Identifying the Antecedents of University Students’ Usage Behaviour of Fitness Apps

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to explore the antecedents of university students’ fitness application usage behaviours by combining the theory of planned behaviour and the technology acceptance model. An anonymous questionnaire survey was adopted to address the objectives of the study. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to select eligible students from six universities in Zhanjiang City. An online survey was used to collect data from 634 eligible subjects, and partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse the collected data. The results indicated that the students’ perceived usefulness (β = 0.17, p < 0.05) and perceived ease of use (β = 0.32, p < 0.05) concerning the application and their attitude (β = 0.31, p < 0.05) toward it significantly influenced their usage intentions. Furthermore, perceived usefulness (β = 0.11, p < 0.05) and perceived ease of use (β = 0.38, p < 0.05) fully mediated the relationship between subjective norms and usage intentions. However, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control did not enhance the students’ intentions to use fitness applications. That is, students’ attitudes and fitness application design are the determinants of usage intention. Accordingly, improving students’ fitness applications usage intention requires strategies that involve customised services, social networking, and collaboration with schools; this would further increase students’ engagement in physical exercise.

Prediction model of intention to use digital fitness services for health promotion during the COVID-19 pandemic: a gender-based multi-group analysis

“…The questionnaire [48] and was modified for this present study [49]. PEOU and PU consisted of eight questions, four each, which were originally developed by [24,50,51] and modified for this study. Intention to use and behavior consisted of a total of six items, with three items each, by modifying and supplementing the items used in studies [51,52].…”

“…PEOU and PU consisted of eight questions, four each, which were originally developed by [24,50,51] and modified for this study. Intention to use and behavior consisted of a total of six items, with three items each, by modifying and supplementing the items used in studies [51,52]. In the online questionnaire, explanations were presented with pictures to help the participants understand the digital fitness service.…”

Triggered Screen Restriction: Gamification Framework

“…Gamified physical interventions are often perceived by users as either excessively complex or insufficiently supportive, leading to decreased levels of interaction [9]. Even the most popular fitness interventions available on Apple or Google stores are often too narrow in focus [10].…”

Influencing Factors of College Students’ Use of Sports Apps in Mandatory Situations: Based on UTAUT and SDT

“…Research shows that in addition to significantly improving and maintaining users' level of physical activity [ 7 , 8 ], sports apps enable users to overcome exercise obstacles, participate in higher-intensity physical activities [ 9 ], and improve their exercise attitude and behavior habits compared with non-users [ 10 ]. College students form a key group of users of smart phones and sports apps [ 6 , 11 , 12 ] as they satisfy their exercise demands and improve their health status [ 12 , 13 ].…”

“…Focusing on the theme of college students' use of sports apps, researchers have conducted relevant research using quantitative [ 11 , 12 ], qualitative [ 13 , 23 ], and mixed research methods [ 24 ]. However, these studies were based on voluntary situations for personal sports and health purposes.…”