JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Engagement with physical activity (PA) apps was evidenced to be a core precondition for effectiveness in digital behavior change interventions. However, little attention has been reserved to understand potential users’ perspective, needs, expectations, and experience so far.

Objective:

The aim of the current study is to investigate what and why features are judged to be important for a PA app engagement.

Methods:

A qualitative focus-group methodology with elements of co-design was adopted. Participants reporting sedentary lifestyle and willingness to improve PA behavior through mobile technology were recruited. 13 participants were included in the focus-group sessions (8 men, 5 woman; mean age 41.9 ± 7.1). Two researchers conducted data analysis independently using the inductive thematic approach.

Results:

Four main themes emerged in relation to the research question and were named: “PA participation motives”, “autonomy and self-regulation”, “need for relatedness”, and “smart”. Additionally, two subthemes originated from “PA participation motives” (i.e. “medical guidance” and “weight loss and fitness for health”) and “smart” (i.e. “Action planning” and “adaptable and tailored”).

Conclusions:

Features enhancing autonomy and self-regulation, and positively impacting on health and physical well-being, as well as need for relatedness and adaptability and flexibility should be considered as core elements in potential users’ PA apps engagement. The emerged findings may orient future research and interventions aiming to foster engagement with PA apps.