Technology's influence on physical activity and exercise science: the present and the future

Background and purpose. Research and application in the physical activity and exercise area are increasingly impacted by technology. The exponential growth of World Wide Web access and the proliferation of personal computers highlight the importance of this development. The purpose of this article is to discuss the current impact of technology on different aspects of physical activity interventions and potential future applications. Methods. Relevant literature is reviewed within each of the areas being discussed. Results and conclusions. Technology has contributed to a secular decline in physical activity; however, it allows a) the proactive recruitment of large populations, b) the individualization of interventions on a large scale, and c) the delivery of activity promoting interventions to large populations via differing channels. Support is emerging for individualized interactive physical activity interventions delivered to large samples. Yet-untested areas where technology may have a beneficial impact on physical activity adoption and maintenance are interactive TV and virtual reality. With the increased focus on environmental strategies, technology could also be used to modify home environments to facilitate incorporating physical activity into everyday life. Technology is also increasing its role in the business of physical activity/exercise. For example, web-based health sites are now listed on the stock market. Health and fitness centers are adopting high-tech entertainment capabilities to serve each client. Combining the individualized technology used in the adoption and maintenance research with the existing infrastructures in health and fitness centers could increase adherence within these centers. Currently, however, there is limited research and utilization of this technology for the promotion of physical activity and exercise at the population level. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.