Development of physical training smartphone application to maintain fitness levels in seafarers

Abstract

Background: In recent years, the prevention of non-communicable diseases represents one of the mainproblems of preventive medicine. Significant risk factor for these diseases is sedentary lifestyle; in otherwords, lack of physical activity. It is happened, especially in seafarers, since they do not have much facilitatesto do physical exercise on board. The present study is designed to develop a simple user-guide mobileapplication to conduct activities with available equipment on board a ship.

Materials and methods: We held two pilot tests for app evolution. In the first phase, we selected members(n = 13) and produced a questionnaire related to usability, feasibility, and accessibility of the app. Basedon the responses from users, we developed the second version of the app and provided to (n = 15) randomseafarers for testing and operating.

Results: On average, 93.3% of seafarers mentioned that app was easy to use, while in the first phase it wasequal to 84.6%. At the same time, 89.9% of users were satisfied with feasibility, and we had accomplished95% satisfaction rate in the second phase. Ultimately, we had achieved better responses in the secondevolution phase when compared with the first phase.

Conclusions: This app is made for planning a quality physical activity program for seamen that allows a seafarerto choose the adequate activity in line with his physical characteristic, fitness level, and motivations.

Keywords: body mass index; fitness levels; internet; mobile applications; physical training.