THE VERIFICATION OF THE USABILITY OF THE ONLINE INDARES.COM SYSTEM IN COLLECTING DATA ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY - PILOT STUDY

摘要

In order to reduce the increase of obesity and an inactive healthy lifestyle in the population, we are seeking means which would enhance a change in physical activity behavior worldwide. Information technologies, especially the internet, are among these means. Research has shown internet intervention to be effective in enhancing health in the population. The aim of the pilot study is to verify the usability of the online Indares.com system in collecting data on physical activity (PA) and at the same time to analyze a possible use of the system for intervention programs. The verification of the Indares.com system was carried out in the spring term (from January to May 2008) in a sample of 114 students at Valdosta State University who recorded their PA regularly into the system. The study analyzed the data from the first 12 weeks of the semester. The results show that the Indares.com system is an effective tool for the online collection of data on PA in its users and that the recorded data can be used for research purposes. Furthermore, the obtained information suggests that the Indares.com system can be used in internet intervention programs.