Integrating a Gamified Digital Application in Naturebased Settings to Improve Physical Activity and Health Outcomes Among Central Pennsylvanians
Using a Socioecological, Cross-disciplinary Guiding Framework
Bibliographic Data
Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of a community-facilitated, digital application intervention at increasing physical activity in central Pennsylvania. Methods: We employed a game-based digital application within partnership- guided, nature-based programming to encourage physical activity. Partnerships with local healthcare and park/ recreation entities were established to facilitate recruitment and intervention sustenance. Self-reported psychological and physiological changes were evaluated in a repeated-measures design, contextualized by thematic coding of qualitative responses, and interpreted via the Park Prescription Theory of Change. Results: Partnerships were formed among 3 local healthcare entities, Berks Nature, and community organizations to conduct the intervention. There were increases in physical activity duration and time spent outdoors. We identified positive, consistent trends in perceptions of healthful behaviors and quality of life, health satisfaction, and perceived accessibility and barriers. There were low rates of allergies or wheezing. The game-based application improved sentiments of belongingness and familial engagement. These findings mostly aligned with the Park Prescription Theory of Change. Conclusions: An innovative, cross-disciplinary means to improve physical activity can inform approaches at the regional or national level, as well as guide legislative efforts in public health, environmental policy, and urban planning
Cross disciplinary · Data science · Discipline · Medical education · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Sociology · Applied Psychology · Computer Science · Medicine · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management · Urban Green Space and Health · Gerontology
Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation
Effect of exposure to natural environment on health inequalities
The benefits of nature experience
Physical Activity and Food Environments
An Ecological Approach to Creating Active Living Communities
Self-reported participation in outdoor and nature-based recreation before and during the Covid-19 pandemic supports psychological health and well-being
Walking Green
Activity in nature mediates a park prescription intervention’s effects on physical activity, park use and quality of life
Physical activity through social prescribing
Green space, urbanity, and health
| Highly cited | No |
|---|