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Why the use of mobile phones has a positive impact on health
Many people today stare at a screen all day. At work, sufferers use a computer and after work, they mainly deal with their smartphone. Normally, such behavior is expected to be unhealthy. However, researchers found that for some people it also has health benefits of staring at screens a lot.
Researchers from the University of Washington and Tufts University in Massachusetts found in an investigation that using new technology helps improve health. Mobile phones and Internet technologies would make many people improve their diet and physical activity. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Journal of the American Heart Association".
At the present time, almost every person owns a mobile phone. Many people use their cell phone as often as possible. The constant staring at the screen can actually bring health benefits as well. It all depends on which apps or programs we use. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com) Physicians are studying data from more than 200 studies
A research team from several universities investigated the impact of mobile phone use and Internet technology on our health. For this they analyzed data from more than 200 different studies. These dealt with the effects on nutrition, physical activity, the fight against obesity and the reduction of tobacco and alcohol consumption, explain the scientists. Of course, it also has some negative effects to stare at his phone all day long. The screens overload the head and cause headaches and blurred vision.
About 75 percent of the studies reviewed showed improvements in health
The experts found that a total of 75 percent of the studies examined for the use of communication technologies, an improvement of various health issues noted. These technologies included, for example, smartphone apps or programs on the Internet that help with weight loss or measure physical activity through sensors.
Results were surprising
The results were more positive and consistent than expected, says co-author dr. Dariush Mozaffarian from Tufts University. Actually, it's hard to change people's behavior. The fact that so many people use novel technologies to improve their behavior and their health is surprising, the expert adds. The scientists studied the effects of using internet weight loss programs. In about 60 percent of the studies it was found that the use of apps and other programs resulted in a significant weight loss between two and 12 pounds (0.9 kg and 5.5 kg).
Apps can improve your physical activity
The team also examined six studies related to cell phone use and physical activity. They found that the use of mobile apps can indeed improve physical activity. This was observed in all but one study, say the experts. Basically, mobile phones not only have advantages for us. For example, the bright screen light causes the smartphones to rob us of sleep at night. These screen-induced sleep disturbances are particularly common among adolescents. The fact is not surprising. Many teenagers stare at their mobile every free minute.
Apps use basic principles of behavioral change
There are basic known principles of behavioral change, Dr. Mozaffarian. This includes self-monitoring with recordings of changes occurring. In addition, conversations and feedback from other people. Participating in social support groups or working with like-minded people helps to change the behavior. Exactly these principles use the new applications and apps, explains the physician.
Some apps improve the principles of behavioral change
Some important applications of mobile phones or Internet programs even increase the effectiveness of the principles of behavioral change, says co-author dr. Ashkan Afshin from the University of Washington. When programs used components such as goal setting and self-monitoring, using multiple types of communication and customized messages, their effectiveness improved, adds the physician.
Impacts were only investigated at short notice
However, most of the effects of the interventions were only investigated at short notice. For this reason, longer-term studies are needed in the areas of nutrition and changes in alcohol and tobacco consumption, say the authors.
Apps are part of the future of healthcare
Users of nutritional applications should also seek professional help. The researchers found that many applications did not contain updated nutritional recommendations. Nevertheless, it is expected that the use of apps and other technologies will be part of the future of healthcare.
New studies are needed
When people perform certain behaviors for a period of time, this behavior becomes part of their lifestyle. New research should examine what really motivates people to choose a healthier lifestyle, scientists say. (As)