight = 79.51 ± 20.85 kg) participated in this 10-week single-group pilot study from 2015 to 2016. Participants downloaded the MapMyFitness application, documented all physical activity with MapMyFitness, and were enrolled in a Social Cognitive Theory-based, Facebook-delivered health education intervention. Objectively measured physical activity, weight or body composition, cardiovascular fitness, psychosocial constructs, and quality of life indices were measured at baseline and 10 weeks. Intervention use and acceptability was evaluated during and following the intervention. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all study outcomes, with qualitative analyses performed regarding use and acceptability.At postintervention, average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and steps increased by 2.6 min and 1,657, respectively, with notable decreases in weight (2.4 kg) and body fat percentage (2.3%). Physical activity-related social support and ability to engage in social roles or activity demonstrated the greatest improvements among all psychosocial and quality of life indices, respectively. Participants enjoyed the feedback and tracking features of MapMyFitness, with most finding the Facebook component helpful. All participants recommended the intervention for future use.Physical activity interventions combining commercially available mobile health applications and theoretically based social media-delivered health interventions may promote certain physiological, psychosocial, and quality of life outcomes among breast cancer survivors. Larger samples and randomized studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Pope
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jung Eun Lee
- Department of Applied Human Sciences, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, USA
| | - Nan Zeng
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Hee Yun Lee
- School of Social Work (Health), University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Zan Gao
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Lynch EA, Jones TM, Simpson DB, Fini NA, Kuys SS, Borschmann K, Kramer S, Johnson L, Callisaya ML, Mahendran N, Janssen H, English C. Activity monitors for increasing physical activity in adult stroke survivors. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 7:CD012543. [PMID: 30051462 PMCID: PMC6513611 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012543.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Physical activity is important for secondary stroke prevention and for promoting functional recovery. However, people with stroke are more inactive than healthy age-matched controls. Therefore, interventions to increase activity after stroke are vital to reduce stroke-related disability. OBJECTIVES To summarise the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of commercially available, wearable activity monitors and smartphone applications for increasing physical activity levels in people with stroke. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and the following clinical trial registers: WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Clinical Trials, EU Clinical Trial Register, ISRCTN Registry, Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, and Stroke Trials Registry to 3 March 2018. We also searched reference lists, Web of Science forward tracking, and Google Scholar, and contacted trial authors to obtain further data if required. We did not restrict the search on language or publication status. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and randomised cross-over trials that included use of activity monitors versus no intervention, another type of intervention, or other activity monitor. Participants were aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of stroke, in hospital or living in the community. Primary outcome measures were steps per day and time in moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity. Secondary outcomes were sedentary time, time spent in light intensity physical activity, walking duration, fatigue, mood, quality of life, community participation and adverse events. We excluded upper limb monitors that only measured upper limb activity. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology to analyse and interpret the data. At least two authors independently screened titles and abstracts for inclusion. We resolved disagreements by consulting a third review author. We extracted the following data from included studies into a standardised template: type of study, participant population, study setting, intervention and co-interventions, time-frame, and outcomes. We graded levels of bias as high, low, or unclear, and assessed the quality of evidence for each outcome using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We retrieved 28,098 references, from which we identified 29 potential articles. Four RCTs (in 11 reports) met the inclusion criteria.The sample sizes ranged from 27 to 135 (total 245 participants). Time poststroke varied from less than one week (n = 1), to one to three months (n = 2), or a median of 51 months (n = 1). Stroke severity ranged from a median of one to six on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Three studies were conducted in inpatient rehabilitation, and one was in a university laboratory. All studies compared use of activity monitor plus another intervention (e.g. a walking retraining programme or an inpatient rehabilitation programme) versus the other intervention alone. Three studies reported on the primary outcome of daily step counts.There was no clear effect for the use of activity monitors in conjunction with other interventions on step count in a community setting (mean difference (MD) -1930 steps, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4410 to 550; 1 RCT, 27 participants; very low-quality evidence), or in an inpatient rehabilitation setting (MD 1400 steps, 95% CI -40 to 2840; 2 RCTs, 83 participants; very low-quality evidence). No studies reported the