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Testing the Efficacy of OurSpace, a Brief, Group Dynamics-Based Physical Activity Intervention: A Randomized
Brandon Irwin1, Daniel Kurz, Patrice Chalin
1Digital Physical Activity Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States. bcirwin@k-state.edu.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|May 8, 2016
Summary
Online group dynamics interventions can enhance virtual group cohesion for physical activity (PA). However, these interventions alone may not be sufficient to increase overall PA levels in participants.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Emerging technologies offer potential for promoting physical activity (PA) but often lack effective social support mechanisms.
- Face-to-face group dynamics interventions successfully enhance social support and PA through group cohesion.
- Web-based interventions leveraging group dynamics principles for PA remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the efficacy of a brief, online group dynamics-based intervention on PA within a controlled experimental design.
- To investigate whether perceived cohesion and online presence moderate the intervention's impact on PA.
Main Methods:
- 135 participants were randomized into same-sex dyads across four conditions: standard social support, group dynamics-high presence, group dynamics-low presence, and individual control.
- Participants completed planking exercises, with partnered conditions involving interaction via a virtual partner using different apps.
- The high presence group viewed a live video stream of their partner, while cohesion was measured using a modified PA Group Environment Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Group dynamics-low presence significantly increased perceptions of cohesion compared to standard social support (P=.006).
- Physical activity levels were significantly higher in the group dynamics-high presence condition (P=.01) compared to all other conditions.
- No significant difference in cohesion was found between low and high presence group dynamics conditions (P=.25).
Conclusions:
- A brief, online group dynamics intervention shows promise for enhancing group cohesion in virtual physical activity settings.
- While improving cohesion, this type of intervention may not be sufficient on its own to significantly boost physical activity levels.
- Further research is needed to optimize online interventions for both social support and physical activity outcomes.
