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摘要
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Wearable activity trackers with progressive goal-setting features can significantly increase physical activity, muscle strength, and skeletal muscle index while reducing sedentary time and BMI (Ho, Peng, Liao, & Yen, 2024); multicomponent interventions that combine physical activity, technology support (e.g., activity monitors), and nutrition counseling likewise reduce the incidence of mobility disability and attenuate long-term declines in muscle strength and mass (Bernabei et al., 2022; Billot et al., 2020). However, most interventions prioritize physical outcomes and seldom incorporate comprehensive behavior-change techniques or address psychological barriers to sustained activity (Ho et al., 2024); short-term adherence is typically higher, whereas long-term engagement requires tackling motivation, self-efficacy, and social support (Wu et al., 2025). This study aims to examine the synergistic effect of combining a self-talk strategy with wearable technology to enhance exercise motivation, self-efficacy, and muscle function in older adults. Sixty community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years were randomized to one of three arms: (1) combined intervention (self-talk + wearable), (2) wearable-only, or (3) control (no intervention). Over 12 weeks, participants completed a smartwatch-tracked structured walking program (100 steps/min, 30 min, 3×/week); the combined group additionally received weekly self-talk training using motivational and instructional scripts. Outcomes included an exercise motivation scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, ASMI (InBody 370S), handgrip strength (Jamar), and the five-times sit-to-stand test (5×STS). Preliminary analyses indicate that the combined group achieved greater improvements in motivation, self-efficacy, muscle mass, and functional performance than the other groups, along with larger increases in daily step counts and energy expenditure; correlation analyses suggest that self-efficacy may be a potential mediator linking physical activity to muscle health. In sum, integrating cognitive strategies with digital monitoring can enhance the effectiveness of physical interventions in older adults and offers a scalable model for promoting healthy aging and preventing sarcopenia; future programs should systematically incorporate behavior-change techniques and psychological support to improve long-term adherence and health outcomes. |