primary outcome moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, but one did report time spent in moderate and vigorous intensity activity separately: this study reported that an activity monitor in addition to usual inpatient rehabilitation increased the time spent on moderate intensity physical activity by 4.4 minutes per day (95% CI 0.28 to 8.52; 1 RCT, 48 participants; low-quality evidence) compared with usual rehabilitation alone, but there was no clear effect for the use of an activity monitor plus usual rehabilitation for increasing time spent in vigorous intensity physical activity compared to usual rehabilitation (MD 2.6 minutes per day, 95% CI -0.8 to 6; 1 RCT, 48 participants; low-quality evidence). The overall risk of bias was low, apart from high-risk for blinding of participants and study personnel. None of the included studies reported any information relating to adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Only four small RCTs with 274 participants (three in inpatient rehabilitation and one in the community) have examined the efficacy of activity monitors for increasing physical activity after stroke. Although these studies showed activity monitors could be incorporated into practice, there is currently not enough evidence to support the use of activity monitors to increase physical activity after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lynch
- The University of AdelaideAdelaide Nursing SchoolAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- University of MelbourneThe Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research InstituteMelbourne and NewcastleAustralia
| | - Taryn M Jones
- Macquarie UniversityFaculty of Medicine and Health SciencesSydneyAustralia2109
| | - Dawn B Simpson
- University of TasmaniaMenzies Institute for Medical ResearchHobartAustralia
| | - Natalie A Fini
- The University of MelbournePhysiotherapy DepartmentLevel 7, Alan Gilbert BuildingMelbourneVICAustralia3010
- La Trobe UniversitySchool of Allied HealthMelbourneAustralia
| | - Suzanne S Kuys
- Australian Catholic UniversitySchool of PhysiotherapyBrisbaneQLDAustralia4114
| | - Karen Borschmann
- University of MelbourneThe Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research InstituteMelbourne and NewcastleAustralia
| | - Sharon Kramer
- University of MelbourneThe Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia
| | - Liam Johnson
- University of MelbourneThe Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental HealthHeidelbergVICAustralia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research InstituteMelbourne and NewcastleAustralia
| | | | - Niruthikha Mahendran
- University of CanberraDiscipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of HealthCanberraAustralia2617
| | - Heidi Janssen
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research InstituteMelbourne and NewcastleAustralia
- University of NewcastlePriority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain InjuryNewcastleAustralia
- Hunter New England HealthCommunity Aged Care and Hunter Stroke ServiceNew Lambton HeightsNSWAustralia2305
| | - Coralie English
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research InstituteMelbourne and NewcastleAustralia
- University of NewcastlePriority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain InjuryNewcastleAustralia
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Valle CG, Tate DF. Engagement of young adult cancer survivors within a Facebook-based physical activity intervention. Transl Behav Med 2017; 7:667-679. [PMID: 28374211 PMCID: PMC5684071 DOI: 10.1007/s13142-017-0483-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies have examined how young adult cancer survivors use online social media. The objective of this study was to characterize Facebook engagement by young adult cancer survivors in the context of a physical activity (PA) intervention program. Young adult cancer survivors participated in one of two Facebook groups as part of a 12-week randomized trial of a PA intervention (FITNET) compared to a self-help comparison (SC) condition. A moderator actively prompted group discussions in the FITNET Facebook group, while social interaction was unprompted in the SC group. We examined factors related to engagement, differences in engagement by group format and types of Facebook posts, and the relationship between Facebook engagement and PA outcomes. There were no group differences in the number of Facebook comments posted over 12 weeks (FITNET, 153 vs. SC, 188 p = 0.85) or the proportion of participants that reported engaging within Facebook group discussions at least 1-2 days/week. The proportion of participants that made any posts decreased over time in both groups. SC participants were more likely than FITNET participants to agree that group discussions caused them to become physically active (p = 0.040) and that group members were supportive (p = 0.028). Participant-initiated posts elicited significantly more comments and likes than moderator-initiated posts. Responses posted on Facebook were significantly associated with light PA at 12 weeks (β = 11.77, t(85) = 1.996, p = 0.049) across groups. Engagement within Facebook groups was variable and may be associated with PA among young adult cancer survivors. Future research should explore how to promote sustained engagement in online social networks. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01349153.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmina G Valle
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Deborah F Tate
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Lynch EA, Borschmann K, Callisaya ML, Fini NA, Janssen H, Johnson L, Jones TM, Kramer S, Kuys S, Mahendran N, Simpson DB, English C. Activity monitors for increasing physical activity in adult stroke survivors. Hippokratia 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lynch
