Use of Digital Media for Home-Based Sports Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the German SPOVID Survey

From e-service quality to behavioral intention to use e-fitness services post COVID-19 lockdown: When a crisis changes the social mindset

Lockdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic forced fitness centers to quickly adapt their entire offering to an online format. The subsequent health situation facilitated the maintenance of the online offer and has been a paradigm shift for sports centers. Success in the nowadays situation requires a proper understanding of what factors influence e-service quality and how these factors behave in relation to consumer satisfaction, attitudes toward online fitness services, and behavioral intentions. This research was conducted in April 2020, with 745 participants (492 women, 253 men) completing the Carlson and O'Cass e-service quality evaluation battery. The results showed that e-service quality during the lockdowns predicted attitudes toward the digital platforms and behavioral intentions, and e-service quality predicted attitudes and behavioral intentions. However, attitudes did not predict behavioral intentions; the possible influence of subjective norms and low perceived control in this particular situation is discussed. When offering services on digital platforms, fitness service managers must take into account the importance of the quality of the e-fitness service, but also the social context in which it is offered. Psychosocial functioning in times of crisis influences users' perceived control and their future intention to use online services.

Assessment of the Saudi Population's Knowledge and Awareness Toward a Sedentary Lifestyle Risk Factors in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Introduction

Sedentary behaviors have been on the rise, potentially exacerbated by lockdowns, remote work, and lifestyle shifts during the pandemic, emphasizing the need to assess public awareness regarding associated health risks. This study investigated the knowledge and awareness levels of the Saudi population regarding sedentary lifestyle risk factors in the post-COVID-19 era.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study included 400 participants and was conducted from May 2023 to July 2023 using a questionnaire distributed randomly through social media in multiple regions of Saudi Arabia.

Results

The majority of the participants were females (57.1%), aged 15-25 years (54.3%), had a higher educational degree (65.4%) and were single (62%). Most (62%) of the participants reported declined/physical activity levels in the post-COVID-19 era. Our study found that 65% of the participants had increased usage of online shopping and delivery applications after the pandemic, and a significant portion (66%) had less than 150-300 min of moderate aerobic activity weekly. Barriers, such as bad weather and insufficient time for exercise, had significant impacts.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the Saudi population's demographic characteristics, knowledge, and behaviors related to physical activity and health.

Being fit in the COVID-19 era and future epidemics prevention: Importance of cardiopulmonary exercise test in fitness evaluation

Endurance and resistance physical activity have been shown to stimulate the production of immunoglobulins and boost the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, natural killer cells, and neutrophils in the bloodstream, thereby strengthening the ability of the innate immune system to protect against diseases and infections. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) greatly impacted people's cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and health worldwide. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) remains valuable in assessing physical condition, predicting illness severity, and guiding interventions and treatments. In this narrative review, we summarize the connections and impact of COVID-19 on CRF levels and its implications on the disease's progression, prognosis, and mortality. We also emphasize the significant contribution of CPET in both clinical evaluations of recovering COVID-19 patients and scientific investigations focused on comprehending the enduring health consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Let's Move with Leon-A qualitative evaluation of a UK digital intervention to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition

OBJECTIVE

This article presents a qualitative evaluation of a 13-week digital intervention, 'Let's Move with Leon', designed to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition.

STUDY DESIGN

A qualitative evaluation embedded within a randomised controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of the intervention at improving self-reported physical activity.

METHODS

A total of 184 participants received the intervention and were asked each week for 13 weeks to provide comment on their use and the usefulness of the digital physical activity behaviour change intervention. In addition, after 13 weeks, 12 participants took part in a semistructured interview to understand their use and the usefulness of the intervention. A thematic analysis was conducted on the combined qualitative data set.

