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Physical activity, sedentary behavior and total wellness changes among sedentary adults: a 4-week randomized
Faisal A Barwais1, Thomas F Cuddihy, L Michaud Tomson
1School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. faisal.barwais@student.qut.edu.au.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
|October 31, 2013
Summary
Reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity with an online monitor significantly improved total wellness in adults. This intervention enhanced physical activity across all intensities, contributing to better overall well-being.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Total wellness encompasses holistic health of body, mind, and spirit.
- While physical activity benefits are known, the impact of internet-based activity monitors on total wellness is understudied.
- Sedentary behavior is a growing concern in modern lifestyles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity in sedentary adults over four weeks.
- To determine if these changes, facilitated by a personal activity monitor, improve total wellness.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an internet-based intervention for promoting physical activity.
Main Methods:
- A four-week randomized controlled trial involving 33 sedentary adults (intervention n=18, control n=15).
- The intervention group used an online personal activity monitor (Gruve Solution™) to decrease sedentary time and increase physical activity.
- Total wellness was assessed using the Wellness Evaluation of Lifestyle (WEL) inventory, and physical activity/sedentary time by the 7-day SLIPA Log and IPAQ.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significant improvements in total wellness scores (64% to 75%, p < 0.001).
- Participants in the intervention group significantly reduced sedentary time (21%) and increased light (36.7%), walking (65%), moderate (67%), and vigorous (60%) physical activity (all p < 0.001).
- No significant changes in total wellness or physical activity outcomes were observed in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity, even at light to vigorous intensities, enhances total wellness in adults.
- Internet-based personal activity monitors can be effective tools for promoting physical activity and improving overall well-being.
- Targeting sedentary behavior is crucial for improving holistic health outcomes.
