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Published on: March 7, 2019
Understanding Youths' Ability to Interpret 3D-Printed Physical Activity Data and Identify Associated Intensity
Sam Graeme Morgan Crossley1, Melitta Anne McNarry1, Michael Rosenberg2
1Applied Sports Science Technology and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|February 23, 2019
Summary
Youths struggle to understand physical activity intensity, but age-specific 3D models show promise. These tangible tools may improve comprehension of recommended activity levels for children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Behavioral Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Many UK youths do not meet daily physical activity guidelines.
- Difficulty interpreting physical activity intensity is a key barrier.
- 3D printed models offer tangible, personalized feedback for physical activity education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore children's and adolescents' understanding of physical activity intensity.
- To assess the interpretability of age-specific 3D models for physical activity feedback.
- To evaluate youths' ability to match activities to intensity levels using 3D models.
Main Methods:
- Individual semistructured interviews with 12 primary school children and 12 secondary school adolescents.
- Interactive tasks assessing identification of physical activity intensities.
- Content analysis of transcribed interviews and visual representations of outcomes.
Main Results:
- Youths across age groups had poor understanding of moderate-intensity activities.
- Both children and adolescents struggled to correctly identify light and vigorous activity intensities.
- While able to interpret 3D model components, children had difficulty differentiating represented intensities.
Conclusions:
- Age-specific 3D models have potential for improving youths' grasp of physical activity guidelines.
- Tangible feedback may enhance understanding of recommended physical activity intensities.
- Further research into 3D models for physical activity education is warranted.