RESULTS

A total of 128 of the 184 intervention participants (70.11%) provided at least one qualitative comment over the course of the evaluation (mean number of comments per participant = 5); in total, 674 comments were received. The thematic analysis identified three themes: (1) dipping in and out, (2) one size does not fit all and (3) monitoring and feedback. The qualitative data suggest that participants used the intervention sporadically, dipping in and out due to other commitments, and competing programmes, their changing physical ability, confidence and motivation. Not getting off to a good start was detrimental to use; many wanted to come back to the programme at a more appropriate time. A 'one size fits' approach catered for some but not all participants. Whilst not a predetermined intervention component the act of monitoring levels of activity as a data collection method seemed to encourage physical activity but may also result in negative social comparisons.

CONCLUSION

Digital physical activity behaviour change interventions are not one-size-fits-all; personalisation is key. Monitoring of activity by a named person can create commitment. Many dip in and out. Digital physical activity behaviour change interventions could complement physiotherapy exercises for people with musculoskeletal conditions. Signposting to local activities should be considered.

Working (out) with fitness influencers - benefits for the fitness influencer, user health, and the endorsed brand: Key factors and the role of gender and brand familiarity

Objective

Fitness influencers have become important digital health communicators with regard to influencing consumer health behaviours, such as physical activity. We investigate how working (out) with these new communicators can generate benefits for the fitness influencer, user health, and endorsed brands. Based on the source credibility, social identity theory, and gender congruity research, this paper aims to identify the main factors that affect users' attitudes toward the fitness influencer (influencer benefit), users' exercise intentions (user health benefit) and their purchase intentions (brand benefit), considering user and influencer gender.

Methods

Two studies were conducted, both with male and female influencers and users. In study 1 (n = 496), the fitness influencer endorsed an unfamiliar brand, and in study 2 (n = 529) a familiar brand was endorsed. To test the proposed models and to estimate the path coefficients, structural equation modelling was performed.

Results

Key influencing factors were identified in the two studies: For attitude toward the influencer, source credibility is the most important; for exercise intention, parasocial interaction and attitude toward the behaviour are crucial; and purchase intention is largely predicted by the brand attitude. The studies revealed gender-congruent and non-congruent tendencies for female and male respondents, and different effects of unfamiliar and familiar brands.

Conclusions

Working (out) with fitness influencers can improve user attitudes toward the influencer, increase users' exercise intentions, and increase brand purchase intentions, for both unfamiliar and familiar brands. Some gender congruity and some gender incongruity effects exist. The paper discusses important implications for theory and practice.

Children patients with COVID-19: How can parental and peer support lessen the psychological burden of isolation

AIM

To assess the effect of parental and peer support on children's self-esteem during the isolation period in COVID-19-infected children is the main objective of this study.

DESIGN

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. One hundred ninety children with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included.

METHODS

A survey questionnaire to assess family and children's demographic characteristics was used for this study. A 13-item scale to assess parental support during the isolation period and a 10-item scale to assess peers' support during the isolation period were evaluated. Along with it, a 10-item scale to assess self-esteem during the isolation period was also measured.

RESULTS

Home isolation was associated with higher parental and peer support scores than hospital isolation. The mean age of study participants was 13.23 ± 4.05 years; 52.6% were isolated at home versus 47.4% in hospital isolation. Phone calling and WhatsApp/messenger chat were methods of communication for 44.2% and 33.2% of patients, respectively. 6.3% of them had no method of communication. Child self-esteem was significantly affected by both parental and peer support during isolation. The increase in pronounced negative psychological effects such as disorientation, anger, low self-esteem and post-traumatic distress may be caused by a lack of parental care.

NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION TO THIS STUDY

Patients or the general public were not involved in the design, analysis or interpretation of the data in this study. The study's aim and objectives were developed based on children's self-esteem, which was limited by questionnaire data information, so the researchers completed demographic and disease-related questionnaires by interviewing them.

