A1 Journal article (refereed)
Physical Activity Tracker Application in Promoting Physical Activity Behavior among Older Adults : A 24-month Follow-Up Study (2023)
Kari, T., Makkonen, M., & Carlsson, C. (2023). Physical Activity Tracker Application in Promoting Physical Activity Behavior among Older Adults : A 24-month Follow-Up Study. Journal of Aging and Health, 35(7-8), 466-476. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643221135812
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Kari, Tuomas; Makkonen, Markus; Carlsson, Christer
Journal or series: Journal of Aging and Health
ISSN: 0898-2643
eISSN: 1552-6887
Publication year: 2023
Publication date: 25/11/2022
Volume: 35
Issue number: 7-8
Pages range: 466-476
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Publication country: United States
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643221135812
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access: Channel is not openly available
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85060
Abstract
Methods: The changes in PA levels (i.e., time spent in different PA intensities) and between PA categories (i.e., low, moderate, or high based on total PA) were examined between three different time points: before taking the application into use (t0), after 12 months of use (t1), and after 24 months of use (t2). The data was collected by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire modified for the elderly (IPAQ-E).
Results: A statistically significant increase was observed in walking (χ2 (2) = 29.741, p < .001), moderate PA (χ2 (2) = 6.327, p = .042), and total PA levels (χ2 (2) = 11.489, p = .003). The increase was observed between t0 and t1 as well as between t0 and t2. The overall changes between PA categories were statistically significant between t0 and t1 (χ2 (3) = 15.789, p = .001) as well as between t0 and t2 (χ2 (3) = 14.745, p = .002). There were more increasingly active (moved to a higher PA category) than decreasingly active (moved to a lower PA category) participants.
Discussion: Overall, the results indicate that PA tracker application use can promote PA behavior among older adults. Stakeholders that work with PA programs and PA promotion, as well as individual users, can utilize digital wellness technologies in supporting PA promotion, especially in exceptional times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, when health care restrictions prevent general gatherings.
Keywords: welfare technology; physical activity; mobile services; older people; follow-up study
Free keywords: digital wellness technology; physical activity tracker application; mobile application; physical activity; older adults; IPAQ-E; follow-up study
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 2