Activity Apps Research Articles

The Effectiveness of a Hybrid Off-Job Crafting Intervention on Employees’ Psychological Needs Satisfaction and Well-Being

Off-job crafting entails deliberate changes people can make in their non-work activities to meet their personal goals and satisfy psychological needs. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with a waitlist control group in three organizations in Finland (N = 86) to evaluate whether participation in a hybrid off-job crafting intervention stimulates employees’ off-job crafting efforts and, in turn, enhances psychological need satisfaction, subjective vitality and work engagement. Intervention group participants took part in an off-job crafting workshop, set a personal crafting goal for the four-week intervention period, received support from a specifically designed smartphone app, and attended a reflection workshop. With a study design consisting of seven measurement occasions in the intervention group and four in the waitlist control group, we examined both the intra-individual and inter-individual effects of the intervention. Contrary to our expectations, intervention group participants did not improve in their off-job crafting efforts, needs satisfaction and well-being over time compared to their own baseline and the waitlist control group. We conducted a detailed process evaluation to shed light on the mechanisms possibly influencing the effectiveness of the intervention. Participants who made less progress with their goal, were less satisfied with the intervention, and participants who did not set a goal focusing on their least satisfied need, experienced a steeper decline in off-job crafting, needs satisfaction and well-being. Interestingly, setting a SMARTer goal and being a more active app user also had a negative effect on the development of one’s off-job crafting, needs satisfaction and well-being over time.

So said, so done? The role of commitment in activity-based check-in discontinuance on APPs

Activity-based check-ins (ABC) on social media APPs have been increasingly popular. An incredible phenomenon exists in which ABC users will check in for a long time without discontinuance, sometimes for up to half a year. This study develops an integrated theoretical model based on commitment theory and rational choice theory to explain why ABC users do not discontinue check-ins. Through an online ABC event, we performed a two-stage field study to test the model in an empirical setting. Our findings showed that affective and continuance commitments reduced the discontinuous intention to check in through the mediating mechanisms of perceived loss severity (i.e., the material aspect) and perceived image damage (i.e., the social aspect). Additionally, we revealed that a larger social distance substantially amplified the material aspect of the rational choice process toward discontinuance but attenuated the social aspect. Furthermore, a low level of discontinuance of check-in led to a high level of APP use, which further led to better activity performance. This study contributes theoretically to the social media research by examining ABC behavior in APPs. We also provide practical insights for online activity organizers and APP providers.

Development of a Mobile Health Snacktivity App to Promote Physical Activity in Inactive Adults (SnackApp): Intervention Mapping and User Testing Study.

Despite the unequivocal evidence demonstrating the benefits of being physically active, many people do not meet the recommended guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. This can be changed with the development and implementation of innovative interventions. The use of mobile health (mHealth) technologies has been suggested as a mechanism to offer people innovative health behavior change interventions. This study aims to outline the systematic, theory-driven processes and user testing applied to the development of a smartphone-based physical activity app (SnackApp) to promote participation in a novel physical activity intervention called Snacktivity. The acceptability of the app was explored and reported. Intervention mapping involves a 6-step process, the first 4 of which were presented in this study. These steps were used to develop the SnackApp for use within the Snacktivity intervention. The first step involved a needs assessment, which included composing an expert planning group, patient and public involvement group, and gathering the views of the public on Snacktivity and the public perception of the use of wearable technology to support Snacktivity. This first step aimed to determine the overall purpose of the Snacktivity intervention. Steps 2 to 4 involved determining the intervention objectives, the behavior change theory and techniques on which the intervention is based, and the development of the intervention resources (ie, SnackApp). After the completion of steps 1 to 3 of the intervention mapping process, the SnackApp was developed and linked to a commercial physical activity tracker (Fitbit Versa Lite) for the automated capture of physical activity. SnackApp includes provisions for goal setting, activity planning, and social support. Stage 4 involved users (inactive adults, N=15) testing the SnackApp for 28 days. App engagement (mobile app use analytics) was analyzed to determine app use and to inform the further development of SnackApp. Over the study period (step 4), participants engaged with SnackApp an average of 77 (SD 80) times. On average, participants used the SnackApp for 12.6 (SD 47) minutes per week, with most of the time spent on the SnackApp dashboard and engaging, on average, 14 (SD 12.1) times, lasting 7 to 8 minutes per week. Overall, male participants used the SnackApp more than female participants did. The app rating score was 3.5 (SD 0.6) out of 5, suggesting that SnackApp was rated as fair to good. This study outlines and reports data regarding the development of an innovative mHealth app using a systematic, theory-driven framework. This approach can guide the development of future mHealth programs. User testing of the SnackApp suggested that physically inactive adults will engage with the SnackApp, indicating its applicability of use in the Snacktivity physical activity intervention.