Analysing features of home-based workout during COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in physical activity (PA) related to home confinement has been reported worldwide. However, some individuals were able to engage in physical activities at home. Thus, in a perspective of public health, it may be useful to analyse the available evidence regarding PA adopted during home restrictions, in order to identify possible strategies to help people stay active even during emergency situations. The aim of this review was to analyse how healthy individuals spontaneously exercised at home in the course of the pandemic, in order to detect possible factors associated with this behaviour.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

METHODS

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, an international prospective register of systematic reviews, with the registration number CRD42023394673. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Cross-sectional studies published in English from the inception of each database to February 06th 2023 and focused on healthy individuals practicing spontaneous PA/exercise at home during the pandemic were considered eligible. The quality assessment was performed using the adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Bibliographic information, sample size, study paricipant/population with age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, smart workers or not, anthropometric parameters, characteristics of at home exercises, athletic status and sedentariness, associated health-related effects, and main findings were synthetised.

RESULTS

From 504 articles, 19 were included. Notwithstanding the differences in the studies examined, the majority of them reported that previous PA level was associated with exercise in such challenging conditions. Furthermore, technologies aimed at supporting exercise were shown to be a useful resource.

CONCLUSIONS

Being habitually active and using digital supports may be associated with a positive attitude towards exercise at home during isolation. This suggests that in emergency situations, exercise should be promoted, also through digital media, especially among those groups who are usually less engaged in PA. Further analyses of longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Exploring the relationship between unemployment perception and health during COVID-19: a comparative study of rural and urban adults in China

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global economies and individual health. This study uses data from the China Family Panel Data (CFPS) in 2018 (before the pandemic) and 2020 (during the pandemic) to a) estimate the relationships between the perceived risk of unemployment and individuals' mental health, physical health, and health behaviors; and b) explore the variations of these relationships between rural and urban adults in China.

Methods

Ordinary linear regression models or Logit models are employed, depending on the nature (continuous vs. discrete) of the dependent variables.

Results

We find that the perceived risk of unemployment was statistically and positively associated with the risk of depression, and the association was greater for rural adults than for urban adults. Rural-urban variations were observed in various dimensions. For rural adults, the perceived risk of unemployment was statistically and negatively associated with life satisfaction, the probability of gaining weight and becoming obese, the probability of having adequate sleep, and computer-based screen time. These associations were statistically insignificant for urban adults. On the other hand, the perceived risk of unemployment was statistically and negatively associated with self-rated very-good-to-excellent health condition and health-compromising behaviors (e.g., smoking and drinking) for urban adults; but such associations were statistically insignificant for rural adults.

Discussion

These findings suggest that rural and urban adults exhibited different psychological and behavioral responses to the unemployment risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public policies aiming to improve health and employment should be strategically designed to address the unique needs of urban and rural populations.

Do psychological distress and digital sports influence the willingness to take the vaccine and precautionary saving? Empirical evidence from Shanghai

Aim

The COVID-19 epidemic has caused risk and uncertainty. This study answers whether and how psychological distress and digital sports influence willingness to take the vaccine and precautionary savings.

Subject and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with an online survey sample of 1016 Shanghai residents who live and work there and are aged between 16-60. All of them experienced the COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai. We used logistic regressions to examine the relationships between the variables of interest.

Results

Three findings were demonstrated. First, psychologically distressed individuals are less inclined to take the vaccine. Second, those engaged in fitness activities via digital media platforms are more willing to get vaccinated. Third, psychologically distressed individuals and digital video-based physical exercisers are more likely to precautionary save.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the literature by documenting how people changed their life from the perspective of finance and health during the lockdown and providing practical implications.

