Exploring Users' Experiences of the Uptake and Adoption of Physical Activity Apps: Longitudinal Qualitative Study.

Dario Baretta,Patrizia Steca,Olga Perski

doi:10.2196/11636

Dario Baretta, Patrizia Steca + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2196/11636

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Abstract

BackgroundAlthough smartphone apps might support physical activity (PA), engagement with them tends to be low.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine potential users’ needs and preferences regarding their engagement with PA apps during a first exposure to a never-used PA app and after 2 weeks’ usage.MethodsA longitudinal, one-arm qualitative study was conducted with potential PA app users. At baseline, participants (N=20) were asked to explore 1 of 3 randomly allocated PA apps while thinking aloud. Semistructured interview techniques allowed participants to elaborate on their statements. After 2 weeks, follow-up interviews explored participants’ (n=17) lived experiences of real-world app use. Verbal reports from both time points were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsFeatures that promote a fair and simple user experience, support users’ self-regulation skills, and address users’ exercise motives were considered important for engagement both during a first exposure and after a 2-week use of PA apps. Features that support users’ need for relatedness as well as those that facilitate users to implement their intentions were expected to be important for engagement mainly during a first exposure to PA apps. Proactive and tailored features that integrate behavioral, psychological, and contextual information to provide adaptive exercise plans and just-in-time support were considered relevant to sustain engagement over time.ConclusionsApp features that address users’ exercise motives, promote self-regulation, and fulfill users’ need for relatedness might promote engagement with PA apps. Tailored and proactive features were expected to promote sustained engagement.

Highlights

BackgroundRegular physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduced risk of mortality caused by cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer [1,2]
Through a combination of think-aloud methodology and in-depth interview techniques, this study examined (1) what features potential users expect to be important for engagement with PA apps during first exposure to never-used, randomly allocated, and commercially available PA app and (2) what features are judged to be important for supporting engagement and satisfactory experiences after 2 weeks’ usage of the same PA app
Since 74% of health apps are abandoned after their tenth use [12] and their usage tends to vary between a few times per week to twice per day [22], a 2-week period was considered to be sufficient to examine relevant changes in engagement with PA apps

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundRegular physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduced risk of mortality caused by cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer [1,2]. The development and promotion of effective behavior change interventions that target PA is a public health priority. A range of different behavior change interventions to increase PA have been found to be effective [4] and there is evidence supporting their cost-effectiveness [5]. Most of these have been delivered in face-to-face settings and are unsuitable for targeting large, geographically diverse populations and for supporting behavior change in real time. Mobile phone technology has the potential to deliver effective PA interventions [6,7] and constitutes an economically viable tool to reach large populations [8]. Smartphone apps might support physical activity (PA), engagement with them tends to be low

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