Using the app "Injurymap" to provide exercise rehabilitation for people with acute lateral ankle sprains seen at the Hospital Emergency Department-A mixed-method pilot study.

Acute lateral ankle sprains (LAS) account for 4-5% of all Emergency Department (ED) visits. Few patients receive the recommended care of exercise rehabilitation. A simple solution is an exercise app for mobile devices, which can deliver tailored and real-time adaptive exercise programs. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the use and preliminary effect of an app-based exercise program in patients with LAS seen in the Emergency Department at a public hospital. We used an app that delivers evidence-based exercise rehabilitation for LAS using algorithm-controlled progression. Participants were recruited from the ED and followed for four months. Data on app-use and preliminary effect were collected continuously through the exercise app and weekly text-messages. Baseline and follow-up data were collected though an online questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews were performed after participants stopped using the app. Results: Health care professionals provided 485 patients with study information and exercise equipment. Of those, 60 participants chose to enroll in the study and 43 became active users. The active users completed a median of 7 exercise sessions. Most of the active users were very satisfied or satisfied (79%-93%) with the app and 95.7% would recommend it to others. The interviews showed that ankle sprains were considered an innocuous injury that would recover by itself. Several app users expressed they felt insufficiently informed from the ED health care professionals. Only 39% felt recovered when they stopped exercising, and 33% experienced a recurrent sprain in the study period. Conclusion: In this study, only few patients with LAS became active app users after receiving information in the ED about a free app-based rehabilitation program. We speculate the reason for this could be the perception that LAS is an innocuous injury. Most of the patients starting training were satisfied with the app, although few completed enough exercise sessions to realistically impact clinical recovery. Interestingly more than half of the participants did not feel fully recovered when they stopped exercising and one third experienced a recurrent sprain. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03550274, preprint (open access): https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.01.31.22269313v1.

Using photovoice to explore young women’s experiences of behaviour change techniques in physical activity mobile apps

BackgroundResearch shows that inactive young women are attracted to using mobile phone applications (apps) to increase physical activity. Apps can promote physical activity by delivering a range of behaviour change techniques to influence determinants of user behaviour. Previous qualitative research has examined user experiences with techniques in physical activity apps, however there is little research specifically among young women. This study aimed to explore young women’s experiences using commercial physical activity apps to change their behaviour.MethodsYoung women were recruited online to use a randomly assigned app for two weeks to achieve a personal goal. Using photovoice, a qualitative participatory research method, participants generated insights about their experiences through photographs and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted on photograph and interview data.ResultsThirty-two female participants, aged 18–24 years, completed the study. Behaviour change techniques tended to cluster around four key themes: logging and monitoring physical activity; reminders and prompts; workout videos and written instructions; and social features. Social support also strongly influenced participants’ experiences.ConclusionsResults suggest that behaviour change techniques influenced physical activity in line with social cognitive models, and these models are useful to understand how apps can target user behaviour for young women. The findings identified factors important for young women that seemed to moderate their experiences, such as social norms about women’s appearance, which should be further explored within the context of behaviour change models and app design.

The application of social cognitive theory (SCT) to the mHealth diabetes physical activity (PA) app to control blood sugar levels of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Takalar regency.