Strategies for conducting online-based physical education research during COVID-19: investigate the lecturer's perception

Purpose The many obstacles and difficulties to carry out research in the field of physical education are the gaps and urgency in this research. This study aims to investigate perceptions from lecturers regarding the conveniences and difficulties when carrying out research in physical education during COVID-19. Material and Methods This study uses a qualitative approach with phenomenological methods through online-based in-depth interviews. Five lecturers from two universities in Indonesia and one lecturers from universities in Hungary were willing to participate in this research. The way to select them was by sending an email to their respective universities and only 10 people participated in this study. However, 4 people did not qualify because they did not have 10 years of research experience.  All participants signed a consent letter to participate in this study. The interview started with explanation from participants regarding their research experiences, the conveniences and the difficulties faced when carrying out research during pandemic. After the activity was completed, the results of the interviews were collected and then a qualitative statistical analysis was carried out In this study, statistical analysis used thematic method in the form of interviews transcribed word for word.The transcripts were read repeatedly by researchers and three experts, coding and a collection of phrases were arranged into themes. Results The findings of this study indicate that there were several conveniences in carrying out research physical education during the COVID-19 period, including the implementation can be done anywhere and anytime, cost-effective and saving time, data collection is easier and faster. Meanwhile, the difficulties were in obtaining research subjects, subjects who have inadequate technological literacy, poor internet network and inaccurate data. Conclusions Thus, the conveniences and difficulties of carrying out research were important and must be continuously evaluated, in order to ensure the study able to conduct optimally even during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Change in sports activity and walking and cycling for transport since the COVID-19 pandemic - Results of the GEDA 2021 study

Background

Physical activity is a significant health promotion behaviour. COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measures, such as reducing social contact, closing sports facilities and working from home offices, may make it more difficult to engage in regular physical activity.

Methods

The data collected between July and October 2021 from the nationally representative study German Health Update (GEDA 2021) were used. The activity behaviour is described by the change in the amount of sports activity as well as the amount of physical active transport (walking/cycling) since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample comprises 2,985 participants aged 18 and older.

Results

A quarter of the population reduced their sports activity compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, while 12% increased their sports activity and 38% reported no change. In terms of physical active transport, it shows that 15% reduced the amount, 17% increased it and 55% maintained it. Compared to younger adults, older adults were more likely to maintain their activity behaviour rather than reduce or increase it.

Conclusion

Even before the pandemic, physical inactivity was common among the population. The high proportion of adults who reduced their sports activity during the pandemic underlines the need for effective measures to promote physical activity.

Role of digitalization, digital competence, and parental support on performance of sports education in low-income college students

Educational institutions have failed to achieve desired goals due to the lack of technology adoption, and this situation needs researchers' emphasis. Hence, the current study examines the impact of digitalization and digital competencies among students on the educational performance of low-income college students in China. The article also investigates the moderating impact of parental support at the nexus of digitalization, digital competencies among students, and educational performance in low-income college students in China. The questionnaires were used by the researchers to gather the data from the selected respondents. The article has applied the smart-PLS to check the linkage among understudy constructs and test the hypotheses. The results revealed that digitalization and digital competencies among students positively link educational performance. The results also exposed that parental support significantly moderates digitalization, digital competencies, and educational performance in low-income college students in China. This article helps policymakers develop policies to improve educational performance using technology adoption.

Mediatization in Times of Pandemic: How German Grassroots Sports Clubs Employed Digital Media to Overcome Communication Challenges During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on all societal domains, including sports. Social distancing measures and the closure of sports facilities posed especially severe challenges for grassroots sports clubs, which thrive on joint activities and member social contact. Drawing on mediatization theory, the study examines the communication challenges faced by grassroots sports clubs and the perceived potential of digital media to overcome these obstacles during and beyond the pandemic. Based on in-depth interviews with 32 club officials of German grassroots sports clubs, the study identified ongoing uncertainty about COVID-19 regulations, preserving members' sense of belonging during social distancing, and involving everyone in formal processes as the major communication challenges. While most of the interviewees valued the potential of digital media to address these challenges, they acknowledged that the benefits of digital media for individual members would depend on their skill, motivation, and concerns, as well as on the availability of digital infrastructure. For that reason, digital media were not considered a substitute for face-to-face social contact or sporting activity but were seen to extend opportunities for communication and training. More generally, these findings raise new questions about the relationship between mediatization and social cohesion.

