Dietary and physical activity interventions through smartphone healthcare applications (apps) have recently surged in popularity as effective methods for weight loss. However, the specific factors contributing to successful weight loss remain uncertain. We conducted an analysis of baseline characteristics and app usage frequencies over three months among 68 Japanese adults with overweight and obesity who were assigned to the intervention group in a previous randomized controlled trial. Logistic regression analysis revealed a negative association (OR: 0.248; p = 0.018) between having a walking habit at baseline and successful weight loss, defined as a 3% reduction in initial weight. Additionally, slower walking speeds and family medical history were identified as potential predictors of successful weight loss. These findings offer insights into the profile of individuals who achieve success in weight loss through our smartphone app, providing valuable guidance for the development of future healthcare apps.

Physical inactivity contributes to various health risks; however, approximately one-third of the global population remains insufficiently active. Many researchers have attempted to increase physical activity levels; however, the effectiveness and the specific components of these interventions remain unclear. This systematic review with meta-analyses utilized a behavior change technique taxonomy to identify and extract effective intervention components, aiming to develop more efficient programs to promote physical activity. We searched the PubMed and Ichu-shi Web databases for studies targeting healthy young and middle-aged adults with data on physical activity changes and extracted the intervention components. A random-effects model was used for the primary meta-analysis, and a meta-regression was conducted for the selected outcomes. Overall, 116 studies were included, with 102 used for the primary analysis. The interventions showed a small effect on overall physical activity promotion. Subsequent meta-regressions identified 1.5 Review behavior goal(s) as a significant positive intervention component, as well as four and three potential positive and negative components, respectively. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of physical activity interventions and highlighted effective and negative components. These findings may inform the design of future programs aimed at promoting physical activity.

Purpose: This study examined the associations among movement behaviors, stress responses, and work performance and explored whether stress responses serve as a mediating factor. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Remote work settings. Sample: A total of 100 workers with remote work arrangements. Measures: Daily movement behaviors were measured using accelerometers. Stress responses and work performance were assessed using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire and World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire, respectively. Analysis: Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted using both unadjusted and adjusted models. Results: In the adjusted model, higher daily step counts (per 1,000 steps) were significantly associated with lower stress responses (B = −1.03, 95%CI [–1.86, −0.20], P = .02). Stress responses were negatively associated with work performance (B = −0.47, 95%CI [–0.72, −0.21], P < .001). Mediation analysis showed significant indirect effects of daily steps (per 1000 steps) on work performance through stress responses after adjusting for covariates (indirect effect = 0.46, BootSE = 0.25, 95% CI [0.08, 1.03]). Conclusion: Daily steps were indirectly associated with work performance through stress responses among Japanese workers with remote work arrangements. Encouraging walking and increasing daily movement may enhance occupational mental well-being and productivity in this population.

This study investigated whether dog ownership and exercise self-efficacy were associated with physical activity in Japanese office workers, and whether these associations differed across restrictive contexts (pre-, during-, and post-COVID-19). A web-based questionnaire was administered to Japanese office workers between August and November 2023. Basic characteristics, physical activity level, dog ownership, and exercise self-efficacy were obtained using the recall method at three time points: before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Dog-walking activity and self-efficacy, and dog-related obligations were assessed among dog owners. A two-way repeated measures analysis of covariance was conducted to examine the effects of time and dog ownership on physical activity. A mediation analysis was conducted to confirm the mediating effect of exercise self-efficacy. A total of 414 responses were analyzed. Physical activity levels decreased from pre- to during-COVID-19, then partially rebounded post-COVID-19 ( p < 0.001); the pattern of change differed depending on dog ownership ( p = 0.043). A full mediation effect of exercise self-efficacy was observed before the pandemic ( p < 0.001). Among dog owners, dog-walking activity was influenced by dog walking self-efficacy at the three time points (before: β = 0.418, p < 0.001; during: β = 0.401, p = 0.001; after: β = 0.373, p = 0.001). Dog ownership appeared to buffer pandemic-related declines in physical activity, facilitated by exercise self-efficacy; this supported a rapid recovery in physical activity. These findings highlight the importance of structured caregiving routines, such as dog walking, as a resilient strategy for maintaining physical activity in restrictive environments.

Background: Health care apps are widely used to support weight loss and lifestyle modification. Many of these apps offer tailored feedback on dietary intake and nutritional behavior. However, most lack personalized features that promote physical activity (PA), which is important for weight management, metabolic health, and chronic disease prevention. To develop future personalized PA promotion functions, it is essential to understand users’ perceptions of PA. Objective: This study aimed to explore health care app users’ perception of PA, including perceived motivators and barriers. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using focus group interviews with health care app users. Participants were recruited regardless of age, sex, or body mass index. A thematic analysis was conducted using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches. Question 1 (“How do you perceive the importance of physical activity?”) was analyzed inductively, whereas questions 2 (“What are the motivating factors for engaging in physical activity?”) and 3 (“What are the barriers to engaging in physical activity?”) were analyzed deductively based on the social ecological model. Results: Eleven participants were interviewed and were unfamiliar with the term “physical activity” but recognized the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior. The identified motivators included improvements in mood; changes in physical appearance; support from family; alignment with personal routines and conditions (eg, goal setting, feedback, reminders, and praise); and tailoring to physical condition, daily schedules, and weather. The reported barriers included time restrictions due to work, fatigue, weather, remote work, and social pressure in workplace settings. Conclusions: This study provides user-informed insights that can inform the design of personalized approaches better aligned with daily routines, competing demands, and situational barriers. Future work should evaluate how incorporating such user perspectives into personalized support strategies affects engagement and PA.

BACKGROUND Healthcare applications are widely used to support weight loss and lifestyle modification. Many of these applications offer tailored feedback on dietary intake and nutritional behavior. However, most lack personalized features that promote physical activity (PA), which is important for weight management, metabolic health, and chronic disease prevention. To enhance the effectiveness of physical activity promotion function in healthcare applications, it is essential to understand which personalized features are useful for promoting PA. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the essential features perceived by users of personalized PA promotion in healthcare applications. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted using focus group interviews (FGIs) with healthcare application users. Participants were recruited regardless of age, sex, or body mass index. A thematic analysis was conducted using a combination of inductive and deductive approaches. Question 1 (“How do you perceive the importance of physical activity”) was analyzed inductively, while Questions 2 (“What are the motivating factors for engaging in physical activity?”) and 3 (“What are the barriers to engaging in physical activity?”) were analyzed deductively based on the Social Ecological Model. RESULTS Eleven participants were interviewed and were unfamiliar with the term “physical activity” but recognized the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior. The identified motivators included improvements in mood, changes in physical appearance, and support from family. Application features, such as goal setting, feedback, reminders, and praise, were also cited as effective motivators. The reported barriers included time restrictions due to work, fatigue, weather, remote work, and social pressure in workplace settings. Many participants emphasized the need for personalized suggestions tailored to their physical conditions, daily schedules, and weather. CONCLUSIONS Participants expressed the need for application features that provide personalized context-aware support for physical activity. Features, such as timely feedback, adaptive goals, and motivational messages based on daily conditions, may enhance engagement and address common barriers. These insights can guide the development of healthcare applications with personalized PA support functions.