Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026
07:51
Video Movement Analysis Using Smartphones ViMAS: A Pilot Study
Published on: March 14, 2017
17.4K
Persuasive Technology in Mobile Applications Promoting Physical Activity: a Systematic Review
John Matthews1, Khin Than Win2, Harri Oinas-Kukkonen3
1School of Computing and Information Technology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, 2522, Australia. jfm806@uowmail.edu.au.
Journal of Medical Systems
|January 11, 2016
Summary
Mobile apps can encourage physical activity using persuasive technology. However, system credibility features are underrepresented in current health apps, limiting their effectiveness in promoting behavior change.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Persuasive technology influences user behavior via mobile applications.
- The Persuasive Systems Design (PSD) model aids in designing and evaluating behavior-influencing systems.
- Mobile health applications are increasingly used for health behavior change, particularly for physical activity promotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of mobile applications for health behavior change, focusing on physical activity.
- To evaluate the persuasive features within these mobile applications using the PSD model.
Main Methods:
- A systematic database search identified relevant articles on mobile health applications for physical activity.
- Articles were analyzed using the Persuasive Systems Design model as an analytical framework.
Main Results:
- Primary task support, dialogue support, and social support features were moderately represented in reviewed applications.
- System credibility support was found to be poorly represented in mobile applications designed to promote physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding persuasive technology design principles is crucial for optimizing mobile health interventions.
- Enhancing system credibility in persuasive mobile applications can improve their effectiveness in promoting physical activity and overall wellbeing.