Two of a Kind? Similarities and Differences between Runners and Walkers in Sociodemographic Characteristics, Sports Related Characteristics and Wearable Usage

As the two prime examples of sport light, running and walking have become very popular sports activities in the past decades. There are references in the literature of similarities between both sports, however these parallels have never been studied. In addition, the current digitalisation of society can have important influences on the further diversification of profiles. Data of a large-scale population survey among runners and walkers (n = 4913) in Flanders (Belgium) were used to study their sociodemographic, sports related and attitudinal characteristics, and wearable usage. The results showed that walkers are more often female, older, lower educated, and less often use wearables. To predict wearable usage, sports-related and attitudinal characteristics are important among runners but not among walkers. Motivational variables to use wearables are important to predict wearable usage among both runners and walkers. Additionally, whether or not the runner or walker registers the heart rate is the most important predictor. The present study highlights similarities and differences between runners and walkers. By adding attitudinal characteristics and including walkers this article provides new insights to the literature, which can be used by policymakers and professionals in the field of sport, exercise and health, and technology developers to shape their services accordingly.

Mobile health applications: awareness, attitudes, and practices among medical students in Malaysia

BACKGROUND

The popularity of mobile health (mHealth) applications (or apps) in the field of health and medical education is rapidly increasing, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess awareness, attitudes, practices, and factors associated with the mHealth app usage among medical students.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving medical students at a government university in Sarawak, Malaysia, from February to April 2021. Validated questionnaires were administered to all consenting students. These questionnaires included questions on basic demographic information as well as awareness, attitude toward, and practices with mHealth apps concerned with medical education, health and fitness, and COVID-19 management.

RESULTS

Respondents had favorable attitudes toward mHealth apps (medical education [61.8%], health and fitness [76.3%], and COVID-19 management [82.7%]). Respondents' mean attitude scores were four out of five for all three app categories. However, respondents used COVID-19 management apps more frequently (73.5%) than those for medical education (35.7%) and fitness (39.0%). Usage of all three app categories was significantly associated with the respondent's awareness and attitude. Respondents in the top 20% in term of household income and study duration were more likely to use medical education apps. The number of respondents who used COVID-19 apps was higher in the top 20% household income group than in the other income groups. The most common barrier to the use of apps was uncertainty regarding the most suitable apps to choose.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlighted a discrepancy between awareness of mHealth apps and positive attitudes toward them and their use. Recognition of barriers to using mHealth apps by relevant authorities may be necessary to increase the usage of these apps.

Fitness Apps, Live Streaming Workout Classes, and Virtual Reality Fitness for Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Empirical Study

Background

Physical activity is an essential need of the human body that helps improve the physical fitness of an individual and creates a positive impact on overall wellbeing. Smartphone applications play an essential role in providing several benefits to consumers by offering various capabilities in terms of health and fitness.COVID-19 preventive measures shut down public places, and people cannot go to the gym and parks for physical activity. Smart applications for physical activity are an effective way to keep active while staying at home.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to assess the mediating role of the e-platforms physical activity among the Chinese people in China during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Method

The participants in this study were Chinese citizens living in home isolation during the early stages of the epidemic in China. The primary data was collected via an online survey using a convenience sample strategy in accordance with the study purpose. The collected data were cleaned by using the SPSS-25 statistical software. SmartPLS 3.0 software was used to investigate the suggested study framework utilizing the structural equation modeling technique.

Results

Descriptive statistics shows that the ratio of gender includes 49% (n = 2,626) male and 51% females in the entire sample. SEM results show that all hypotheses (H1: β = 0.497, T = 43.068, P = <0.001; H2: β = 0.498, T = 41.078, P = <0.001; H3: β = 0.498, T = 41.078, P = <0.001; H4: β = 0.471, T = 39.103, P = <0.001; H5: β = 0.468, T = 42.633, P = <0.001; H6: β = 0.251, T = 11.212, P = <0.001; H7: β = 0.367, T = 16.032, P = <0.001; H8: β = 0.170, T = 13.750, P = <0.001; H9: β = 0.125, T = 10.604, P = <0.001; H10: β = 0.173, T = 14.842, P = <0.001) were statistically confirmed.

