Hands On Webinar | Innovative Strategies to Enhance Exercise Engagement | Recording-Innovative Strategies to Enhance Exercise Engagement

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, moderated by exercise physiologist Sam Scott, focused on innovative strategies to enhance exercise engagement among individuals with diabetes, emphasizing wearable technologies and mobile apps. Dr. Katie Hesketh introduced the role of behavior change techniques embedded in wearables, highlighting self-determination theory which stresses autonomy, competence, and relatedness as key psychological needs. Key behavior change strategies discussed included self-monitoring, goal setting, prompts/cues, action planning, gamification, and social support, all aimed at increasing and sustaining physical activity. Self-monitoring alone, such as step tracking, raises awareness but doesn’t reliably improve HbA1c; combining it with personalized goal setting and feedback improves outcomes. Timely prompts and action planning help embed exercise into daily routines, while gamification and social ties increase enjoyment and adherence.<br /><br />Dr. Matthew Cox discussed advancements in next-generation wearables that provide real-time heart rate biofeedback, allowing personalized exercise intensity tailored to the individual’s fitness level, unlike earlier devices relying on generic metrics. This personalization enhances safety, effectiveness, and adherence. Data sharing with healthcare professionals supports timely interventions and personalized coaching. A feasibility study called Motivate showed that integrating these technologies with specialist support dramatically increased exercise uptake and maintenance over 12 months, with more participants meeting recommended activity levels compared to traditional counseling.<br /><br />Panelists stressed that while technology is a powerful tool, individualized approaches remain crucial, especially for those with medication effects (e.g., beta blockers) or mobility limitations. They highlighted the potential of AI for scalable support, noting the importance of human interaction. Practical tips included leveraging wearables for tracking and monitoring, setting achievable personalized goals, using timely prompts, and fostering social and professional support to sustain physical activity in diabetes management.

Keywords

exercise engagement

diabetes management

wearable technologies

behavior change techniques

self-determination theory

self-monitoring

goal setting

gamification

real-time heart rate biofeedback

personalized exercise intensity