Mobile Phone–Based Physical Activity Program
depression, hip-width, ’s movements
BENDING, STRETCHES
The physical activity program used in this study is mobile based and aims to improve physical fitness factors associated with depression. The program features a series of animated and video demonstrations of exercises that involve repetitive movements, designed to engage and challenge various muscle groups. These movements are performed rhythmically and in a coordinated manner to enhance muscular strength and cardiorespiratory endurance. The program’s exercises are repeated several times during each sequence, and 3D animated images display movements designed to enhance coordination and balance by integrating hand and leg movements in different ways. The program’s movements challenge the hands, feet, and trunk and are designed to improve muscular strength and cardiorespiratory endurance.More specifically, the program is composed of 6 therapeutic movement sequences, each incorporating specific fitness elements (as shown in The third and fourth sequences in the program focus on coordinated movements of both the arms and legs. The exercises are aimed at expanding the range of motion around the body’s center of gravity and enhancing muscular endurance and balance. It involves standing with the feet hip-width apart and lifting both arms up and out to the sides of the body, reaching toward the sky. The palms of the hands may face each other or be turned outward. The chest and head are lifted upward to create an expansive posture. This movement is often associated with a feeling of openness and energy, as it stretches and opens the chest, shoulders, and arms. By coordinating the movements of both the arms and legs, participants are required to use multiple muscle groups simultaneously, which can help to improve overall body strength and coordination.The fifth sequence involves walking and running in place to improve cardiorespiratory capacity. This sequence is specifically designed to improve cardiorespiratory capacity or the ability of the body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems to efficiently deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles during physical activity. To perform this sequence, the participant simply walks or runs in place, lifting their feet off the ground and moving their arms back and forth in a natural rhythm. Walking and running in place can be modified to increase the intensity of the exercise by incorporating variations such as high knees, heel kicks, or lateral shuffles. These variations can challenge the cardiovascular and respiratory systems by increasing the intensity and demand of the exercise.The sixth sequence is designed to enhance coordination between the arms and legs, with the aim of increasing the range of motion around joints. For example, 1 exercise involves lunging forward with 1 leg while simultaneously extending the arm out in front of the body and then alternating sides. Another exercise involves standing with the feet shoulder-width apart and lifting both arms straight up above the head while simultaneously bending the knees and lowering the body into a squat position. Participants may then return to the standing position while lowering the arms to the sides of the body.In addition, the program’s movement exercises consist of actions with characteristics similar to gestures associated with the expression of positive emotions (joy and happiness). The body motions associated with expressions of joy and happiness have the characteristics of expansiveness, wherein the upper extremities and upper body move upward, with the arms extending laterally [Only participants in the treatment group were instructed to engage in physical activity while watching videos with physical activity content 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The videos consisted of a total of approximately 20 minutes of physical activity content and were delivered to the participants’ mobile devices through a YouTube link at the same time every day. The researchers did not provide additional treatment or counseling related to the program content.Captured images of the mobile physical activity program’s 3D human character animation.