Is a smartphone application effective in improving physical activity among medical school students? Results from a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Introduction Physical activity (PA) is proven to be an effective strategy to avert the life threatening cardiovascular diseases. There is need for developing feasible aids to improve compliance to PA. Hence, we conducted a study among medical college students a) to assess the prevalence of recommended PA level and b) to assess the effectiveness of installing a smartphone application (app) in improving PA. Methodology A quasi-experimental study was conducted among medical college students in Puducherry, India. The baseline PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and anthropometric measurements such as height and weight were measured as per World Health Organization (WHO) standards. A smartphone app (Runtastic) was installed on the mobile phones of all study participants. At the end of 1 month, the end line PA and anthropometric measurements were captured using same scales. Results Of the total 350 students who were included, the mean age of the participants was 18.9 (0.9) years and 58% of them were male. The proportion of participants with the WHO recommended level of PA increased from 81% at the baseline to 91% after 1 month of installation of the mobile app (p < 0.001). There was also a statistically significant increase in the leisure time PA [median (interquartile range – IQR) of metabolic equivalents (METS): 0 (0–1600) vs. 1260.0 (0–1920)]. Clinically significant change was not seen in body mass index (BMI) though the reduction was statistically significant [(mean (standard deviation – SD) of BMI: 22.54 (2.49) vs. after intervention 22.46 (2.47); p = 0.018]. Conclusion This quasi-experimental study conducted among medical college students reported significant improvement in total and leisure time PA.

Effectiveness of M-Health in Improving Physical Activity: An Indian Perspective

“…Naveen Pentakota in 2019 conducted a study using Smartphone "Runtastic" app among medical students in the purpose to improve physical activity. A significant improvement in physical activity, a decrease in weight, and an improvement in BMI (Body Mass Index) were observed in study subjects 18 . There is a study by Shruti Muralidharan using (mDiab) mobile health app for diabetes prevention.…”

“…These studies suggest that Smartphone apps can be valuable tool for promoting healthy behaviors and improving overall health and well-being in the Indian context. 17,18,19 They are considered as convenient, affordable and customizable way for individuals to engage in physical activity and improve their overall health and wellbeing. 36 While Smartphone apps have the potential to improve physical activity in India, there are a number of challenges and limitations that need to be addressed.…”

Using a design-based research approach to develop a technology-supported physical education course to increase the physical activity levels of university students: Study protocol paper

“…Two of five (40%) studies using activity trackers also increased student's physical activity levels [55,58]. Social media, smartphone applications or mobile apps have also become prominent as a technology to enhance the physical activity levels of university students [60][61][62][63][64][65][66]. Three of seven (43%) studies using mobile phone apps have successfully increased students' physical activity levels [62,63,65].…”

“…Social media, smartphone applications or mobile apps have also become prominent as a technology to enhance the physical activity levels of university students [60][61][62][63][64][65][66]. Three of seven (43%) studies using mobile phone apps have successfully increased students' physical activity levels [62,63,65]. However, it is important to highlight that most of the studies (19 of 25 (76%)) utilising technology (internet website, wearable device, mobile phone apps) that aim to increase student's physical activity levels in university settings were non-course-based interventions.…”