Technology in Physical Activity and Health Promotion

As technology becomes an ever more prevalent part of everyday life and population-based physical activity programmes seek new ways to increase lifelong engagement with physical activity, so the two have become increasingly linked. This book offers a thorough, critical examination of emerging technologies in physical activity and health, considering technological interventions within the dominant theoretical frameworks, exploring the challenges of integrating technology into physical activity promotion and offering solutions for its implementation.

The book occupies a broadly positive stance towards interactive technology initiatives and, while discussing some negative implications of an increased use of technology, offers practical recommendations for promoting physical activity through a range of media, including:

• social media
• mobile apps
• global positioning and geographic information systems
• wearables
• active videogames (exergaming)
• and virtual reality settings

Offering a logical and clear critique of technology in physical activity and health promotion, this book will serve as an essential reference for upper-level undergraduates, postgraduate students and scholars working in public health, physical activity and health and kinesiology, and healthcare professionals.

Zan Gao is a faculty member at the School of Kinesiology in University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, USA, specializing in physical activity and health. His research has primarily focused on promoting health through population-based physical activity interventions with emerging technologies such as active video games, online social media and mobile device apps.