Background: People with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) experience an increased health risk due to reduced physical activities. Cellular health technology (mHealth) offers a way that people with DM can engage in more complex physical activities. Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is the most commonly used theory in increasing physical activities. This study aims to find out the application of SCT in mHealth app to control blood sugar (GDP, HbA1C) of T2DM patients. Design and Method: This present study used a mixed method sequential explanatory design related to the application of mHealth Diabetes Physical Activity in Takalar Regency. The first step was to use qualitative methods with rapid assessment procedures in developing the application of SCT in mHealth. The second step was to validate and test the app through usability testing. The last step was intervening the development of mHealth app using quasi-experimental designs related to the influence of mHealth Diabetes Physical activity interventions in controlling blood sugar (GDP, HbA1c) in T2DM patients. The first group was the mHealth diabetes Physical activity (PA) intervention group; the second intervention group was a group monitored through Whatsapp group; and the third group was the group with physical activity module but without monitoring. Expected outcome: The findings of this study are expected to be the basis of evidence for nurses holding DM programs to make relevant policies and design an app-based physical activity promotion programs for T2DM patients. Conclusion: This protocol qualifies to be the basis of evidence for nurses holding Diabetes Mellitus programs in improving health services through IT-based health promotion programs.

Quality assessment of pre- and postnatal nutrition and exercise mobile applications in the United States and China.

Mobile applications (apps) are becoming increasingly prevalent as tools for improving maternal health behaviors. However, the recently updated content and quality of these apps remain unknown. This research investigated the fundamental characteristics, functional modules, and overall quality of maternal apps available in the United States and China to reveal critical nutrition and physical activity gaps. A systematic search was performed in Android and iOS app stores (China and the United States). Apps were eligible if they targeted pregnant or postpartum women, focused on nutrition or physical activity, and had interfaces in English or Chinese. The basic characteristics, functional modules, and overall quality of the apps were evaluated, and differences between apps available in China or the United States were determined using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Pearson correlations were utilized to investigate links between objective quality and user rating. A total of 65 maternity-related nutrition and physical activity apps (34 from China and 31 from the United States) were eligible. Among them, 68% (21/31) of US apps and 56% (19/34) of Chinese apps did not provide supporting evidence for their content. A greater number of Chinese apps provided app-based general education modules, namely food nutrition knowledge (n = 0, 0% in the United States vs. n = 30, 88.2% in China). Meanwhile, a greater number of US apps provided exercise modules, namely pregnancy yoga (n = 21, 67.7% in the United States vs. n = 2, 5.9% in China). The overall app quality rating in the United States was lower than it was in China (mean: 3.5, SD: 0.6 in China vs. mean: 3.4, SD: 0.7 in the United States). There was no relationship between the overall app quality rating and the user rating in either country (rho = 0.11 in China and rho = -0.13 in the United States). The characteristics and functional modules of in-store apps for maternal nutrition and physical activity differed between the United States and China. Both countries' apps, especially Chinese apps, lacked evidence-based information, and there was no correlation between app quality and user rating. The results therefore suggest that user ratings cannot be used as an objective indicator of app quality and that it is necessary to improve the empirical basis and credibility of apps in both countries.

Ratings and experiences in using a mobile application to increase physical activity among university students: implications for future design.

University students have low levels of physical activity and are at risk of mental health disorders. Mobile apps to encourage physical activity can help students, who are frequent smartphone-users, to improve their physical and mental health. Here we report students' qualitative feedback on a physical activity smartphone app with motivational text messaging. We provide recommendations for the design of future apps. 103 students used the app for 6weeks in the context of a clinical trial (NCT04440553) and answered open-ended questions before the start of the study and at follow-up. A subsample (n = 39) provided additional feedback via text message, and a phone interview (n = 8). Questions focused on the perceived encouragement and support by the app, text messaging content, and recommendations for future applications. We analyzed all transcripts for emerging themes using qualitative coding in Dedoose. The majority of participants were female (69.9%), Asian or Pacific Islander (53.4%), with a mean age of 20.2years, and 63% had elevated depressive symptoms. 26% felt encouraged or neutral toward the app motivating them to be more physically active. Participants liked messages on physical activity benefits on (mental) health, encouraging them to complete their goal, and feedback on their activity. Participants disliked messages that did not match their motivations for physical activity and their daily context (e.g., time, weekday, stress). Physical activity apps for students should be adapted to their motivations, changing daily context, and mental health issues. Feedback from this sample suggests a key to effectiveness is finding effective ways to personalize digital interventions.

