Physical Activity, Health and Emerging Technologies

Physical Activity, Health and Emerging Technologies explores how technology is reshaping the way we approach fitness and health. Regular physical activity is essential for preventing chronic diseases, improving mental health, and enhancing overall well-being, yet many individuals remain inactive. Traditional interventions often fall short, prompting a shift toward integrating emerging technologies into public health initiatives. This new book examines how tools like fitness trackers, smartwatches, mobile health apps, and AI-driven platforms provide personalized exercise plans, real-time activity tracking, and sustainable behavior change. It delves into how virtual and augmented reality merge entertainment with movement, while digital health hubs offer comprehensive platforms for tracking progress and engaging users. By leveraging theoretical frameworks such as the Social Ecological Model and Social Cognitive Theory, the book provides evidence-based insights for promoting lifelong physical activity and behavior change. Blending academic depth with practical applications, Physical Activity, Health and Emerging Technologies offers a comprehensive guide for health professionals, scholars, and college students in the fields of physical activity, assessment and measurement, health promotion, healthcare and physical education.

Zan Gao, PhD, is a Professor and the Department Head in the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research has mainly focused on lifestyle behavior interventions with emerging technologies, such as health wearables, VR, and fitness apps. Dr. Gao has been ranked among the top 2% of the most-cited scientists globally for four consecutive years, from 2022 to 2025. He has been the principal investigator on several National Institutes of Health research grants, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant, a Roche Holding AG Pharmaceuticals grant, and an American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance seed grant. Dr. Gao is also the co-founder of the high-tech company iRecOO Mobile. He is currently the Associate Editor for the Journal of Health and Sports Science and the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. Dr. Gao has been the recipient of several international and national awards, such as the 2024 SHAPE America E.B. Henderson Award. He is an active Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, and a Fellow of Shape America! Research Council.

Section 1: Introduction to Emerging Technology and Physical Activity Promotion. 1. Foundations of Technology Use in Physical Activity and Health. 2. Overview of Emerging Technology in Assessing Physical Activity. 3. Overview of Emerging Technology in Promoting Physical Activity and Application of Behavior Theories. Section 2: Mobile Health in Promoting Physical Activity. 4. Mobile Applications in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. 5. Wearable Devices in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. 6. Computer and Internet Platforms in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. 7. Social Media in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. Section 3: Gamification Technologies in Promoting Physical Activity. 8. Active Video Games in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. 9. Augmented and Mixed Reality in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. 10. Virtual Reality in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. Section 4: Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Physical Activity. 11. Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information System in Promoting Physical Activity. 12. Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Physical Activity. 13. Robotics in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. 14. New Analytical Techniques for Unstructured Data in Physical Activity and Health. 15. Internet of Healthy Things in Promoting Physical Activity. Section 5: Applications and Implications for Physical Activity and Health Promotion. 16. Implementation Science of Technology Application in Promoting Physical Activity and Health. 17. Negative Aspects of Emerging Technologies in Physical Activity Promotion. 18. Practical Implications of Emerging Technologies in Promoting Physical Activity and Health.