Physical Activity Research Group, Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton 4702, Australia.
Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong 3125, Australia.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 14;20(4):3327. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20043327.
Wearable activity trackers and smartphone apps have been shown to increase physical activity in children and adults. However, interventions using activity trackers and apps have rarely been tested in whole families. This study examined the experience and satisfaction with an activity tracker and app intervention (Step it Up Family) to increase physical activity in whole families. Telephone interviews were conducted with Queensland-based families (n = 19) who participated in the Step it Up Family intervention (N = 40, single-arm, pre/post feasibility study) in 2017/2018. Using commercial activity trackers combined with apps, the intervention included an introductory session, individual and family-level goal setting, self-monitoring, family step challenges, and weekly motivational text messages. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify themes, categories and sub-categories. In summary, parents reported that children were engaged with the activity tracker and app features to reach their daily step goals. Some technical difficulties were experienced with app navigation, syncing of activity tracker data, and tracker band discomfort. Although families liked that the weekly text messages reminded them to be active, they did not find them very motivating. Using text messages for physical activity motivation in families requires further testing. Overall, the intervention was well-received by families for increasing physical activity motivation.
可穿戴活动追踪器和智能手机应用程序已被证明可以增加儿童和成人的身体活动量。然而，使用活动追踪器和应用程序的干预措施很少在整个家庭中进行测试。本研究考察了一项活动追踪器和应用程序干预措施（Step it Up Family）在整个家庭中增加身体活动量的经验和满意度。2017/2018 年，昆士兰州的家庭（n=19）参与了 Step it Up Family 干预措施（N=40，单臂，预/后可行性研究），对他们进行了电话访谈。该干预措施使用商业活动追踪器和应用程序，包括一个介绍性会议、个人和家庭层面的目标设定、自我监测、家庭步数挑战和每周激励性短信。采用定性内容分析法确定主题、类别和子类别。总之，父母报告说孩子们对活动追踪器和应用程序功能很感兴趣，希望达到每天的步数目标。一些技术问题，如应用程序导航、活动追踪器数据同步和表带不适，也有出现。尽管家庭喜欢每周的短信提醒他们保持活跃，但他们发现这些短信并没有很大的激励作用。使用短信来激发家庭的身体活动需要进一步测试。总的来说，该干预措施在提高家庭身体活动动机方面得到了家庭的好评。