- University of South Australia; Sansom Institute for Health Research; Adelaide South Australia Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research Institute; Melbourne and Newcastle Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke and Brain Recovery; Melbourne Australia
| | - Karen Borschmann
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research Institute; Melbourne and Newcastle Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; Stroke Division; Melbourne Australia
- La Trobe University; School of Allied Health; Melbourne Australia
| | - Michele L Callisaya
- University of Tasmania; Menzies Institute for Medical Research; Hobart Tasmania Australia 7000
| | - Natalie A Fini
- La Trobe University; School of Allied Health; Melbourne Australia
- Caulfield Hospital, Alfred Health; Physiotherapy Department; 260 Kooyong Rd Melbourne Australia
| | - Heidi Janssen
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research Institute; Melbourne and Newcastle Australia
- University of Newcastle; School of Health Sciences, and Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury; Newcastle Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute; Newcastle Australia
| | - Liam Johnson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; Stroke Division; Melbourne Australia
- Victoria University; Clinical Exercise Science Research Program, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living; Melbourne Australia
| | - Taryn M Jones
- Macquarie University; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Sydney Australia 2109
| | - Sharon Kramer
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health; Stroke Division; Melbourne Australia
| | - Suzanne Kuys
- Australian Catholic University; School of Physiotherapy; Brisbane QLD Australia 4114
| | - Niruthikha Mahendran
- University of Canberra; Discipline of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health; Canberra Australia 2617
| | - Dawn B Simpson
- University of Tasmania; Menzies Institute for Medical Research; Hobart Tasmania Australia 7000
| | - Coralie English
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health & Hunter Medical Research Institute; Melbourne and Newcastle Australia
- University of Newcastle; School of Health Sciences, and Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury; Newcastle Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute; Newcastle Australia
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Rumsfeld JS, Brooks SC, Aufderheide TP, Leary M, Bradley SM, Nkonde-Price C, Schwamm LH, Jessup M, Ferrer JME, Merchant RM. Use of Mobile Devices, Social Media, and Crowdsourcing as Digital Strategies to Improve Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation 2016; 134:e87-e108. [DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Du H, Venkatakrishnan A, Youngblood GM, Ram A, Pirolli P. A Group-Based Mobile Application to Increase Adherence in Exercise and Nutrition Programs: A Factorial Design Feasibility Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2016; 4:e4. [PMID: 26772910 PMCID: PMC4733222 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.4900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Novel methods of promoting self-monitoring and social support are needed to ensure long-term maintenance of behavior change. In this paper, we directly investigate the effects of group support in an exercise and nutrition program delivered by an mHealth application called Fittle. Objective Our first specific study aim was to explore whether social support improved adherence in wellness programs. Our second specific study aim was to assess whether media types (ePaper vs mobile) were associated with different levels of compliance and adherence to wellness programs. The third aim was to assess whether the use of an mHealth application led to positive changes to participants’ eating behavior, physical activity, and stress level, compared to traditional paper-based programs. Methods A 2 × 2 (eg, Media: Mobile vs ePaper × Group Type: Team vs Solo) factorial design feasibility study was conducted. A sample of 124 volunteers who were interested in improving eating behavior, increasing physical activity, or reducing stress participated in this study. The study duration was 8 weeks. All groups were self-directed with no ongoing human input from the research team. Results Participants in ePaper conditions had higher attrition rates compared to participants in Mobile conditions, χ32=9.96, P=.02 (N=124). Participants in Mobile conditions reported their compliance with a much higher frequency closer to the time of challenge activity completion (2-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test comparing distributions was highly significant—KS=0.33, P<.001 [N=63]). Participants in ePaper conditions had a much higher frequency of guessing while reporting as compared with those in Mobile conditions—χ12=25.25, P<.001 (N=63). Together, these findings suggest that the mobile app allowed a more accurate method to report and track health behaviors over a longer period than traditional ePaper-based diaries or log books. There was a significant difference in the overall compliance score for Mobile-Solo (Mean [SD] 0.30 [0.39]) and Mobile-Team (Mean [SD] 0.49 [0.35]) conditions (t50.82=1.94, P=.05). This suggests that working in a team increased participants’ overall compliance within Fittle. Survival analysis showed that participants assigned to Team conditions are 66% more likely to engage longer with mHealth app-based intervention than those assigned to the Solo condition. Overall, participants across all groups reported some positive changes in eating behavior, physical activity, and stress level; however, participants in the Mobile-Solo condition reported higher perceived stress levels at the end of the study. Conclusions The team-based Fittle app is an acceptable and feasible wellness behavior change intervention and a full randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of such an intervention is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglu Du
- Palo Alto Research Center, Palo Alto, CA, United States.