The effect of fixed physical usage patterns on the engagement of physical activity apps: a real-world data analysis

ABSTRACT Physical activity applications (PA apps) offer low-cost, time-space-independent interventions that make it possible to promote public health. To increase users’ stickiness, the commercially available PA apps usually provide various services to adapt to different app usage patterns of users, thus helping them develop the habit of using apps. However, evidence was rare about whether different usage patterns are associated with the maintenance of PA app use. In this study, we introduce dual process theories and quantify users’ app usage patterns in two dimensions: time and space. We analyse the impact of fixed usage patterns on app engagement, by collecting usage data from several commercial-available PA apps in China, which includes 9,175 users. Results show that repeatedly using the PA app at the same time and space could reduce the decline of future app engagement. Moreover, a high degree of self-regulation capacity can mitigate the negative effect of non-fixed usage patterns. This study extends the understanding of health behaviour intervention from the behaviour change level to the behaviour maintenance level. In addition, it provides practical insights for PA app developers in terms of designing behaviour change technologies and for policymakers in terms of facilitating the public’s daily physical activities.

Active older adults goal setting outcomes for engaging in a physical activity app and the motivation characteristics of these goals (MOVEAGE-ACT)

Approximately 70% of older adults do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. While many interventions, are used in promoting PA, few target older adults or include substantial behavioural change techniques. Setting PA goals is often used but there is less research on goal setting outcomes, like improving health, preventing age effects, improving flexibility, goals that have been associated with increased likelihood of maintenance of PA. To understand the concept more fully in this cohort, the aim of this study was to identify older adults’ goal setting outcomes - the purpose of engaging in a PA app and through analysis determine the motivation characteristics of these.A cross-sectional, qualitative online survey was completed by 24, 60+, community dwelling, mostly active, French and Irish older adults. Thematic template analysis was used, and the motivation of these outcomes was assessed using the Self-Determination Theory of Motivation.The themes were: improving/staying healthy or physically active, maintaining functional aspects of physical health, continuing to do the things I want, sustaining mental wellbeing, and preventing disease and aging. Individuals cited goal setting outcomes that were generic, specific or both, and goals related to maintenance of PA and prevention of aging decline, were cited most. The motivation characteristics of these goals in mostly active older adults were autonomous and internally driven.Interventions, including apps, for older adults that encourage them to set specific goal setting outcomes/purposes for PA, are likely to generate stronger internally driven motivation, enhance ownership and participation, and may therefore increase effectiveness.

User characteristics associated with use of wrist-worn wearables and physical activity apps by adults with and without impaired speech-in-noise recognition: a cross-sectional analysis

Objective To study weekly use of smartwatches, fitness watches and physical activity apps among adults with and without impaired speech-in-noise (SIN) recognition, to identify subgroups of users. Design Cross-sectional study. Study sample Adults (aged 28–80 years) with impaired (n = 384) and normal SIN recognition (n = 341) as measured with a web-based digits-in-noise test, from the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to study differences and to build an association model. Results Employed adults in both groups are more likely to use each type of fitness technology (all ORs >3.4, all p-values < 0.004). Specific to fitness watch use, adults living with others use it more (OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.1;5.8, p = 0.033) whereas those abstaining from alcohol (OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1;0.6) or consuming >2 glasses/week (OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.2;0.81, overall p = 0.006) and hearing aid users (OR 0.5, 95%CI 0.2;0.9, p = 0.024) make less use. Conclusions Subgroups of adults more and less likely to use fitness technology exist, but do not differ between adults with and without impaired SIN recognition. More research is needed to confirm these results and to develop interventions to increase physical activity levels among adults with hearing loss.

