Section 1: Introduction to Emerging Technology and Physical Activity Promotion
1. Foundations of Technology Use in Physical Activity and Health
Zan Gao, Zachary C. Pope, and Anna Kate Autry
2. Overview of Emerging Technology in Assessing Physical Activity
Scott E. Crouter
3. Overview of Emerging Technology in Promoting Physical Activity and Application of Behavior Theories
Haichun Sun, Zarmina Amin, and Zan Gao
Section 2: Mobile Health in Promoting Physical Activity
4. Mobile Applications in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
John Oginni, Zarmina Amin, Zachary C. Pope, and Zan Gao
5. Wearable Devices in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
Nan Zeng, Zarmina Amin, Zachary C. Pope, and Zan Gao
6. Computer and Internet Platforms in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
June E. Lee, Zarmina Amin, and Zan Gao
7. Social Media in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
June E. Lee, Zarmina Amin, and Zan Gao
Section 3: Gamification Technologies in Promoting Physical Activity
8. Active Video Games in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
Zan Gao, Zarmina Amin, and Haichun Sun
9. Augmented and Mixed Reality in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
June E. Lee, Zarmina Amin, and Zan Gao
10. Virtual Reality in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
Nan Zeng, Zarmina Amin, and Zan Gao
Section 4: Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Physical Activity
11. Global Positioning Systems and Geographic Information System in Promoting Physical Activity
Daniel J. McDonough, Zachary C. Pope, and Zan Gao
12. Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Physical Activity
Fan Yang and Ruopeng An
13. Robotics in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
Xiaopeng Zhao
14. New Analytical Techniques for Unstructured Data in Physical Activity and Health
Seungbak Lee, Ju-Pil Choe, and Minsoo Kang
15. Internet of Healthy Things in Promoting Physical Activity
Jian Liu
Section 5: Applications and Implications for Physical Activity and Health Promotion
16. Implementation Science of Technology Application in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
Danielle M. Ostendorf, Angela F. Pfammatter, Amy G. Huebschmann, and Madison Kindred
17. Negative Aspects of Emerging Technologies in Physical Activity Promotion
Jessh Mavoungou, Zachary C. Pope, Zarmina Amin, and Zan Gao
18. Practical Implications of Emerging Technologies in Promoting Physical Activity and Health
Zan Gao, Zarmina Amin, and Anna Kate Autry
Biography
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.
