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Related Experiment Videos

Behavior change techniques in top-ranked mobile apps for physical activity.

David E Conroy1, Chih-Hsiang Yang1, Jaclyn P Maher1

  • 1Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|May 21, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Physical activity apps often lack robust behavior change techniques, with most using fewer than four. Users may need multiple apps to achieve health goals, as current offerings are often educational or motivational but not comprehensive.

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Area of Science:

  • Digital Health
  • Behavioral Science
  • Mobile Health Interventions

Background:

  • Mobile applications offer potential for increasing physical activity.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding behavior change techniques (BCTs) integrated into these apps.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the BCTs marketed in top-ranked physical activity mobile applications.
  • To identify the prevalence and types of BCTs used in current health apps.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic audit of 167 top-ranked physical activity apps was conducted.
  • Apps were coded using the Coventry, Aberdeen and London-Revised (CALO-RE) taxonomy of BCTs.
  • Latent class analysis was used to identify app typologies.

Main Results:

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  • Most apps incorporated fewer than four BCTs.
  • Common BCTs included exercise instruction, modeling, feedback, goal-setting, and social support planning.
  • Two app types emerged: educational and motivational, based on BCT configuration.

Conclusions:

  • Physical activity apps currently market a limited range of BCTs.
  • Individuals may require multiple apps to support initiation and maintenance of behavior change.
  • Findings provide a foundation for enhancing app design and evaluation for health behavior.