Use of technology to increase physical activity in female veterans and soldiers aged 19-64 years.

Abstract

Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality for American women, claiming 289,753 lives annually. Research has show that female veterans are more sedentary after separating from service and that mobile apps can assist in increasing physical activity. The purposes of this study were to: 1) implement a mobile application to increase physical activity, 2) compare the exercise data, and 3) determine the sustainability of using a mobile application in female active duty soldiers, military retirees, and veterans with prior service. A convenience sample of 30 participants, aged 19-64 years, was recruited from the Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Active duty soldiers, retired military, and family members are eligible for care at Womack. Six of the participants with prior military service are spouses of active duty and retired military and were included in the sample. The participants documented the type of physical activity and amount of time exercised over 12 weeks using the closed discussion group. Clinically significant differences were demonstrated in individual averages of minutes exercised per week in the group of veterans (n = 4; Z = -0.944, p = .345, r = 0.3) and active duty group (n = 5; Z = -1.826, p = .068, r = 0.65). The study did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in physical activity using technology. Mobile technology provides nurse practitioners with tools to empower patients. The use of technology to increase physical activity is relatively new and continues to evolve.