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ERIC Number: EJ1172892
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Enhancing Psychosocial Constructs Associated with Technology-Based Physical Activity: A Randomized Trial among African American Women
Harris, Brandonn S.; Melton, Bridget; Bland, Helen; Carpentier, Ashleigh; Gonzales, Jilian; Catenacci, Kelley
American Journal of Health Education, v49 n2 p74-85 2018
Background: Minority women have demonstrated higher rates of health disparities associated with lower levels of physical activity, a finding prevalent among college-aged individuals. Though these health disparities occur given a variety of factors, novel, technology-based interventions are being developed to increase physical activity, with Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) serving as a useful framework for guiding such interventions. Purpose: This investigation sought to evaluate 2 technology-based interventions on physical activity motivation and psychosocial variables among young African American women. Methods: Forty-nine female African American college students aged 18-24 used an UpBand accelerometer and app or a diet tracker app for 6 weeks. Posttesting occurred at the conclusion of the intervention and 2 months postintervention. Results: Perceived family support for exercise decreased in both groups, F(2, 94) = 9.90, P < 0.001, partial ?[superscript 2] = 0.17. Following an initial decrease in exercise self-efficacy scores from pre- to posttest, an increase in exercise self-efficacy was evidenced from posttest to the 2-month follow-up for both groups, F(1, 47) = 10.90, P = 0.002, partial ?[superscript 2] = 0.188. Discussion: Although technology-based physical activity apps include social constructs, this study did not find strong support for promoting the psychosocial variables among participants. The use of fitness-promoting technology may facilitate exercise self-efficacy in minority female college students. Translation to Health Education Practice: Technology-based interventions may be more effective when used in conjunction with traditional physical activity promotion.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A