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01-10-2011 | Original Paper

Barriers to Physical Activity: A Study of Self-Revelation in an Online Community

Authors: Tammy Toscos, Sunny Consolvo, David W. McDonald

Published in: Journal of Medical Systems | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

The importance of regular physical activity to overall health has been well established, yet adults in the United States are leading increasingly sedentary lives. Research suggests that lowering perceived barriers to exercise is an effective strategy for encouraging physical activity. This article describes the top barriers that emerged from a qualitative analysis of message board traffic from a three-month healthy lifestyle intervention that promoted physical activity and healthy eating. The findings further elaborate known barriers to physical activity—two of which are not reported as key barriers in prior research—and illustrate the value of a grounded approach to studying health and fitness behaviors. Based on our analysis, we identify design considerations for technologies that encourage and support physical activity. Understanding the needs of a population is a critical step in the design process, and this paper offers unique insights for those working in this growing domain.

4 and 19 report on the same study

Barriers from the various studies may overlap in some cases due to an inconsistency in their naming (e.g., care-giving duties is often related to a lack of time; lack of energy may be synonymous with too tired).

http://www.cdc.gov/brfss {link verified 13 January 2011}

Pseudonyms are used for the magazine and health intervention names to protect the identities of message board posters, expert contributors, and the magazine.

Experts, who were arranged by BeFit, included two psychologists, an obstetrician/gynecologist, a registered dietitian, two personal trainers (one was a former professional athlete and the other was also a track and field coach), two gym owners, a personal finance columnist, and a spa chef.

BMI, which has been shown to strongly correlate with body fatness, is calculated based on an individual’s height and weight. It is used to classify people as being underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25.0 to 29.9), or obese (BMI ≥ 30.0).

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Title: Barriers to Physical Activity: A Study of Self-Revelation in an Online Community
Authors: Tammy Toscos
Sunny Consolvo
David W. McDonald
Publication date: 01-10-2011
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Medical Systems / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0148-5598
Electronic ISSN: 1573-689X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-011-9721-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Barriers to Physical Activity: A Study of Self-Revelation in an Online Community

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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