MEDICAL AREA   

Medicina dello Sport 2014 June;67(2):261-72

Copyright © 2014 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Effects of pedometer-based walking intervention on psychological and biological variables in adolescent girls: does achieving goals make a difference?

Kantanista A. ¹, Bronikowski M. ¹, Laudańska-Krzemińska I. ², Osiński W. ¹

¹ Department of the Theory and Methodology of Physical Education, University School of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland; ² Department of Health Education, University School of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 8-week intervention based on an increasing number of steps on selected biological and psychological factors in 16-18-year-old girls.
METHODS: The study included data from 56 girls, aged 16-18 (M=17.2±0.94 years). The sample were divided into two groups. Group I (achieving goal group) consisted of the girls (N.=28), who had achieved the goals set of increasing the number of steps they took in the consecutive 8 weeks. Group II (non-achieving goal group) were the girls (N.=28) who did not achieve the goals set. The levels of psychological factors were determined by means of a questionnaire survey. Estimated VO2 max was assessed by a 1-mile walk test and, the percentage of body fat was tested by bio-impedance method.
RESULTS: A repeated-measured ANOVA indicated a significant group-by-time interaction effect in enjoyment of physical activity, F(1,53)=4.721; P=0.03, η2=0.08 and self-perception of body image F(1,53)=4.201; P=0.04, η2=0.07. After 8-week pedometer-based walking intervention participants from achieving goal group had higher level of physical activity enjoyment and more positive self-perception of body image than girls from non-achieving goal group.
CONCLUSION: The findings showed that when assessing the effects of interventions based on the use of pedometers, the level of achievement of the goals by individuals needs to be considered.