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Smartphone Applications for Patients' Health and Fitness. Am J Med 2016; 129:11-9. [PMID: 26091764 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Healthcare providers are often looking for ways to objectively monitor and improve their patients' health and fitness, especially in between patient visits. Some insurance companies are using applications data as incentives to improve health and lower premiums. As more and more people start to use smartphones, they may provide a tool to help improve a patient's health and fitness. Specifically, fitness applications or "apps" on smartphones are programs that use data collected from a smartphone's inbuilt tools, such as the Global Positioning System, accelerometer, microphone, speaker, and camera, to measure health and fitness parameters. The apps then analyze these data and summarize them, as well as devise individualized plans based on users' goals, provide frequent feedback, personalized coaching, and additional motivation by allowing milestones to be shared on social media. This article introduces evidence that apps can better help patients reach their health and fitness goals. It then discusses what features to look for in an app, followed by an overview of popular health and fitness apps. Last, patient scenarios with app recommendations, limitations of apps, and future research are discussed.
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Arigo D. Promoting physical activity among women using wearable technology and online social connectivity: a feasibility study. Health Psychol Behav Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2015.1118350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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Abstract
The interface between eHealth technologies and disease management in chronic conditions such as chronic heart failure (CHF) has advanced beyond the research domain. The substantial morbidity, mortality, health resource utilization and costs imposed by chronic disease, accompanied by increasing prevalence, complex comorbidities and changing client and health staff demographics, have pushed the boundaries of eHealth to alleviate costs whilst maintaining services. Whilst the intentions are laudable and the technology is appealing, this nonetheless requires careful scrutiny. This review aims to describe this technology and explore the current evidence and measures to enhance its implementation.
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Bardus M, Smith JR, Samaha L, Abraham C. Mobile Phone and Web 2.0 Technologies for Weight Management: A Systematic Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2015; 17:e259. [PMID: 26573984 PMCID: PMC4704945 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.5129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widespread diffusion of mobile phone and Web 2.0 technologies make them potentially useful tools for promoting health and tackling public health issues, such as the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. Research in this domain is growing rapidly but, to date, no review has comprehensively and systematically documented how mobile and Web 2.0 technologies are being deployed and evaluated in relation to weight management. OBJECTIVE To provide an up-to-date, comprehensive map of the literature discussing the use of mobile phone and Web 2.0 apps for influencing behaviors related to weight management (ie, diet, physical activity [PA], weight control, etc). METHODS A systematic scoping review of the literature was conducted based on a published protocol (registered at PROSPERO CRD42014010323). Using a comprehensive search strategy, we searched 16 multidisciplinary electronic databases for original research documents published in English between 2004 and 2014. We used duplicate study selection and data extraction. Using an inductively developed charting tool, selected articles were thematically categorized. RESULTS We identified 457 articles, mostly published between 2013 and 2014 in 157 different journals and 89 conference proceedings. Articles were categorized around two overarching themes, which described the use of technologies for either (1) promoting behavior change (309/457, 67.6%) or (2) measuring behavior (103/457, 22.5%). The remaining articles were overviews of apps and social media content (33/457, 7.2%) or covered a combination of these three themes (12/457, 2.6%). Within the two main overarching themes, we categorized articles as representing three phases of research development: (1) design and development, (2) feasibility studies, and (3) evaluations. Overall, articles mostly reported on evaluations of technologies for behavior change (211/457, 46.2%). CONCLUSIONS There is an extensive body of research on mobile phone and Web 2.0 technologies for weight management. Research has reported on (1) the development, feasibility, and efficacy of persuasive mobile technologies used in interventions for behavior change (PA and diet) and (2) the design, feasibility, and accuracy of mobile phone apps for behavioral assessment. Further research has focused exclusively on analyses of the content and quality of available apps. Limited evidence exists on the use of social media for behavior change, but a segment of studies deal with content analyses of social media. Future research should analyze mobile phone and Web 2.0 technologies together by combining the evaluation of content and design aspects with usability, feasibility, and efficacy/effectiveness for behavior change, or accuracy/validity for behavior assessment, in order to understand which technological components and features are likely to result in effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bardus
- Psychology Applied to Health research group, Institute of Health Research, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom.
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Abstract
While being physically active bestows many health benefits on individuals with type 1 diabetes, their overall blood glucose control is not enhanced without an effective balance of insulin dosing and food intake to maintain euglycemia before, during, and after exercise of all types. At present, a number of technological advances are already available to insulin users who desire to be physically active with optimal blood glucose control, although a number of limitations to those devices remain. In addition to continued improvements to existing technologies and introduction of new ones, finding ways to integrate all of the available data to optimize blood glucose control and performance during and following exercise will likely involve development of "smart" calculators, enhanced closed-loop systems that are able to use additional inputs and learn, and social aspects that allow devices to meet the needs of the users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri R Colberg
- Human Movement Sciences Department, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Remmert Laan
- William Sansum Diabetes Center, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Eyal Dassau
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - David Kerr
- William Sansum Diabetes Center, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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