Conclusion

In COVID-19, when there are limited physical activity resources, smart applications play an essential role as an alternative to gyms and change people's perspective regarding the adoption of health and fitness. Smart applications have made exercise and physical activity accessible and convenient to adopt.

Scoring of Human Body-Balance Ability on Wobble Board Based on the Geometric Solution

Many studies have reported that the human body-balance ability was essential in the early detection and self-management of chronic diseases. However, devices to measure balance, such as motion capture and force plates, are expensive and require a particular space for installation as well as specialized knowledge for analysis. Therefore, this study aimed to propose and verify a new algorithm to score the human body-balance ability on the wobble board (HBBAWB), based on a geometric solution using a cheap and portable device. Although the center of gravity (COG), the projected point of the center of mass (COM) on the fixed ground, has been used as the index for the balance ability, generally, it was not proper to use the COG under the condition of no fixed environment. The reason was that the COG index did not include the information on the slope for the wobble. Thus, this study defined the new index as the perpendicular-projection point (PPP), which was the projected point of the COM on the tilted plane. The proposed geometric solution utilized the relationship among three points, the PPP, the COM, and the middle point between the two feet, via linear regression. The experimental results found that the geometric solution, which utilized the relationship between the three angles of the equivalent model, enabled us to score the HBBAWB.

The reach and benefits of a digital intervention to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

Aim:

To evaluate a digital intervention to improve physical activity in people in the UK with a musculoskeletal condition delivered during movement restrictions brought about because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:

Service evaluation data collected from 26,041 participants over 5 months was assessed against national datasets to understand the reach and representativeness of the digital physical activity intervention. Measures to restrict the movement and interaction of people were in place during these 5 months. Cross-sectional data from 2752 participants across different stages of the 12-week programme assessed levels of physical activity and the components of behaviour as defined by the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation = Behaviour). Regression analysis investigated the relationship between programme stage and physical activity and the components of behaviour.

Results:

In comparison to the UK population of people with a musculoskeletal condition, the intervention participants were over-represented by females, White, and inactive people. A cross-sectional analysis suggested that the number of participants regularly active increased by programme stage. Scores for the behavioural components of automatic and reflective motivation, physical and psychological capability, and physical opportunity were also improved by programme stage.

Conclusion:

The service evaluation suggests that the digital intervention, designed to improve physical activity in people with a musculoskeletal condition, could be beneficial during measures to restrict movement to slow the spread of infectious disease in those who are already motivated to become or stay active.

A Comparison of Functional Features of Chinese and US Mobile Apps for Pregnancy and Postnatal Care: A Systematic App Store Search and Content Analysis

Background

Pregnancy to postpartum (PtP) applications (apps) are becoming more common tools to document everything from pregnancy and delivery to nutrient allocation, life taboos, and infant medical examinations. However, the dependability, quality, and efficacy of these apps remain unclear. This study examined the features and functions of mobile PtP care apps accessible in China and the United States and to identify the major gaps that need to be addressed.

Methods

Apps were selected by searching the Apple App Store and Android Markets (in the US and China) for the terms “pregnancy” and “postpartum” in Chinese and English. The apps' security, quality, and effectiveness were investigated, and chi-square tests and analysis of variance were performed to examine the differences in characteristics between apps available in the US and China.

