Abstract
Background: Current research shows that levels of physical activity and physical performance in adolescents are decreasing. Although positive impacts regarding physical and mental health are well documented. In this context information- and communication technologies (ICT) offers die possibility for communicating target- group specific. The aim of this study is to analyze whether this access is accepted, used (Study I) and effective (Study II).
Methods: In Study I, 224 pupils (130 female participants; age: 15.0 ± 1.5 years; BMI: 22.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2), 5 health managers and 5 teachers have participated. Acceptance of the Internet action is recorded after completing the intervention with a questionnaire developed in conformity with the Technology Acceptance Model. Usage of the internet platform is recorded objectively using analysis software.
Study II: As part of an quasi-experimental study design in which the assignment of the groups (IG A, IG B und CG) is randomized, at three different measurement times (T0 = before the intervention; T1 = after the intervention; T2 = 10 month follow-up) a review is performed to determine if there is a significant difference in the groups in terms of physical activity and endurance capacity. The IG A (n=26) includes Internet- based actions in addition to endurance-based physical education and as a supplement to the health manager (Internet platform and tailored e-mails); IG B (n=28) includes endurance-oriented physical education and the health manager; KG (n=23) only the physical education as prescribed by the curriculum. In total, 77 pupils participated (40 female participants; age: 15.5 ± 0,6 years; BMI: 22.1 ± 3.6 kg/m2).
Results: Study I: The results show that the ICT actions are accepted by all three stakeholder groups. The benefit analysis shows that 89 % (n=102) of all pupils logged in at least once. The median for the usage period over the entire intervention period is 55 min.
Study II: Endurance capacity improves considerably both in relation to the test time T1 and the IG A (p=0.015) as well as the IG B (p=0.033). The group comparison shows that IG A (p<0.001) and IG B (p=0.020) significantly different from the control group (CG) at T1. There are no significant differences between the intervention groups (IG A and IG B).
Conclusion: This present study makes an important contribution in terms of future actions which promote better health because it demonstrates the ICT actions can be used for more than secondary and tertiary prevention. They can also be used in the area of health promotion as an additional component as part of multi-component interventions. Acceptance of the stakeholders involved in the school setting also provides a possibility for implementation in which the Internet activities can be integrated into the school instruction as accompanying actions.
Original language | German |
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Place of Publication | Köln |
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Publisher | Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln |
Number of pages | 247 |
Publication status | Published - 22.02.2016 |