Evaluation of Applications for Mobile Devices on the Practice of Physical Exercise in Adolescents

Abstract

The use of mobile devices has changed the way we relate to each other, influencing teaching–learning processes and the motivation of adolescents towards these processes. One of the most developed tools has been applications (apps), which are software used on cell phones, tablets or computers. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze the content of applications for mobile devices that is considered the most suitable complement to Physical Education (PE) classes for secondary school students. A retrospective descriptive study was carried out, collecting information on the main characteristics of 31 free fitness apps: the descriptive, technical, educational and psychological dimensions. The results of this study show that most of the apps for physical activity have recent updates and are mainly related to cardiovascular exercise or strength for two purposes: either for exercise accounting or the creation of training plans for the user. They are intended for users of very heterogeneous ages and, therefore, do not take into account their individual characteristics. They do not have an adequate design to facilitate their didactic use. Therefore, we conclude that the applications evaluated lack the necessary educational potential to be used in the PE classroom. Based on the content analysis carried out, we describe a series of criteria that allow teachers and adolescents themselves to select physical exercise apps, and we propose to carry out research to guide developers when developing digital training/physical exercise content with an educational component that can be used as a complement for adolescents in- and outside the field of PE.

The Relationship between Gamified Physical Exercise and Mental Health in Adolescence: An Example of Open Innovation in Gamified Learning

“…Physical gamified practice favors sociability or socialization processes. In fact, studies such as those by the authors of [57][58][59]62,64,66,68] agree with the study described by the author of [73], who found better social functioning and good mental health in young adults. The author of [66] expressed concern about the toxic behaviors that can gestate in social networks.…”

“…The authors of [57,61,62,68,72] found that physical activity produces mental well-being. The same opinion was detailed in [26] regarding exergames, and this was due to the fact that this type of game decreases levels of stress.…”

“…The study of [57] involved an analysis of the technical, educational, and psychological dimensions related to motivation and the stereotypes of the apps they studied. In the psychological dimension, motivation and the presence of stereotypes were evaluated.…”

Mobile application interventions to increase physical activity and their effect on kinanthropometrics, body composition and fitness variables in adolescent aged 12–16 years old: An umbrella review

“…Therefore, the results obtained in the present study show that the use of mobile applications in the adolescent population aged 12–16 years old does not seem to have a significant effect on body composition and physical fitness of adolescents, which could be due to the lack of a significant increase in physical activity or daily steps through the use of mobile apps. Therefore, future research is needed that includes new mobile application designs that can be truly useful, as previous research has shown that the mobile apps currently on the market are not suitable for use in physical education classes, as they do not facilitate their didactic use (Alonso‐Fernández et al, 2022). This, together with the results obtained, should be considered in future research studies that use mobile apps, as the promotion of their use from physical education classes could have great potential, but not with the designs currently available on the market.…”

Exploring the Mechanism Analysis of Men’s Retirement and Physical Activity Participation Based on the IV-Probit Model

“…Some scholars have found that retirement makes lifestyle changes such as socializing, sleeping, smoking, and drinking, which affect one's health level. Our scholar Jinzhen Ye, on the other hand, argued that retirement will change habits that were developed in the short term, and for habits that have persisted over time cannot be changed by the event of retirement alone [5].…”