School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, T23 XA50 Cork, Ireland.
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Limerick, V94 TPX Limerick, Ireland.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Sep 17;18(18):9818. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18189818.
Promoting physical activity amongst older adults represents a major public health goal and community-led exercise programmes present benefits in promoting active lifestyles. Commercial activity trackers potentially encourage positive behaviour change with respect to physical exercise. This qualitative study investigated the experiences and attitudes of older adults following a 6-week community-led walking programme utilising activity trackers. Eleven community-dwelling older women aged 60+ completed individual phone interviews following their involvement in the programme. The programme, codesigned with a group of senior citizens, equipped participants with wrist-worn activity trackers and included biweekly check-in sessions with a researcher to monitor progress and support motivation. Interviews explored participants' experiences of the programme and of using activity trackers for the purpose of becoming more active. A thematic analysis produced three main themes: 'programme as a source of motivation', 'user experiences with the technology' and 'views on social dimension of the programme'. Overall, participants highlighted the self-monitoring function of activity trackers as most beneficial for their exercise levels. This study provides insights into the personal and social factors perceived by older adults in relation to being part of a community-led programme using activity trackers. It highlights the role of the programme and trackers in maintaining motivation to stay active.
鼓励老年人进行身体活动是一项主要的公共卫生目标，社区主导的锻炼计划在促进积极的生活方式方面具有优势。商业活动追踪器在促进体育锻炼方面的积极行为改变方面具有潜在的益处。本定性研究调查了 11 名参与使用活动追踪器的社区主导步行计划的 60 岁以上社区居住的老年女性在 6 周计划后的经历和态度。该计划与一组老年人共同设计，为参与者配备了腕戴式活动追踪器，并包括每两周与研究人员进行一次检查，以监测进度并提供动力支持。访谈探讨了参与者对该计划的体验以及使用活动追踪器来提高活动水平的体验。主题分析产生了三个主要主题：“计划作为动力源”、“用户对技术的体验”和“对计划的社会层面的看法”。总的来说，参与者强调活动追踪器的自我监测功能对他们的运动水平最有益。本研究提供了有关老年人参与社区主导的使用活动追踪器的计划的个人和社会因素的见解。它强调了计划和追踪器在保持积极参与的动力方面的作用。