Results

A total of 84 mobile PtP care apps (45 from the US and 39 from China) were included. A total of 89.7% (35/39) of Chinese mobile apps did not provide safety statements or supporting evidence. The objective app quality ratings for Chinese and US apps were 3.20 ± 0.48 (mean ± standard deviation) and 3.56 ± 0.45, respectively (p > 0.05). A greater number of Chinese apps provided app-based monitoring functions, namely recording fetal size (n = 18, 46.2% in China vs. n = 3, 6.7% in the US), contractions (n = 11, 28.2% in China vs. n = 0, 0% in the US), pregnancy weight (n = 11, 28.2% in China vs. 0, 0% in the US), and pregnancy check-up reminders (n = 10, 25.6% in China vs. n = 0, 0% in the US). Meanwhile, a greater number of US apps provided exercise modules, namely pregnancy yoga (n = 2, 5.1% in China vs. n = 21, 46.7% in the US), pregnancy workouts (n = 2, 5.1% in China vs. n = 13, 28.9% in the US), and pregnancy meditation (n = 0, 0% in China vs. 10, 22.2% in the US) (p < 0.01). A medium security risk was identified for 40% (18/45) of apps in the US and 82.1% (32/39) of apps in China (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The functionality and characteristics of in-store mobile apps for PtP care varied between China and the US. Both countries' apps, particularly Chinese apps, encountered issues related to a lack of evidence-based information, acceptable content risk, and program evaluations. Both countries' apps lacked proper mental health care functions. The findings suggest that the design of app features should be enhanced in both countries, and increased interaction between app creators and users is recommended.

Going Online?-Can Online Exercise Classes during COVID-19-Related Lockdowns Replace in-Person Offers?

Germany experienced a 6-month second lockdown (November 2020-April 2021) during the COVID-19 pandemic, which included the closure of all physical activity (PA) facilities. The use of online exercise classes (OECs) was promoted by public health and exercise organizations. Using the present cross-sectional online survey, we assess the use of and opinion towards OECs in Germany during the second lockdown. We used contingency tables and the Chi² test to calculate the frequency of awareness and use of OECs according to PA status, well-being and demographic data, and conducted a binary logistic regression with OEC awareness or use and dichotomized independent predictors. The associations between opinion and activity status, frequency of use, educational attainment, age and body mass index were calculated using Spearman correlations. A total of 993 datasets were analyzed in detail. Of the 785 (79.1%) participants reporting awareness of OECs, 536 tried them, and 262, 188 and 85 used them <1 per week, 1-2 per week and ≥3 per week, respectively. The users were typically active, female participants with poorer mental well-being. The opinions towards OECs varied according to participant characteristics, such as activity status, BMI and age. Overall, regular OEC use was quite limited, and, as such, cannot replace in-person exercise opportunities. Keeping physical activity facilities open and safe must be prioritized in the ongoing pandemic.

Acceptance of Digital Sports: A Study Showing the Rising Acceptance of Digital Health Activities Due to the SARS-CoV-19 Pandemic

In pandemic times, the possibilities for conventional sports activities are severely limited; many sports facilities are closed or can only be used with restrictions. To counteract this lack of health activities and social exchange, people are increasingly adopting new digital sports solutions—a behavior change that had already started with the trend towards fitness apps and activity trackers. Existing research suggests that digital solutions increase the motivation to move and stay active. This work further investigates the potentials of digital sports incorporating the dimensions gender and preference for team sports versus individual sports. The study focuses on potential users, who were mostly younger professionals and academics. The results show that the SARS-CoV-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on sports activity, particularly on persons preferring team sports. To compensate, most participants use more digital sports than before, and there is a positive correlation between the time spent physically active during the pandemic and the increase in motivation through digital sports. Nevertheless, there is still considerable skepticism regarding the potential of digital sports solutions to increase the motivation to do sports, increase performance, or raise a sense of team spirit when done in groups.

Motivate me to exercise with you: The effects of social media fitness influencers on users’ intentions to engage in physical activity and the role of user gender

Objective

Social media fitness influencers are evolving into a new digital form of health communicators whom consumers might turn to for assistance with more physical activity and exercise at home, especially in the current COVID-19 crisis. Drawing from source credibility theory, social cognitive theory, protection motivation theory and literature on physical activity, physical fitness and gender, we analyse how male and female users’ evaluations of social media fitness influencers and user health-related variables impact intentions to exercise with the social media fitness influencer.

