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A nutrition and physical activity intervention using smart phones in physical education classes at a junior high school
Author(s) -
Mosqueda Martha I,
Martinez Cathy L,
Orr Barron J,
Merchant Nirav C,
Going Scott B,
Hongu Nobuko
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.257.2
Subject(s) - pedometer , physical activity , smart phone , psychological intervention , nutrition education , intervention (counseling) , phone , medicine , physical therapy , psychology , gerontology , medical education , engineering , nursing , telecommunications , linguistics , philosophy
The purpose of this study was to implement smart phone based nutrition and physical activity (NPA) as part of a physical education class at a junior high school in Pinal County, Arizona, where over 70% of enrolled students are participating in free or reduced meals program. Four interactive activities (Treasure Hunt, Mapping, Earth Drawing, and Tag) that included nutrition information were implemented using a social networking and smart phone with multi‐featured mapping (global positioning system and digital photography). Daily NPA factoids were delivered to participants using automated message delivery applications developed by the University of Arizona Stealth Health Project team. Weight and height were measured, and food behavior and physical activity were assessed in 30 participants in a pre and post intervention. 9 females and 21 males (mean ± SD; age 12.9 ± 0.7 years, weight 47.7 ± 9.2 kg, height 159 ± 7.9 cm, BMI 18.76 ± 2.4 kg/m 2 ) participated in the 8‐weeks study. Before each interactive activity participants were asked to wear a pedometer (Yamax Digi‐Walker, SW200). After each activity a feedback survey was answered and total steps were recorded. Preliminary data suggests that smart phone‐based NPA interventions have a potential to enhance physical activity and healthy eating habits in adolescents. Supported by USDA, NIFA, Human Nutrition and Obesity Program and American Dietetic Association Foundation Grant Funding Source : USDA