Let Your Patrons Know the Benefits of Physical Fitness Apps and Five Free Apps to Try

Abstract

Medical librarians have an opportunity to suggest free smartphone apps to aid other healthcare professionals and their patients with the intent to increase and improve their physical activity (PA). This article includes research supporting the growing usage of smartphones in the United States among the overall population, specifically adolescents. Cost is often a deterrent in using smartphones PA apps; apps often claim to be free to download, but after usability testing, they usually have hidden costs. The apps selected for this article have been usability tested and reviewed to ensure that they are free of cost.