A Smartphone Physical Activity App for Patients in Alcohol Treatment: Single-Arm Feasibility Trial.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant public health concern worldwide. Alcohol consumption is a leading cause of death in the United States and has a significant negative impact on individuals and society. Relapse following treatment is common, and adjunct intervention approaches to improve alcohol outcomes during early recovery continue to be critical. Interventions focused on increasing physical activity (PA) may improve AUD treatment outcomes. Given the ubiquity of smartphones and activity trackers, integrating this technology into a mobile app may be a feasible, acceptable, and scalable approach for increasing PA in individuals with AUD. This study aims to test the Fit&Sober app developed for patients with AUD. The goals of the app were to facilitate self-monitoring of PA engagement and daily mood and alcohol cravings, increase awareness of immediate benefits of PA on mood and cravings, encourage setting and adjusting PA goals, provide resources and increase knowledge for increasing PA, and serve as a resource for alcohol relapse prevention strategies. To preliminarily test the Fit&Sober app, we conducted an open pilot trial of patients with AUD in early recovery (N=22; 13/22, 59% women; mean age 43.6, SD 11.6 years). At the time of hospital admission, participants drank 72% of the days in the last 3 months, averaging 9 drinks per drinking day. The extent to which the Fit&Sober app was feasible and acceptable among patients with AUD during early recovery was examined. Changes in alcohol consumption, PA, anxiety, depression, alcohol craving, and quality of life were also examined after 12 weeks of app use. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the Fit&Sober app. App metadata suggested that participants were still using the app approximately 2.5 days per week by the end of the intervention. Pre-post analyses revealed small-to-moderate effects on increase in PA, from a mean of 5784 (SD 2511) steps per day at baseline to 7236 (SD 3130) steps per day at 12 weeks (Cohen d=0.35). Moderate-to-large effects were observed for increases in percentage of abstinent days (Cohen d=2.17) and quality of life (Cohen d=0.58) as well as decreases in anxiety (Cohen d=-0.71) and depression symptoms (Cohen d=-0.58). The Fit&Sober app is an acceptable and feasible approach for increasing PA in patients with AUD during early recovery. A future randomized controlled trial is necessary to determine the efficacy of the Fit&Sober app for long-term maintenance of PA, ancillary mental health, and alcohol outcomes. If the efficacy of the Fit&Sober app could be established, patients with AUD would have a valuable adjunct to traditional alcohol treatment that can be delivered in any setting and at any time, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of this population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02958280; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02958280.

인터넷 건강정보활용능력(eHealth literacy)에 따른 디지털 헬스케어 이용경험: 서울시민을 대상으로

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the differences and influencing factors in the use rates of healthcare apps according to eHealth literacy. Methods: Data were collected using an online survey, with eight evaluation items of eHealth literacy, for 1,000 Seoul citizens aged 19 through 64. The data were analyzed through a chi-square (χ²) test on the general characteristics and eHealth literacy of two groups: the users’ group and the non-users’ group mobile apps. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to understand the effect of eHealth literacy on the users’ group. Results: Of the respondents, 58.9% had experience using healthcare apps. Women and the middle-aged (50-64 years old) were used healthcare apps more. As for the type of apps used, physical activity apps were used the most at 85.4%, and the period of use was the highest for them at 49.4%. Most respondents (70.0%) agreed with the statement, ‘I know how to use the Internet to answer my health questions.’ Respondents who agreed that ‘I can distinguish high-quality health information from the Internet’ were the lowest at 40.0%. On the other hand, there was a significant difference between the users’ group and the non-users’ group in all eight evaluation items of eHealth literacy. The effect of eHealth literacy on the experience of using apps was that those who had access to information to help their health were most likely to use the apps (adjusted OR 2.328); 95% CI 1.782-3.040). Conclusion: eHealth literacy significantly increases the experience of using digital healthcare. With the development of digital technology, digital health policies and designs are required that do not alienate groups with weak eHealth literacy.

System Usability Scale Benchmarking for Digital Health Apps: Meta-analysis.

