Abstract
BackgroundInstagram provides an opportunity to deliver low cost, accessible and appealing physical activity content. This study evaluated the feasibility of delivering an exercise program for young women using Instagram.MethodsA single-group pre- and post-intervention trial examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week Instagram-delivered program with young inactive women (n = 16; M = 23 years), which prescribed running and body weight exercises to complete three times per week. Daily Instagram posts delivered the exercises, video demonstrations and motivational content. Feasibility was evaluated by examining exposure (Instagram posts viewed per week), engagement (likes, comments and tags on Instagram posts; number of exercise sessions completed per week; retention, defined as completion of the online survey at weeks 6 and 12), and acceptability [whether the program increased participants’ motivation to exercise (1 = strongly disagree-5 = strongly agree); satisfaction with the program (1 = not satisfied-5 = very satisfied)]. Preliminary efficacy was evaluated by comparing baseline and 12-week self-reported physical activity (IPAQ short-form) and fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscle strength; 1 = very poor-5 = very good, International Fitness Scale) using the Exact sign test.ResultsOn average, participants reported seeing six posts in their Instagram feed per week. Posts received an average of five likes (IQR = 3–6). A total of four comments and one tag were observed across all posts. On average, participants reported completing two exercise sessions per week. Retention was 88% at 6 weeks but dropped to 56% at 12 weeks. Participants reported increased motivation to exercise (Mdn = 4, IQR = 3–4) and were satisfied with the program (Mdn = 4, IQR = 3–4). Only self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness showed a meaningful, though nonsignificant, improvement (MdnΔ = 1, IQR = 0–1, p = .06).ConclusionsAlthough Instagram has the potential to deliver a low cost, convenient exercise program for young women, additional research is needed to identify methods of improving engagement (interaction with the Instagram content, exercise sessions completed, and retention in the program). Future research could examine the use of behaviour change theory and provide information that enables participants to tailor the exercises to their interests and needs. Additionally, the use of objective assessments of physical activity and fitness among a larger participants sample is needed.
Highlights
Insufficient physical activity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable disease and premature death worldwide [1, 2]
The aim of this research was to conduct a process evaluation assessing the feasibility of a 12-week Instagram-delivered exercise program for young women, examining exposure, engagement, and acceptability, and to assess the preliminary efficacy of the program, examining selfreported physical activity and fitness
Participants were asked a series of structured questions about the types of physical activity they would like to see in an Instagram-based program, and the types of Instagram posts they would find motivating
Summary
Insufficient physical activity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable disease and premature death worldwide [1, 2]. Young Australian women are insufficiently active, with only 21% meeting recommendations for both moderateto-vigorous activity (150 min per week) and muscle strengthening activities (2 days per week) [4]. It is vital for young women to have access to appropriate resources and programs to help them take proactive steps to improve their physical activity and health. Evidence-based programs are needed that use low-cost, scalable methods of delivery and are able to be widely disseminated and freely accessed by users. Instagram provides an opportunity to deliver low cost, accessible and appealing physical activity content. This study evaluated the feasibility of delivering an exercise program for young women using Instagram
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