The day is set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to promote physical activity as a way to fight chronic diseases of lifestyle, which is currently claiming the lives of up to 40% of South African's annually. According to the WHO, the lack of physical activity is among the biggest risk factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle.
Pharma Dynamics has just released a survey that indicates that technology, which has become an inextricable part of our every-day lives, might just be the answer to get more people to exercise.
According to the survey, which forms part of its movement campaign, more than half of South Africans who exercise regularly say they have embraced technology with 5 in 10 using some type of tech-gadget during their workout.
Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for the company, says technology does not have to be a double-edged sword. "Technology can be a powerful tool in promoting physical activity and changing exercise behaviour. For years, pedometers, accelerometers and heart rate monitors have been used as motivational tools.
"Newer technologies such as global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), interactive video games, GoPro cameras and persuasive technologies are also becoming popular. Equally, Internet-based physical activity interventions and mobile applications can be used to promote and change exercise behaviour."
Forty percent of those who participated in the poll said they use a smartphone or tablet during their workout and nearly 47% admitted that they would probably work out more if they had access to their personal content while exercising.
"For most participants, this was as simple as placing a smartphone or tablet on an exercise machine to play music or videos, while 13% use equipment that connects to their devices, as well as built-in computer or video screens. The majority, (86%) also said having access to technology during their workout makes it easier to achieve their fitness and/or weight loss goals."
"The majority of us in South Africa don't do anywhere near the recommended amount of exercise to stave off diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Participating in 30 minutes of exercise every day reduces one's risk of high blood pressure by almost one fifth, while incorporating four hours of physical activity a week could make the difference between a healthy blood pressure and having to take medication for life."
The most recent South African Youth Risk Behaviour Survey (YRBS), which was conducted among grade 8-10 pupils, showed that 17.2 % of adolescents are overweight and more girls (5.3 %) than boys (2.2 %) were obese, pointing to a major decline in physical activity levels among youth.
Van Aswegen cites a number of studies that suggest that technology is a big motivator in changing exercise behaviour among youth. "Small changes in the way activities are framed can make a big difference in exercise motivation and behaviours as far as teenagers are concerned.
"Some studies indicate that learners are motivated by the use of technology that enhances individual skills and teaches them how to monitor their own fitness levels. Examples of these 'exergaming' technologies include heart rate monitors and equipment that combines activity with video or television-enabled games."
The national survey was conducted among men and women between the ages of 24 and 57 who exercise regularly.
Enter competition
The iC4H campaign, which will run during the entire month of May, will encourage South Africans young and old to submit photos and videos on www.facebook.com/iChange4Health to stand a chance to win.
"Our campaign ties in with the South African slogan for World Move for Health Day, which is 'Vuka South Africa, Move for your Health', and we hope to instil a sense of responsibility among all South Africans to make exercise an important part of their daily routine," concludes van Aswegen.
