Chronic disease risks and use of a smartphone application during a physical activity and dietary intervention in Australian truck drivers
Abstract Objective: This study examined chronic disease risks and the use of a smartphone activity tracking application during an intervention in Australian truck drivers (April‐October 2014). Methods: Forty‐four men (mean age=47.5 [SD 9.8] years) completed baseline health measures, and were subsequ...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Book |
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Elsevier,
2016-02-01T00:00:00Z.
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| Online Access: | Connect to this object online. |
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| Summary: | Abstract Objective: This study examined chronic disease risks and the use of a smartphone activity tracking application during an intervention in Australian truck drivers (April‐October 2014). Methods: Forty‐four men (mean age=47.5 [SD 9.8] years) completed baseline health measures, and were subsequently offered access to a free wrist‐worn activity tracker and smartphone application (Jawbone UP) to monitor step counts and dietary choices during a 20‐week intervention. Chronic disease risks were evaluated against guidelines; weekly step count and dietary logs registered by drivers in the application were analysed to evaluate use of the Jawbone UP. Results: Chronic disease risks were high (e.g. 97% high waist circumference [≥94 cm]). Eighteen drivers (41%) did not start the intervention; smartphone technical barriers were the main reason for drop out. Across 20‐weeks, drivers who used the Jawbone UP logged step counts for an average of 6 [SD 1] days/week; mean step counts remained consistent across the intervention (weeks 1-4=8,743[SD 2,867] steps/day; weeks 17-20=8,994[SD 3,478] steps/day). The median number of dietary logs significantly decreased from start (17 [IQR 38] logs/weeks) to end of the intervention (0 [IQR 23] logs/week; p<0.01); the median proportion of healthy diet choices relative to total diet choices logged increased across the intervention (weeks 1-4=38[IQR 21]%; weeks 17-20=58[IQR 18]%). Conclusions: Step counts were more successfully monitored than dietary choices in those drivers who used the Jawbone UP. Implications: Smartphone technology facilitated active living and healthy dietary choices, but also prohibited intervention engagement in a number of these high‐risk Australian truck drivers. |
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| Item Description: | 1753-6405 1326-0200 10.1111/1753-6405.12501 |