These strategies are realistic and relevant to the client in a sense that may suit the client’s facilitators and at the same time overcome the barriers to increasing physical activity engagement.
Present day university students are endlessly surrounded by screens, whether that be televisions, computers or the ones found in pockets, smartphones. With the development of technology and smartphone applications (“apps”), the efficacy of exercise-based apps is being tested.
1. Physical activity app
An intervention study with a mixed methodological approach by Melton et al. (2015) examines ‘the effectiveness of an exercise-based app (Fitocracy) in increasing students’ motivation, social support, and self-efficacy’. The study concentrates on PA research self-determination theory (SDT), …show more content…
Social support group via social media
A randomised controlled trial by Rote et al. (2015) studied the ‘efficacy of a Facebook social support group to increase steps per day in young women’. For 8 weeks, a total of 63 female college students were randomised to (1) a Facebook social support group (n = 32) or (2) a standard walking intervention (n = 31). Both intervention groups were given weekly step goals and pedometers for tracking.
This study uses SCT, which examines the interaction between behaviour, personal factors and environmental influences.
The participants in the Facebook group received weekly feedback via Facebook message ‘(ie. “Congratulations! You’re doing great!”)’. Participants also shared their ‘feedback and encouragement to fellow participants as often as possible’ on the group’s Facebook page. Additionally, the intervention leader shared posts regarding educational information about PA. Participants in the other intervention only received feedbacks via e-mail. Results (fig. 3) show that the participants in the Facebook Social Support group increased steps per day more significantly than the standard walking intervention group. The Facebook groups increased PA by
Present day university students are endlessly surrounded by screens, whether that be televisions, computers or the ones found in pockets, smartphones. With the development of technology and smartphone applications (“apps”), the efficacy of exercise-based apps is being tested.
1. Physical activity app
An intervention study with a mixed methodological approach by Melton et al. (2015) examines ‘the effectiveness of an exercise-based app (Fitocracy) in increasing students’ motivation, social support, and self-efficacy’. The study concentrates on PA research self-determination theory (SDT), …show more content…
Social support group via social media
A randomised controlled trial by Rote et al. (2015) studied the ‘efficacy of a Facebook social support group to increase steps per day in young women’. For 8 weeks, a total of 63 female college students were randomised to (1) a Facebook social support group (n = 32) or (2) a standard walking intervention (n = 31). Both intervention groups were given weekly step goals and pedometers for tracking.
This study uses SCT, which examines the interaction between behaviour, personal factors and environmental influences.
The participants in the Facebook group received weekly feedback via Facebook message ‘(ie. “Congratulations! You’re doing great!”)’. Participants also shared their ‘feedback and encouragement to fellow participants as often as possible’ on the group’s Facebook page. Additionally, the intervention leader shared posts regarding educational information about PA. Participants in the other intervention only received feedbacks via e-mail. Results (fig. 3) show that the participants in the Facebook Social Support group increased steps per day more significantly than the standard walking intervention group. The Facebook groups increased PA by