Morehead State University
Use of the Body Media SenseWear Pro in Promoting Physical Activity in an Adult Population
Institution
Morehead State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Gina Blunt; Jennifer Dearden
Abstract
Physical inactivity (PI) is a major problem in the US and Kentucky. PI has been linked to a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (Martinson, O'Connor, & Pronk, 2001).In order to increase physical activity, behavioral theory suggests changing key constructs such as self-regulation, self-efficacy and decisional balance. A variety of activity monitoring devices are available to promote selfregulation such as accelerometers and pedometers, however, it is unclear if simply using these devices without specific intervention leads to behavior change. Subjects included employees and students (n=30) from a regional state university in KY who were asked to wear an activity monitoring device called the Body Media SenseWear Pro3 Armband (BMSPA) for 14 days. The BMSPA is worn over the triceps muscle and measures a variety of physiological data including step counts, activity intensity, and energy expenditure. Data was collected on the following areas: step counts, energy expenditure, and pre and post-test questionnaires on activity frequency, level, and mode as well as in the following behavioral constructs: self-efficacy, decisional balance, expectations, and social support. While subjects averaged 8977 steps and 2500 calories per day, they also anticipated working out more often while wearing the BMSPA, however, there was no change in exercise frequency. Results showed that simply wearing an activity monitoring device did not significantly change key behavioral constructs or overall physical activity.
Use of the Body Media SenseWear Pro in Promoting Physical Activity in an Adult Population
Physical inactivity (PI) is a major problem in the US and Kentucky. PI has been linked to a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (Martinson, O'Connor, & Pronk, 2001).In order to increase physical activity, behavioral theory suggests changing key constructs such as self-regulation, self-efficacy and decisional balance. A variety of activity monitoring devices are available to promote selfregulation such as accelerometers and pedometers, however, it is unclear if simply using these devices without specific intervention leads to behavior change. Subjects included employees and students (n=30) from a regional state university in KY who were asked to wear an activity monitoring device called the Body Media SenseWear Pro3 Armband (BMSPA) for 14 days. The BMSPA is worn over the triceps muscle and measures a variety of physiological data including step counts, activity intensity, and energy expenditure. Data was collected on the following areas: step counts, energy expenditure, and pre and post-test questionnaires on activity frequency, level, and mode as well as in the following behavioral constructs: self-efficacy, decisional balance, expectations, and social support. While subjects averaged 8977 steps and 2500 calories per day, they also anticipated working out more often while wearing the BMSPA, however, there was no change in exercise frequency. Results showed that simply wearing an activity monitoring device did not significantly change key behavioral constructs or overall physical activity.