Nudges Can Both Raise and Lower Physical Activity Levels: The Effects of Role Models on Stair and Escalator Use – A Pilot Study

[The AEIOU Model: Effective Health Behaviour Change in Practice Based on Behavioural Insights]

BACKGROUND

The use of Behavioural Insights (BI) is gaining increasing attention in the German health landscape. Abstract English-language models provide assistance in the application of BI. However, so far there is no model which (1) is specifically suitable for the health sector and (2) is based on the German language. In this context, the goal was to develop a comprehensive German-language BI model for the design of interventions that can change health behaviour.

METHODS

The basis for the development were the two models MINDSPACE and EAST as well as the authors' own practical experiences.

RESULTS

The developed AEIOU model consisted of five categories with a total of 20 instruments, the categories being (1) address (Ansprache), (2) simplicity (Einfachheit), (3) incentivisation (Incentivierung), (4) orientation (Orientierung), and (5) immediacy (Unmittelbarkeit).

CONCLUSION

The AEIOU model forms the basis for the first German-language compilation of possible BI applications for the development of interventions in the health sector. The model has now to be tested in practice and examined for its usefulness.

Effects of dual tasks on kinematic and kinetic performances during stair descent: Respective effects of manual and cognitive tasks

BACKGROUND

Stair descent is one of the most common and challenging daily activities for several populations, particularly under dual-task conditions. This study investigated the effects of cognitive or manual task on kinematics and kinetics during stair descent.

METHODS

A total of 37 participants performed stair descent under three conditions: stair descending only, stair descending while performing a cognitive task and stair descending while performing a manual task. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected. Multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures was conducted to test the significant differences among the three conditions.

RESULTS

The gait performance, loading rate, lower limb joint moments and powers were significantly lower under the two dual-task conditions compared with stair descending only. The participants had lower knee flexion/extension range of motion, loading rate, peak hip flexion moment, first peak knee extensor moment, second peak ankle plantar flexion moment, first knee power absorption and less stride width under the manual task compared with the cognitive task.

CONCLUSIONS

Dual tasks during stair descent had a significant impact on the kinematics and kinetics of motion, and the effect was more significant while performing a concurrent manual task in healthy young adults. Further studies could focus on the complexity level of dual tasks on the biomechanical parameters during stair walking.

The Effect of High-Intensity Intermittent Training on the Acute Gait Plantar Pressure in Healthy Young Adults

High-intensity intermittent training (HIIT) has been successfully applied in various sports activities, as HIIT was considered as one of the most efficient training methods of exercise for improving physical performance and reducing the weight of overweight individuals. However, its acute effects of HIIT on gait and balance performance were not addressed. Thus, in this study we examined the acute effects of HIIT on dynamic postural control compared with steady-state training (SST) by analyzing plantar pressure parameters. In this study, sixteen healthy male adults were examined in 3 days. After exhaustive ramp-like cycle ergometer testing, the maximal heart rate (HRmax) of each participant was determined on the first day, then either a 20 minutes HIIT at 80–90% of HRmax or a 20 minutes SST at 60% of HRmax was randomly performed on the second and third day, respectively. Plantar pressure parameters were collected at comfortable walking velocity immediately after HIIT and SST respectively, and compared with the baseline data of plantar pressure gathered before maximal ramp test on the first day. The results showed significant differences in the plantar pressure in these three conditions of gait. Compared to pre-intervention and pre-SST, peak pressure and maximum force in the middle and lateral metatarsal increased significantly in post-HIIT. Meanwhile, the foot balance data indicate that post-HIIT exhibits more foot pronation than baseline. The center of pressure (COP) trajectory was medially shifted during the stance phase in post-SST, and noticeably in post-HIIT. The displacement and velocity of medial-lateral COP in the initial contact phase were greater in post-HIIT; while during the forefoot contact phase, post-HIIT showed fewer time percentages and greater velocity of medial-lateral COP. In conclusion, a single high-intensity intermittent training session adversely affected the acute dynamic postural control than steady-state training in healthy male adults.