Current research identifies lack of physical activity as a leading contributor to obesity. One growing effort to increase physical activity in people’s lives in order to improve health is through an increased level of motivation to be physically active. Therefore,
The purpose of this research study was to understand the effectiveness and impact on a students’ activity level by using an activity tracker with a social media component.
Method:
The participants for this study were 21 fifth graders from a laboratory associated with a university located in the southeastern United States. Data was collected through observations, student and parent pre and post surveys as well as through the use of the SQORD website. ‘SQORD’ is a ‘one part game platform, one part social media device and one part fitness tracker that encourages students to lead healthy lives through active playtime.’ The participants of this study wore the SQORD powerpod, which is a state-of-the-art accelerometer that uses sophisticated algorithm to measure the intensity and duration of a participant’s activity. The social network component of the study came from each participating designing and their own, fully customized, “PowerMe.” An online character the students can make look like themselves. Through the SQORD website the students could send a message to their classmates by selecting one of the preprogrammed “Squawks.” If a player had won a medal or hit a milestone in their personal achievement, players could also give them a “high five” online. Both were used as motivation to exercise.
Analysis/Results:
The data was analyzed for common patterns, social media interactions, and activity levels of students by viewing the students sync activity. We looked at the students tracking results, participation and any motivational changes that took place in the students’ pre and post surveys. The researchers discovered that all 21 students found the activity tracker motivated them to exercise more. 18 out of 21 parent surveys reflected positive attitudes about the activity tracker benefitting their child’s activity level. All participants enjoyed the social media component, but were disappointed in the SQORD tracker because it appeared to only track arm movements versus all activity movement.
Conclusions:
The syncing of students bands and finding an appropriate computer to do this in a consistent manner was very challenging for the researchers. However, we believe finding a way to include a social media component into physical activity will increase students’ motivation for participating in activities.