BACKGROUND
Background: Physical inactivity is associated with numerous health issues, including obesity, coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, osteoporosis, and depression while most people do not get adequate physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
Objective: In this regard, the effect of using smartphone applications and high doses of vitamin B complex were analysed on the level of physical activity and body composition of overweight and obese males.
METHODS
Method: An RCT with 40 young males aged 20-30 years and with the BMI of 25-35 kg.m2 randomised to four groups including Control(n=10), App(n=10), Vitamin B (n=10), and App+VitB (n=10). Two groups (Vit B and App+VitB) received vitamin B-complex on a daily basis of two tablets. Another two groups (App and App+VitB) utilized the Karafs sports application during their exercise. Control was without any interventions. All applicants followed the exercise program consisting of walking and running on the treadmill at four different speeds (4-6-7-8 Km.h-1), each speed for 5 minutes as an interval for 8 weeks.
RESULTS
Results: Results showed participants in two groups App, and App+VitB obtained significantly higher distances compared to the control. Using the sports application by App, App+VitB resulted in remarkable weight loss (p <0.05). Notably, the amount of body fat percentage, body fat mass, and Lean body mass decreased significantly in the App and App+VitB groups compared to the control group (p <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Conclusion: Using sports apps plays an important role in combating overweight and obesity due to its competitive and self-monitoring role. In the future, this technology should be considered for motivating physical activity.