3D-Printing Physical Activity in Youth: An Autotopographical Approach to Behaviour Change

Melitta A McNarry; Rachel L Knight; Sam G M Crossley; Paula Foscarini-Craggs; Zoe R Knowles; Parisa Eslambolchilar; Kelly A Mackintosh

doi:10.3390/ijerph20021530

3D-Printing Physical Activity in Youth: An Autotopographical Approach to Behaviour Change

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jan 14;20(2):1530. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20021530.

Authors

Melitta A McNarry¹, Rachel L Knight¹, Sam G M Crossley¹, Paula Foscarini-Craggs², Zoe R Knowles³, Parisa Eslambolchilar⁴, Kelly A Mackintosh¹

Affiliations

¹ Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, A104 Engineering East, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK.
² Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.
³ Physical Activity Exchange, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 5UX, UK.
⁴ School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.

Abstract

The conceptualisation and visualisation of physical activity through 3D-printed objects offers a unique means by which to elicit positive behaviour change. This study aimed to explore whether 3D-printed models of physical activity obtain autotopographical meaning in youths and the influence of such models on their sense of personal and social identity. Following participation in a seven-week faded intervention, whereby habitual physical activity was measured and used to create individual 3D models, the views of 61 participants (36 boys; 10.9 ± 3.0 years) were explored via semi-structured focus groups. Within the over-arching theme of '3D-Printed Models', key emergent sub-themes were structured around 'Autotopography', 'Reflection', 'In-group norms', and 'Significant others'. Investing meaning in the material representations facilitated social activation and self-reflection on their own behaviour, both of which are key elements of identity formation. The influential role of significant others (familial and peers) within initial model interpretation and their potential long-term efficacy as a behaviour change approach was highlighted. 3D-printed models present a novel concept and intervention approach and may represent a useful component within behaviour change engagement strategies in children and adolescents.

Keywords: adolescents; autotopography; children; focus groups; peer-comparison; qualitative; sedentary behaviour; self-reflection.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Child
Exercise*
Focus Groups
Humans
Male
Men
Peer Group*
Printing, Three-Dimensional

Grants and funding

No funding was received for conducting the project however, funding was received from the Welsh Crucible to enable Dr Paula Foscarini-Craggs to conduct the analyses.