Using Emerging Technologies to Promote Physical Activity: The Perspective of University Students in Ghana

Emmanuel  Aboagye; Ishmael  Owen Opoku; Samuel Richard Marcourt; Kouassi Junior Tano

doi:10.4314/just.v1i1.1785

Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye Akrokerri College of Education https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5695-9267
Mr. Ishmael Owen Opoku Konongo Odumase Senior High School
Dr Samuel Richard Marcourt Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Mr. Kouassi Junior Tano University in Ghana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/just.v1i1.1785

Keywords: Emerging technology, physical activity, wearable devices, calisthenics

Abstract

Despite research advocating the importance of developing and testing new interventions to promote physical activity in emerging adults, such literature is extinct among Ghanaian university students. This study examined the potential of emerging technologies in promoting physical activity among such populations in Ghana. Using semi-structured interviews, we conveniently examined the perspectives of 22 students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to determine how emerging technologies can promote physical activities and the challenges of using them. The results showed that the students are aware of the existence of some of these technologies. The following themes emerged from the study on the benefits of using emerging technologies to promote physical activities; promote motivation and engagement, personalised coaching and feedback and social support. Further, the results revealed challenges such as cost, over-dependency on technology, and technical issues which are mainly connected with network issues. Based on the findings we recommend that fitness enthusiasts should educatestudents on how to use some of the technological devices to promote their physicality. Further, we proposed cost-effective techniques such as the use of calisthenic activities to promote physical activity and health among university students to reduce costs.

Author Biographies

Mr. Emmanuel Aboagye, Akrokerri College of Education

Emmanuel Aboagye is a PhD Science Education Student (Physical Education and Sport Management) and a tutor at Akrokerri College of Education. His research interest is Multidisciplinary, with publications on general education topics and sports management areas. His PhD thesis is on elite female football coaches in Africa. Some of his notable publications include "COVID-19 and E-Learning: Challenges of Tutors at Colleges of Education in Ghana" and "Teachers' Perceptions of the New Educational Curriculum in Ghana". He has over 900 citations on Google Scholar and is also visible on ResearchGate. He has attended educational conferences in Ghana and abroad, with a recent AIESEP conference at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland this year.

Mr. Ishmael Owen Opoku, Konongo Odumase Senior High School

Ishmael Owen Opoku is a dedicated Physical Education Tutor at Konongo Odumase Senior High School in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. His research interests and areas of specialization include physical activity and sports participation, motivation to engage in physical activities and sports, health promotion and education, and sports management. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of physical health and athletic excellence among his students, Ishmael continually seeks to inspire and motivate young athletes to achieve their best. His contributions to the field of physical education are well-regarded, and he is actively involved in advancing sports participation and health education in his community.

Dr Samuel Richard Marcourt, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Samuel Richard Marcourt is a PhD Science Education Student (Physical Education and Sport Management) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and a tutor at Wesley College of Education. His research interest is in general education and sports management. His PhD theses to is on evaluating the economic impact of community sports facilities on resident in Ghana. His commitment to sports management and organisation attracted the LOC of the 2023 13^th ALL AFRICAN GAMES held in Ghana to make him a stadium manager for cricket

Mr. Kouassi Junior Tano, University in Ghana

Kouassi Junior Tano holds a first degree in Management Studies from Central University in Ghana and a postgraduate honours degree in Sport Management from the University of Johannesburg. He has almost three years of work experience as a sport manager at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits Sport), South Africa. Additionally, he completed a year of national service at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, College of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Sport Science, serving as a Teaching Assistant to the Sport Management Program.