Exploring Users’ Experiences of the Uptake and Adoption of Physical Activity Apps: Longitudinal Qualitative Study (Preprint)

Abstract

Length of paper: 5941 words (abstract and references excluded)Exploring users' experiences of the uptake and adoption of physical activity apps: a longitudinal qualitative study. AbstractBackground: Although smartphone applications (apps) may support physical activity (PA), engagement with them tends to be low.Objective: This study aimed to examine potential users' needs and preferences regarding their engagement with PA apps.Methods: A longitudinal, one-arm, qualitative study was conducted with potential PA app users. At baseline, participants (N=21) were asked to explore one of three randomly allocated PA apps whilst thinking aloud. Semi-structured interview techniques allowed participants to elaborate on their statements. After two weeks, follow-up interviews explored participants' (N=17) lived experiences of real-world app use. Verbal reports from both time points were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results:Features that support self-regulation, those that address users' exercise motives, and features that foster a sense of relatedness were considered important for engagement. Proactive and tailored features that integrate behavioural, psychological and contextual information to provide adaptive exercise plans and just-in-time support were expected to be important for engagement.Conclusions: App features that address users' exercise motives, promote self-regulation, and fulfil users' need for relatedness may promote engagement with PA apps. Tailored and proactive features were expected to promote sustained engagement.