BackgroundThe System Usability Scale (SUS) is a widely used scale that has been used to quantify the usability of many software and hardware products. However, the SUS was not specifically designed to evaluate mobile apps, or in particular digital health apps (DHAs).ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine whether the widely used SUS distribution for benchmarking (mean 68, SD 12.5) can be used to reliably assess the usability of DHAs.MethodsA search of the literature was performed using the ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, CORE, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases to identify SUS scores related to the usability of DHAs for meta-analysis. This study included papers that published the SUS scores of the evaluated DHAs from 2011 to 2021 to get a 10-year representation. In total, 117 SUS scores for 114 DHAs were identified. R Studio and the R programming language were used to model the DHA SUS distribution, with a 1-sample, 2-tailed t test used to compare this distribution with the standard SUS distribution.ResultsThe mean SUS score when all the collected apps were included was 76.64 (SD 15.12); however, this distribution exhibited asymmetrical skewness (–0.52) and was not normally distributed according to Shapiro-Wilk test (P=.002). The mean SUS score for “physical activity” apps was 83.28 (SD 12.39) and drove the skewness. Hence, the mean SUS score for all collected apps excluding “physical activity” apps was 68.05 (SD 14.05). A 1-sample, 2-tailed t test indicated that this health app SUS distribution was not statistically significantly different from the standard SUS distribution (P=.98).ConclusionsThis study concludes that the SUS and the widely accepted benchmark of a mean SUS score of 68 (SD 12.5) are suitable for evaluating the usability of DHAs. We speculate as to why physical activity apps received higher SUS scores than expected. A template for reporting mean SUS scores to facilitate meta-analysis is proposed, together with future work that could be done to further examine the SUS benchmark scores for DHAs.

Impact of user-generated travel posts on travel decisions: A comparative study on Weibo and Xiaohongshu

With the growing popularity and versatility of mobile applications, this study examined consumers' usage of multi-functional social media content apps and the influence of user-generated travel posts on their travel decision-making. Using the case of Chinese millennial travelers and Weibo and Xiaohongshu as representative apps, semi-structured interviews and surveys were conducted. Results showed that while respondents used Weibo more often in daily life, Xiaohongshu was more likely to influence their destination selection. Key attributes of travel posts and preferences of different user groups were identified. The relative importance of each attribute in guiding dining/accommodation/transportation/shopping/attraction decisions was examined. The most active app users placed lower importance on the number of images and higher importance on length of text and language style.

FACTORS AFFECTING CONSUMER ADOPTION OF SMARTPHONE APPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS: A STRUCTURAL MODELLING APPROACH

Smartphone applications for health and wellness have substantially changed the health behaviour of users due to their unique features like accessibility, flexibility, and persuasiveness. Using mobile applications (apps) to foster mental health and wellness has attracted the interest of researchers in recent years as there is a growing focus on mind-body wellness and people have started realising the importance of preventive behaviours and lifestyle changes. While previous research has primarily focused on fitness and physical activity apps, less attention has been paid to apps for subjective well-being. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors responsible for the adoption of smartphone apps for wellness in India. A quantitative research approach was used and data were collected from 267 respondents. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied in the study and the results confirmed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, satisfaction, attitude and habit explained a significant amount of variance in adoption behaviour.

The effect of notification window length on the epidemiological impact of COVID-19 contact tracing mobile applications

BackgroundThe reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission facilitated by mobile contact tracing applications (apps) depends both on the proportion of relevant contacts notified and on the probability that those contacts quarantine after notification. The proportion of relevant contacts notified depends upon the number of days preceding an infector’s positive test that their contacts are notified, which we refer to as an app’s notification window.MethodsWe use an epidemiological model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission that captures the profile of infection to consider the trade-off between notification window length and active app use. We focus on 5-day and 2-day windows, the notification windows of the NHS COVID-19 app in England and Wales before and after 2nd August 2021, respectively.ResultsOur analyses show that at the same level of active app use, 5-day windows result in larger reductions in transmission than 2-day windows. However, short notification windows can be more effective at reducing transmission if they are associated with higher levels of active app use and adherence to isolation upon notification.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate the importance of understanding adherence to interventions when setting notification windows for COVID-19 contact tracing apps.

