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3D-Printing Physical Activity in Youth: An Autotopographical Approach to Behaviour Change.
Melitta A McNarry1, Rachel L Knight1, Sam G M Crossley1
1Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, A104 Engineering East, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|January 21, 2023
Summary
3D-printed models of physical activity help youths understand their behavior and form identity. These novel tools can be effective in behavior change strategies for children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Visualizing physical activity through 3D-printed objects offers a novel approach to behavior change.
- Understanding the personal and social identity implications of these models in youth is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the autotopographical meaning of 3D-printed physical activity models in youths.
- To investigate the influence of these models on personal and social identity formation in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- A seven-week intervention measuring habitual physical activity to create individualized 3D models.
- Semi-structured focus groups with 61 participants (10.9 ± 3.0 years) to gather qualitative data.
- Thematic analysis of focus group data, identifying themes such as 'Autotopography', 'Reflection', 'In-group norms', and 'Significant others'.
Main Results:
- Participants invested meaning in the 3D models, facilitating self-reflection and social activation related to their behavior.
- Significant others (family and peers) played a key role in model interpretation and potential long-term behavior change.
- 3D-printed models were found to be meaningful representations influencing identity formation.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed physical activity models offer a novel intervention strategy for behavior change engagement in children and adolescents.
- These models can foster self-reflection and social activation, contributing to identity development.
- The involvement of significant others is important for the efficacy of this approach.
