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Wearable Activity Trackers and Physical Activity Levels Among Members of the Athens Medical Association in Greece
- Source :
- Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease, Vol 11, Iss 10, p 336 (2024)
- Publication Year :
- 2024
- Publisher :
- MDPI AG, 2024.
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Wearable Activity Trackers (WATs) offer real-time feedback on activity levels. We assessed the impact of WAT usage on physicians’ exercise habits. Methods: Physicians from the Athens Medical Association, Greece (n = 742) responded to a self-administered questionnaire evaluating usage of WAT, demographic characteristics, specialty, and physical exercise habits. WHO guidelines recommend at least 150 min/week of moderate-intensity exercise in all healthy adults. Subjects were divided in Users of WATs (Group A), and Non-Users of WATs (Group B). This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Results: There was no difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups (age, sex, body mass index). WATs were used by 38%. Between Group A and B, there was difference in mean exercise training time (302 ± 304 min vs. 210 ± 268 min, p < 0.001), higher percentage of WHO goal achievement (66.3% vs. 50.7%, p < 0.001), and greater awareness of WHO Guidelines (59.9% vs. 47.4%, p < 0.001). WATs were mostly used by four main specialties, with higher use from Cardiologists: Cardiology (47%), Endocrinology (44%), Surgery (35%) and Internal Medicine (25%), with a p = 0.045. Finally, users of WATs compared to non-users showed higher willingness to reduce body weight (58.5% vs. 48%, p = 0.01), apply dietary restrictions (36.5% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.05), and greater motivation for weekly physical exercise (74.1% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.001); Conclusion: Physicians using WATs demonstrate increased exercise training time, greater awareness of WHO guidelines and a higher propensity to implement dietary restrictions compared to non-users. Variations in WAT usage across medical specialties emphasize the need for targeted interventions to promote physical activity and enhance healthcare professionals’ health.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 23083425
- Volume :
- 11
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.1dda0093efb462fb7bf5e144f999265
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd11100336