Background/Purpose Rates of obesity have more than doubled for youth aged 6-19 since 1980. These (statistics) have dangerous long term effects since 40% to 70% of obese children grow up to become obese adults. Using the theory of self-determination a motivational application (“app”) was created for the iPad for students to self-report their daily physical activity with the teacher having direct access to their information. The purpose of this study was to examine adolescent physical activity (PA) psychosocial changes.
Method Psychosocial data were collected on 140 middle school students in grades 6-8 in a highly diverse, inner city school. Using the PACE (2001) instrument, students measurements were compared in PA confidence, family support, and friend support using a pre- and post-test study design. Students' changes came after using the app for four weeks and self-reporting their daily PA from pedometer use and their MVPA activity outside of school. All student information was sent to directly to a teacher “app” with motivational rewards given to students for daily accomplishments.
Analysis/Results A paired samples T-Tests showed significant change in PA confidence (p=.013) and PA friend support (p=.049). Grade level, age, and teacher variables were also examined for correlation and significance. The app intervention showed significant improvement in the students PA psychosocial measurements.
Conclusions Mobile technology has become a strong medium to help influence adolescent needs for increased physical activity. Based on the findings, further research involving technology and mobile learning should be conducted to investigate motivational strategies to increase students' PA.
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