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Smartphone apps for physical activity: A systematic review
2013 ASICS Conference / Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 16S (2013) e39–e58
and physical activity measured using questionnaires at six months following THA and TKA. Discussion: In this sample of people with osteoarthritis who underwent THA and TKA, surgery did not appear to influence physical activity. These findings are inconsistent with the findings reported by previously published studies, which have shown statistically significant increases in physical activity. However, previous studies measured physical activity over a 24–48 h period which is less than the recommended duration. This study measured physical activity over seven days inclusive of a weekend day. Findings from this research suggest health professionals should not assume improvements in self-reported measures of: pain, physical function, quality of life, and physical activity will result in actual changes in physical activity. These findings may assist health professionals in their roles of assessing physical activity levels and providing practical strategies for people to increase their physical activity levels in accordance with the positive results of their surgery and in order to meet basic guidelines for health and well-being. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.10.112 23 Smartphone apps for physical activity: A systematic review M. Kirwan 1,∗ , M. Duncan 2 , C. Vandelanotte 2 1 University of Western Sydney, School of Science and Health, Australia 2 Central Queensland University, Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Australia
Introduction: Smartphones are Australia’s most popular mobile device, and it is estimated that by 2015, 90% of Australians will own a smartphone. Over 19,000 health-related smartphone apps are available and many are focused on physical activity and exercise. Previous research has identified a number of intervention components associated with improved intervention efficacy including self-monitoring, goal setting, personalised feedback and social support. Therefore this study sought to systematically review the most popular physical activity apps on the iOS and android platforms in terms of provision of these components. Methods: Four hundred of the most popular free apps (health and fitness category) from the Apple iTunes (n = 200) and Google Play store (n = 200) were downloaded. Apps were included for review if they referred to physical activity and allowed self-monitoring of physical activity. Apps that satisfied these inclusion criteria were coded in terms of educational content, and evidence based features (self-monitoring, goal setting, personalised feedback and social support). Results: Of the 400 apps examined, 81 apps were reviewed (40 from iTunes, 41 from Google Play), 17.3% (n = 14) provided educational content, only 2.5% (n = 2) of apps provided educational content aligned with national guidelines for physical activity. Only, 69.1% of apps (n = 56) allowed users to manually self-monitor physical activity; 72.8% allowed automated self-monitoring using inbuilt features (i.e. GPS, pedometer, accelerometer) or an external device (e.g. Fitbit)). Over 54% (n = 44) also provided the option to track at least one other behaviour (diet, sitting time, sleep, mood, alcohol intake, weight, and stress). Goal setting options were included in 56 apps (69.1%), and almost all apps (97.5%, n = 79) provided personalised feedback on progress towards their goal. In relation to social support, most apps included at least one feature (93.8%, n = 76). Discussion: To the authors knowledge this is the first study to systematically review the most popular physical activity apps downloaded by consumers. Findings highlight the low adherence
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of apps to provide evidence based educational content. These omissions represent a serious weakness of existing apps and in light of the popularity of apps it can be considered a missed opportunity for physical activity promotion. In relation to other features, most apps fared well – with a trend showing that developers are providing more sophisticated means to track activity, utilising the devices’ GPS and accelerometry capabilities. Due to the potential of these apps to help consumers improve their health it is recommended that apps be developed or revised around evidence based behaviour change principles, and that all apps undergo rigorous evaluations. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.10.113 24 Translating health promotion research into community practice: The ManUp physical activity and nutrition project G. Kolt 1,∗ , C. Caperchione 2 , M. Duncan 3 , C. Vandelanotte 3 , R. Rosenkranz 4 , A. Maeder 1 , M. Karunanithi 5 , K. Mummery 6 1
University of Western Sydney, Australia University of British Columbia, Canada 3 Central Queensland University, Australia 4 Kansas State University, United States 5 CSIRO eHealth, Australia 6 University of Alberta, Canada 2
Introduction: Translating evidence-based interventions into community practice, along with impact evaluation of such interventions, is paramount to the further development of health promotion initiatives. This study used the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework to examine the impact of the ManUp intervention, a comprehensive Information Technology-based intervention (website and mobile phone applications) to improve physical activity and nutrition behaviours of middle-aged males residing in a regional environment. Methods: Data were collected at an individual and organisational level for each of the RE-AIM measures using computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) surveys (N = 312), interviews with local organisations (N = 12), and examination of project related statistics and findings. Reach was assessed by level of awareness in the target community (CATI survey). Effectiveness was measured by comparing levels of physical activity and healthy nutrition between individuals who were aware of ManUp and those who were unaware. Adoption was assessed through overall participant registration as well as the percentage of organisations who adopted ManUp in their workplace. Implementation was assessed at an individual level through web statistics of logons and engagement in web-based ManUp physical activity and nutrition activities (challenges). Maintenance was measured at the individual level through Information Technology platform usage patterns over the 12-week intervention and 9-month post-intervention period. Results: In terms of Reach, 47% of surveyed people were aware of the ManUp intervention. For Effectiveness, there were no differences between physical activity and healthy nutrition in those aware and unaware of ManUp. For Adoption, 73 participants registered for the intervention and 25% of organisations adopted some part of ManUp. In relation to Implementation, 26% of participants initially logged onto the website, and 29% and 17% started the web-based physical activity and nutrition activities (challenges), respectively, As well, 33% of organisations implemented the intervention and a further 42% were considering implementation. For
