Physical Impact of Traditional and Virtual Physical Exercise Programs on Health Outcomes among Corporate Employees

Background: Technology-based exercise programs have the potential to reduce chronic disease prevalence and obesity-related risks. This research focuses on the impact of both traditional and virtual exercise programs on the health metrics of corporate employees. Methods: The study involved 30 corporate employees (16 females, average age ± SD = 37.8 ± 8.8 years) from Nigeria, who were divided into two experimental groups (one experiencing traditional exercises with an on-site trainer, and the other participating in live, virtual classes via Zoom) and a control group continuing usual practices. The 6-week intervention measured several health outcomes, including resting heart rate, blood pressure (both diastolic and systolic), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio, both before and after the intervention. Results: One-way analysis of covariance yielded significantly greater decreases in the diastolic blood pressure, F(2,27) = 3.7, p < 0.04; systolic blood pressure F(2,27) = 3.5, p < 0.04, body mass index, F(2,26) = 7.8, p < 0.01, and waist circumference, F(2,27) = 39.1, p < 0.01. Conclusions: The study concludes that virtual-based exercise programs are as effective as traditional ones. Offering a virtual exercise option provides flexibility, potentially increasing adherence to exercise routines among corporate workers.

Development and Formative Evaluation of a Virtual Exercise Platform for a Community Fitness Center Serving Individuals With Physical Disabilities: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

People with disabilities experience numerous barriers to being physically active, such as transportation issues, a lack of trained exercise professionals who understand disabilities, and facility access. The use of a virtual exercise platform (VEP) may provide an alternative and limit certain barriers.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this mixed method study was to evaluate user interaction (effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction), the strengths and weaknesses of the user interface, and the user experience with a VEP.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from a community fitness facility that offers programs for people with disabilities. Inclusion criteria were being older than 18 years, fluent in English, and availability of internet access. Features of the VEP included articles, prerecorded videos, live Zoom classes, web-based class registration, weekly progress tracking, incentives, and surveys. A one-on-one Zoom session was scheduled with each participant, during which they completed certain tasks: (1) create an account or login, (2) register for class, (3) join class, (4) add to calendar, and (5) complete surveys. As participants completed tasks, quantitative observations (time on task, task success, rate of task completion, and number of errors by users, which determined task difficulty), qualitative observations were made and interviews were conducted at the end of the session. The "concurrent think-aloud" method was encouraged by the moderator to gauge participants' thoughts as they worked through testing. Participants also completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction (QUIS).

RESULTS

A total of 5 people with disabilities (3 male, 2 female), aged 36-78 (mean 54) years, with education levels from high school to PhD, were recruited. Devices used for testing included a laptop (n=3), a Chromebook (n=1), and a desktop (n=1). All participants completed tasks #1 and #2 without errors but could not complete task #4. One participant completed task #5 with difficulty and another completed task #3 with difficulty. The average time to complete each task was: (1) 82 seconds (55-110), (2) 11 seconds (4-21), (3) 9 seconds (5-27), and (4) 921.5 seconds (840-958). The mean SUS score was 86.5/100, and the mean user QUIS score was 8.08 out of 10. Qualitative observations indicated that the system was simple, user-friendly, and accessible.

CONCLUSIONS

People with disabilities reported high usability and user satisfaction with the web-based exercise platform, and the system appears to be an efficient and effective physical activity option.