Abstract
BackgroundObesity is a contributing factor for many noncommunicable diseases and a growing problem worldwide. Many mobile apps have been developed to help users improve their fitness and weight management behaviors. However, the speed at which apps are created and updated means that it is important to periodically assess their quality.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of fitness and weight management mobile health apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). It will also describe the features of the included apps and compare the results to a previous evaluation conducted in 2015.MethodsSearches for “fitness,” “weight,” “exercise,” “physical activity,” “diet,” “eat*,” and “food” will be conducted in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Apps that have been updated over the past 5 years will be included. Two reviewers will rate the apps’ quality using the MARS objective and subjective quality subscales. Interrater reliability will also be assessed. Features included in high-quality apps will be assessed, and changes in quality, features, and behavior change techniques made during the past 5 years will be described.ResultsThe results will be included in the evaluation paper, which we aim to publish in 2020.ConclusionsThis evaluation will assess the quality of currently available fitness and weight management apps.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/17685
Highlights
The number of people who are overweight or obese has tripled since 1975, and in 2016, 40% of adults were overweight [1]
The results will be included in the evaluation paper, which we aim to publish in 2020. This evaluation will assess the quality of currently available fitness and weight management apps
The review of Australian apps found a general lack of behavior change technique Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) (BCT) [12], while self-monitoring of behavior and outcomes, goal setting for behavior and outcomes, and feedback on behavior and outcomes were identified as the most common BCTs in Bardus et al’s review [11]
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of fitness and weight management mobile health apps using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). It will describe the features of the included apps and compare the results to a previous evaluation conducted in 2015
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