Methods

Two consecutive studies using male and female YouTube fitness influencers were carried out. Structural equation modelling was conducted to test the proposed models and estimate the path coefficients.

Results

Study 1 (N = 507) shows that the respective influencer's perceived trustworthiness, expertise and attractiveness are important for the influencer's evaluation, and that it is the perceived motivating power rather than the attitude toward the influencer that increases intentions to exercise for male and female users. Study 2 (N = 445) extends Study 1 and shows that physical fitness, training involvement with YouTube fitness videos and lower health increase behavioural intentions. A more negative body image also raises intentions to exercise, but only among female users.

Conclusion

Social media fitness influencers who are perceived as trustworthy, as experts and as attractive, can be effective for increasing men's and women's physical activity. Perceived motivating power of the influencer emerged as a key variable that predicts intentions to exercise. User health-related variables have different effects on intentions to exercise for men and women.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sports industry

Sport is an important enabler of sustainable development and a cost-effective and flexible tool for development goals. International sports organizations such as International Olympic Committee and national or international sports federations play a significant role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For this, they take extensive and fundamental activities in joint with other international organizations such as the United Nations. But the global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus as the most important crisis of the present era had a profound effect on the performance of sports industry and its contribution to sustainable development. This chapter discusses the role of sport in sustainable development and the achievement of its goals through sport, and also discusses the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on how sport works and changes in the actions of sports organizations to help sustainable development during the pandemic.

Effect of the COVID-19 Emergency on Physical Function among School-Aged Children

In April 2020, the Japanese government declared a state of emergency due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Schools were closed and a stay-at-home order was issued in April and May 2020. This before-and-after study aimed to measure the effects of these COVID-19-related restrictions on physical function among Japanese children. The study included children aged 6–7 years, enrolled before and after the emergency declaration. Their body fat percentage, single-leg standing time, Gait Deviation Index score, and history of falls were compared. There were 56 and 54 children in the before and after groups, respectively. Children in the after group had a higher body fat percentage (p = 0.037), shorter single-leg standing time (p = 0.003), and a larger number of falls per month (p < 0.001) than those in the before group. In the logistic regression analysis, children in the after group had a significantly shorter single-leg standing time (odds ratio (OR): 0.985, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.972−0.997, p = 0.013), a greater number of falls per month (OR: 1.899, 95% CI: 1.123−3.210, p = 0.017), and a higher body fat percentage (OR: 1.111, 95% CI: 1.016−1.215, p = 0.020) than those in the before group. The COVID-19 emergency restrictions had a negative effect on children’s physical function, especially on balance.

Effect of online low-intensity exercise training on fitness and cardiovascular parameters

Online exercise is undoubtedly useful and important; however, chronic adaptations to online exercise, particularly strength gain, muscle hypertrophy, and cardiovascular parameters, remain unclear. We investigated the effect of online exercise training using Zoom on fitness parameters compared with the same exercises supervised directly. In the present study, 34 subjects (age: 42.9±14.4 years) were included. Twenty-three subjects performed eight weeks of body mass-based exercise training online using Zoom, and eleven subjects performed the same exercise supervised directly as the control group. The subjects performed low-load resistance exercises twice a week for 8 weeks for a total of 16 sessions. The sessions included 9 exercises: leg raises, squats, rear raises, shoulder presses, rowing, dips, lunges, Romanian dead lifts, and push-ups. Chair-stand, push-up, and sit-and-reach tests were performed on all subjects. Overall, the home exercise program effectively increased strength and muscle mass and decreased blood pressure and arterial stiffness, but there were no differences between the groups. Changes in chair-stand and sit-and-reach test results were higher in the control group than in the online group. Our results show that there is a similar training response to body mass-based training in both groups, even with virtual experiences using Zoom.