The impact of self-monitoring physical activity on the awareness and behaviour of university students

The habituation of physical activity is considered as primary chronic disease prevention in public health. The university students' physical activity levels are insufficient. Therefore, their physica l inactivity is receiving more attention around the world. People could be more aware of their unhealthy behaviour if they get feedback, and they are likely to change it. This study investigates the effects of self-activity monitoring with real-time feedback on university students’ awareness of physical activity and overall health status and explores the physical activity trends. For this purpose, forty Japanese university students participated in the trial wearing activity trackers for 12 weeks in a real-life setting. Two measures were used to assess participants' awareness of physical activity and overall health status: (1) a general questionnaire to detect overall changes in the participants’ self-reported health status and physical activity levels before and after the trial, and (2) a weekly questionnaire to explore the changes in the participants’ awareness of their physical activity during the trial term. Overall, some items of the participants’ self-reported status improved after the trial. However, during the trial, the positive effects of self-monitoring physical activity were not clearly identified on the participants’ awareness of the contribution and enhancement of physical activity or the condition which inhibiting them from doing it. There were more negative changes than positive ones in participants’ awareness related to willingness to monitor physical activity and sleeping time. Accordingly, the participants' steps and activity calories did not have positive trends. The university student’s awareness of physical activity could not be increased by real-time feedback. Therefore, they should be educated about physica l activity and its health impact to increase their awareness.