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= Increased social media use cant really improve physical activity, can it? = This is an analysis of the journal article "The Efficacy of a Walking Intervention Using Social Media to Increase Physical Activity: A Randomized Trial" by Rote, Klos, Brondino, Harley & Swartz (2015).

What is the background to this research?
The World Health Organisation defines physical activity as ‘any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure’. Individuals who do not meet the recommended level of regular physical activity are regarded as physically inactive. Physical inactivity has been recognised as the fourth leading risk factor associated with global mortality, reportedly responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths worldwide.

As physical inactivity levels increase so do the number of health risks and diseases associated. Strategies to increase physical activity amongst the population aid to benefit health significantly by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, various cancers, and depression.

Social medias increasing use...

Where is the research from?
Rote, Klos, Brondino, Harley & Swartz from Human Kinetics conducted this research throughout Midwestern United States focusing on an urban setting.

What kind of research was this?
This is a randomised trial, involving the use of sealed pedometers counting participants steps per day and weekly logs to collect information.

What did the research involve?
A sample of 63 female college freshmen were randomised in to one of two 8 week interventions; a Facebook Social Support Group (n=32) or Standard Walking Intervention (n=31). Both groups received step goals each week and recorded their steps per day with a pedometer. The participants in the Facebook Social Support Group also joined a Facebook Group and were instructed to post their steps per day and provide feedback to the other participants.

What were the basic results?
Rote et al found that both groups significantly increased steps per day from pre to post intervention. Moreover, the study found that the Facebook Social Support Group increased their steps per day significantly more than the Standard Walking Intervention group, going from 5,295 to 12,472 steps/day.