Proposição e avaliação de um modelo de atenção para mudança do nível de atividade física mediado por m-Health em trabalhadores

Abstract

The adult population has insufficient physical activity, especially during work hours, which highlights the need for strategies to increase the periods of physical activity during this period. Among the strategies, technology can act as a motivational and economic facilitator. With this purpose, this thesis aimed to propose and evaluate the effects of a care model on changing the level of PA mediated by m-Health in workers. The study was structured in three main stages: 1) a systematic literature review (SLR), carried out to support the creation of the care model mediated by m-Health focused on modifying the level of physical activity of workers; 2) the proposal of the model mediated by m-Health to encourage changes in the level of physical activity of these individuals; 3) a controlled, randomized, non-blinded, prospective and single-center clinical trial, conducted to test the effectiveness of the proposed model. The SLR was carried out according to PRISMA standards, with the aim of providing support for the creation of the model. The proposed model has functionalities and steps necessary for its implementation in the workplace. The clinical trial was conducted with workers with insufficient physical activity at the University of Passo Fundo. Participants were divided into two groups: control and intervention. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and included the use of an m-Health technology. Participants were assessed regarding their level of physical activity, stage of change, and motivation to practice physical activity. In addition, the intervention group answered questionnaires about user experience and technology acceptance. To analyze the differences between the groups after the intervention, the mixed linear model test was applied, with a significance level of p<0.05. The results of the SLR were promising for PA in the workplace, especially with studies that combine stages and functionalities (face-to-face meetings, reminders, challenges, goal setting, and phone calls). The results of the clinical trial revealed that, at the end of the intervention, the group that used the m-Health-mediated model had a significant increase in physical activity levels, especially on weekends, compared to the control group. However, no significant effect of the model on changing motivation for physical activity practice was observed between groups. It is therefore concluded that the m-Health-mediated mindfulness model proved to be effective in promoting positive changes in physical activity behavior among sedentary workers, although it did not significantly impact motivation for these practices. This result indicates that, although m-Health technology is a valuable tool for increasing physical activity in predominantly sedentary work environments, additional strategies may be needed to effectively influence individuals' motivation.