@article{MH13393,
author = {Lynn Katherine Herrmann and Jinsook Kim},
title = {The fitness of apps: a theory-based examination of mobile fitness app usage over 5 months},
journal = {mHealth},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
year = {2017},
keywords = {},
abstract = {Background: There are thousands of fitness-related smartphone applications (“apps”) available for free and purchase, but there is uncertainty if these apps help individuals achieve and maintain personal fitness. Technology usage attrition is also a concern among research studies on health technologies.
Methods: Usage of three fitness apps was examined over 5 months to assess adherence and effectiveness. Initially, 64 participants downloaded three free apps available on Android and iOS and 47 remained in the study until posttest. With a one group pre-posttest design and checkpoints at months 1, 3, and 5, exercise and exercise with fitness apps were examined in the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) using a validated survey. Apps were selected based on their function from the Functional Triad. Perceived fitness was also measured. T-tests, sign tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and linear and logistic regression were used to compare pre to posttests and users to non-users of the apps.
Results: Forty-seven participants completed both pre and posttests. Individual item scores indicated no significant change pre to posttest except for decreases observed in usefulness of using apps for exercise (attitude) (−0.78, P},
issn = {2306-9740}, url = {https://mhealth.amegroups.org/article/view/13393}
}