AIM: This review examined evidence regarding computer- or web-based interventions to increase preadolescent and adolescent physical activity. BACKGROUND: Today's youth are less active and more overweight than their counterparts from 25 years ago. Overweight youth tend to become overweight adults with weight-related maladies, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Interventions to increase physical activity that reach a large audience are needed. Computer- and web-based physical activity interventions are an appealing means to influence physical activity in preadolescents and adolescents. However, their effectiveness must be determined. DATA SOURCES: The following electronic databases were searched for studies published from 1998 through 2010: CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, SportDISCUS and Proquest. REVIEW METHODS: A systemic review was conducted. Fourteen randomized control trials or quasi-experimental studies were reviewed to: (1) determine the effect of computer- or web-based interventions on increasing physical activity and/or improving body mass index, weight, percent body fat or waist circumference as a result of increasing physical activity; and (2) examine if additional components associated with these interventions increased success. RESULTS: Although most interventions demonstrated statistically significant increases in physical activity or positive health changes related to physical activity, findings were small or short-lived. The value of conducting the interventions at school, using a theory or model as a framework, and supplementing with individual tailoring and parental involvement, is discussed. CONCLUSION: Computer- and web-based interventions can promote physical activity among preadolescents and adolescents, particularly in schools. However, further efforts are needed to sustain positive changes.
AIM: This review examined evidence regarding computer- or web-based interventions to increase preadolescent and adolescent physical activity. BACKGROUND: Today's youth are less active and more overweight than their counterparts from 25 years ago. Overweight youth tend to become overweight adults with weight-related maladies, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Interventions to increase physical activity that reach a large audience are needed. Computer- and web-based physical activity interventions are an appealing means to influence physical activity in preadolescents and adolescents. However, their effectiveness must be determined. DATA SOURCES: The following electronic databases were searched for studies published from 1998 through 2010: CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociological Abstracts, SportDISCUS and Proquest. REVIEW METHODS: A systemic review was conducted. Fourteen randomized control trials or quasi-experimental studies were reviewed to: (1) determine the effect of computer- or web-based interventions on increasing physical activity and/or improving body mass index, weight, percent body fat or waist circumference as a result of increasing physical activity; and (2) examine if additional components associated with these interventions increased success. RESULTS: Although most interventions demonstrated statistically significant increases in physical activity or positive health changes related to physical activity, findings were small or short-lived. The value of conducting the interventions at school, using a theory or model as a framework, and supplementing with individual tailoring and parental involvement, is discussed. CONCLUSION: Computer- and web-based interventions can promote physical activity among preadolescents and adolescents, particularly in schools. However, further efforts are needed to sustain positive changes.
Authors: Mark S Friedman; ChingChe J Chiu; Colby Croft; Thomas E Guadamuz; Ron Stall; Michael P Marshal Journal: J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics Date: 2016-02-28 Impact factor: 1.742
Authors: Lorraine B Robbins; Jiying Ling; Dhruv B Sharma; Danielle M Dalimonte-Merckling; Vicki R Voskuil; Kenneth Resnicow; Niko Kaciroti; Karin A Pfeiffer Journal: Ann Behav Med Date: 2019-03-28
Authors: Raquel de Melo Boff; Ronald Patrick Araujo Liboni; Igor Pacheco de Azevedo Batista; Lauren Heineck de Souza; Margareth da Silva Oliveira Journal: Eat Weight Disord Date: 2016-08-19 Impact factor: 4.652