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A Focus Group Study Among Inactive Adults Regarding the Perceptions of a Theory-Based Physical Activity App.

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Summary

Mobile exercise apps can promote physical activity (PA) by using persuasive strategies tailored to user needs. Preferences vary, highlighting the need for adaptable mHealth applications that align with health guidelines and individual user preferences for features like feedback and reminders.

Keywords:
behavior changefocus groupmobile applicationpersuasive strategiesphysical activity

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Area of Science:

  • Health Behavior
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Mobile Health (mHealth)

Background:

  • Many adults do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, necessitating effective interventions.
  • Mobile exercise applications (apps) offer a promising avenue for increasing PA.
  • Persuasive strategies within apps, like goal setting and feedback, can enhance effectiveness, but user preferences for their design and operationalization are underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate user needs, wishes, and preferences for the practical design and implementation of persuasive strategies in mobile applications aimed at promoting PA in healthy, inactive adults.

Main Methods:

  • Five semistructured focus groups were conducted with healthy, inactive adults.
  • Participants discussed the design and operationalization of six theory-based persuasive strategies (self-monitoring, feedback, goal setting, reminders, rewards, social support).
  • Focus group data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using the framework approach.

Main Results:

  • Diverse preferences emerged regarding the implementation and design of persuasive strategies in mobile apps.
  • Participants favored basic statistics (e.g., distance, time, calories), positive feedback linked to health guidelines, and timely, motivating reminders.
  • Preferences for rewards and social features were mixed.

Conclusions:

  • mHealth applications promoting PA should integrate persuasive strategies aligned with health guidelines.
  • There is a significant need for adaptable or learning mHealth apps that cater to individual user preferences, particularly for feedback timing and reminders.