Determinants of Continuous Use Intention of News Apps in India: Towards an Integrated Model

We assessed the determinants of continuous use intention (CUI) of News Apps in India by integrating models, UTAUT2 and IS Success Model. The study considered personalization as the moderator for UTAUT2 variables to determine key factors for CUI of news apps. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 309 active news app users and structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings from direct hypotheses testing revealed that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, habit, information quality, system quality, and service quality have a positive effect on CUI of news apps. The testing of moderating hypothesis indicated that personalization has a moderating effect on performance expectancy and habit with CUI of news apps. The moderate or low level of personalization would enhance performance expectancy and the habit of users to use mobile news apps. The higher personalization negatively affects the relationship between performance expectancy, habit, and CUI and poses a serious threat to the habit and the perceived usefulness of news apps. Outcomes of this research are expected to help app developers in designing apps efficiently and engaging with users.

Preliminary User Evaluation of a Physical Activity Smartphone App for Older Adults

Mobile health (mHealth) delivered through smartphone apps is a viable means of improving health behaviors. Technologies can be strengthened and made more age-inclusive by involving older adults as co-designers, resulting in more accessible and effective products. This study's purpose is to describe preliminary acceptability and feasibility of a physical activity (PA) app tailored to underactive older people. Moving Up is a multi-feature app designed to increase PA and reduce sedentary behaviors in underactive older adults. The suite houses a core activity tracker and three add-on features that target correlates of inactivity: sedentary behavior, stereotypes about aging, and PA knowledge and routines. Three groups of 4-5 older adult smartphone owners were provided with and oriented to the Moving Up app activity tracker and one add-on feature. Participants beta-tested the app for two weeks, after which each cohort reconvened to discuss experiences, make recommendations for app improvements, and complete a usability questionnaire on their assigned feature. Thirteen participants (median age, 71 years; iOS users, n=8; females, n=12) completed the beta-testing period and returned for follow-up. Reported usability was moderate across the features. Sentiments about app content and general impressions were mainly positive, although users made several recommendations for app improvements such as more individualized messaging and timely notifications. A PA app for older adults demonstrated generally good usability and acceptability. Integrating the impressions and recommendations from older adults into the design of mHealth tools will enhance overall usability and likelihood to positively influence PA behaviors long-term.

Gamification in a Physical Activity App: What Gamification Features Are Being Used, by Whom, and Does It Make a Difference?

Background: Gamification is purported to enhance engagement with health behavior apps, ultimately improving their effectiveness. This study aimed to examine (1) whether the inclusion of gamification features in a physical activity smartphone app was associated with improved app usage and goal adherence, describe (2) use of the gamification features, and (3) by whom, and determine (4) whether engagement was associated with increased physical activity. Methods: Data from community-dwelling adult participants (mean age 42.1 years, standard deviation [SD 11.9], 74% female) in the gamified (n = 134) and nongamified (n = 155) conditions from a three-group randomized controlled trial were analyzed. Physical activity was assessed at baseline and 9 months using a survey and accelerometers. App usage (number of days steps were logged), goal adherence (number of days step count was ≥10,000), and behavioral engagement with gamification features were obtained from server logs. Multilevel modeling was used to examine the study aims. Results: Participants who received the gamified app showed more days of usage than those who received the nongamified app (M = 113 days [SD 88] vs. M = 81 days [SD 54], P = 0.006), whereas goal adherence did not differ between groups. The leaderboard and "status" gamification features were the most frequently used gamification features (M = 83 [SD 114] and M = 50 [SD 67] views, respectively). Older age (P = 0.008) and lower body mass index (P = 0.004) were associated with more status views. Participants who reported higher stress symptoms sent more gifts (P = 0.04). The use of gamification features was associated with increased physical activity (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The gamified app was used substantially longer than the nongamified app. Use of gamification features was positively associated with change in physical activity. Leaderboards promoting social comparison may be a promising form of gamification. Research on different forms of gamification is warranted.