An Empirical Study on the Influencing Factors of the Continued Usage of Fitness Apps

Abstract

In order to improve users’ fitness frequency and to promote the sustainable development of fitness apps, it is necessary to study factors that influence the continued usage of fitness apps to provide some suggestions for providers. Based on the task-technology fit theory, a research model of the continued usage behavior of fitness apps was constructed. Through a questionnaire survey, 331 valid samples were collected, and then an empirical test was carried out on the model. The results showed that the task characteristics and technology characteristics significantly and positively influenced the task-technology fit; the task-technology fit positively affected the performance impacts, continued usage attitude and continued usage behavior; performance impacts was positively related to continued usage attitude and continued usage behavior; continued usage attitude had a significantly positive impact on continued usage behavior; the mediating roles of continued usage attitude with respect to the relationship between the task-technology fit and performance impacts, as well as continued usage behavior, were supported by empirical results; and the performance impacts played a significant intermediary role between task-technology fit and continued usage behavior. Therefore, according to the research results, providers can improve the matching degree between fitness apps’ functions and the users’ needs, enhance users’ perception of fitness apps’ using effects and prompt users to maintain a positive attitude during the continuous use process to promote the continued usage of apps and to improve users’ fitness frequency.