52. Mobile applications, physical activity, and health promotion

Sousa Basto, P., & Ferreira, P. (2025). Mobile applications, physical activity, and health promotion. BMC Health Services Research, 25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12489-z

This study examines how mobile applications promote physical activity and user loyalty, addressing physical inactivity as a major global health risk. Using semi-structured interviews with 37 adults who exercise and use fitness apps, researchers explored motivations, behaviors, and app usage patterns. Participants engage in varied activities, mainly walking, gym workouts, running, cycling, and bodybuilding, motivated by mental and physical well-being. Self-monitoring is the main reason for app use, enabling tracking of performance, improvements, and health outcomes, which fosters commitment and habit formation. Historical performance records are key to sustaining engagement, often more influential than gamification features like challenges or competitions, which can both motivate and demotivate. Sustained app use depends on trust, usefulness, and social influence, but many users quit early due to poor experience or lack of motivation. The study recommends policies to support app development, improve accessibility, and ensure safety standards, emphasizing self-monitoring and personalization to enhance long-term engagement.