and physical activity measured using questionnaires at six months following THA and TKA. Discussion: In this sample of people with osteoarthritis who underwent THA and TKA, surgery did not appear to influence physical activity. These findings are inconsistent with the findings reported by previously published studies, which have shown statistically significant increases in physical activity. However, previous studies measured physical activity over a 24–48 h period which is less than the recommended duration. This study measured physical activity over seven days inclusive of a weekend day. Findings from this research suggest health professionals should not assume improvements in self-reported measures of: pain, physical function, quality of life, and physical activity will result in actual changes in physical activity. These findings may assist health professionals in their roles of assessing physical activity levels and providing practical strategies for people to increase their physical activity levels in accordance with the positive results of their surgery and in order to meet basic guidelines for health and well-being. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.10.112 23 Smartphone apps for physical activity: A systematic review M. Kirwan 1,∗ , M. Duncan 2 , C. Vandelanotte 2 1 University of Western Sydney, School of Science and Health, Australia 2 Central Queensland University, Institute for Health and Social Science Research, Australia
Introduction: Smartphones are Australia’s most popular mobile device, and it is estimated that by 2015, 90% of Australians will own a smartphone. Over 19,000 health-related smartphone apps are available and many are focused on physical activity and exercise. Previous research has identified a number of intervention components associated with improved intervention efficacy including self-monitoring, goal setting, personalised feedback and social support. Therefore this study sought to systematically review the most popular physical activity apps on the iOS and android platforms in terms of provision of these components. Methods: Four hundred of the most popular free apps (health and fitness category) from the Apple iTunes (n = 200) and Google Play store (n = 200) were downloaded. Apps were included for review if they referred to physical activity and allowed self-monitoring of physical activity. Apps that satisfied these inclusion criteria were coded in terms of educational content, and evidence based features (self-monitoring, goal setting, personalised feedback and social support). Results: Of the 400 apps examined, 81 apps were reviewed (40 from iTunes, 41 from Google Play), 17.3% (n = 14) provided educational content, only 2.5% (n = 2) of apps provided educational content aligned with national guidelines for physical activity. Only, 69.1% of apps (n = 56) allowed users to manually self-monitor physical activity; 72.8% allowed automated self-monitoring using inbuilt features (i.e. GPS, pedometer, accelerometer) or an external device (e.g. Fitbit)). Over 54% (n = 44) also provided the option to track at least one other behaviour (diet, sitting time, sleep, mood, alcohol intake, weight, and stress). Goal setting options were included in 56 apps (69.1%), and almost all apps (97.5%, n = 79) provided personalised feedback on progress towards their goal. In relation to social support, most apps included at least one feature (93.8%, n = 76). Discussion: To the authors knowledge this is the first study to systematically review the most popular physical activity apps downloaded by consumers. Findings highlight the low adherence
e47
of apps to provide evidence based educational content. These omissions represent a serious weakness of existing apps and in light of the popularity of apps it can be considered a missed opportunity for physical activity promotion. In relation to other features, most apps fared well – with a trend showing that developers are providing more sophisticated means to track activity, utilising the devices’ GPS and accelerometry capabilities. Due to the potential of these apps to help consumers improve their health it is recommended that apps be developed or revised around evidence based behaviour change principles, and that all apps undergo rigorous evaluations. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.10.113 24 Translating health promotion research into community practice: The ManUp physical activity and nutrition project G. Kolt 1,∗ , C. Caperchione 2 , M. Duncan 3 , C. Vandelanotte 3 , R. Rosenkranz 4 , A. Maeder 1 , M. Karunanithi 5 , K. Mummery 6 1
University of Western Sydney, Australia University of British Columbia, Canada 3 Central Queensland University, Australia 4 Kansas State University, United States 5 CSIRO eHealth, Australia 6 University of Alberta, Canada 2
Introduction: Translating evidence-based interventions into community practice, along with impact evaluation of such interventions, is paramount to the further development of health promotion initiatives. This study used the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework to examine the impact of the ManUp intervention, a comprehensive Information Technology-based intervention (website and mobile phone applications) to improve physical activity and nutrition behaviours of middle-aged males residing in a regional environment. Methods: Data were collected at an individual and organisational level for each of the RE-AIM measures using computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) surveys (N = 312), interviews with local organisations (N = 12), and examination of project related statistics and findings. Reach was assessed by level of awareness in the target community (CATI survey). Effectiveness was measured by comparing levels of physical activity and healthy nutrition between individuals who were aware of ManUp and those who were unaware. Adoption was assessed through overall participant registration as well as the percentage of organisations who adopted ManUp in their workplace. Implementation was assessed at an individual level through web statistics of logons and engagement in web-based ManUp physical activity and nutrition activities (challenges). Maintenance was measured at the individual level through Information Technology platform usage patterns over the 12-week intervention and 9-month post-intervention period. Results: In terms of Reach, 47% of surveyed people were aware of the ManUp intervention. For Effectiveness, there were no differences between physical activity and healthy nutrition in those aware and unaware of ManUp. For Adoption, 73 participants registered for the intervention and 25% of organisations adopted some part of ManUp. In relation to Implementation, 26% of participants initially logged onto the website, and 29% and 17% started the web-based physical activity and nutrition activities (challenges), respectively, As well, 33% of organisations implemented the intervention and a further 42% were considering implementation. For