The Negative Relationship Between Objectively Assessed Physical Activity and Total Smartphone Usage

Abstract

Introduction: Existing evidence supports a positive relationship between smartphone use and sedentary behavior (i.e., high smartphone use is associated with high sitting). While evidence supports that smartphone use during physical activity reduces intensity, the relationship between daily smartphone use and daily physical activity is equivocal. Prior research assessing these relationships has relied on self-report survey instruments. The purpose of this research was to assess the relationship between minutes of smartphone use and physical activity (steps) using objective measures. Methods: College-aged individuals (N = 50) completed a brief survey assessing daily screen time (min) and daily steps for the previous 10-days. This data was obtained from participants’ smartphone applications (e.g., “Health” and “Screen Time” apps) and the relationship was assessed. Results: There was a near moderate effect size for a negative correlation between average smartphone use and steps (r = -0.25). Mixed model regression indicated that this relationship was significant (F = 3.65, p = 0.00019). Conclusions: The results differ from prior research which has not reported a significant relationship between smartphone use and physical activity when using self-reported survey instruments. This difference highlights the need for additional research employing objective measures when assessing relationships between smartphone use and health behaviors.