Features, Behavioral Change Techniques, and Quality of the Most Popular Mobile Apps to Measure Physical Activity: Systematic Search in App Stores

Abstract

BackgroundIt is estimated that 23% of adults and 55% of older adults do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Thus, improving the levels of physical activity is of paramount importance, but it requires the use of low-cost resources that facilitate universal access without depleting the health system. The high number of apps available constitutes an opportunity, but it also makes it quite difficult for the layperson to select the most appropriate app. Furthermore, the information available in the app stores is often insufficient, lacks quality, and is not evidence based, and the systematic reviews fail to assess app quality using standardized and validated instruments.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to systematically assess the features, content, and quality of the most popular apps that can be used to measure and, potentially, promote physical activity.MethodsSystematic searches were conducted on Apple App Store, Google Play, and Windows Phone Store between December 2017 and January 2018. Apps were included if their primary objective was to assess the aspects of physical activity, if they had a user rating of at least 4, if their number of ratings was ≥100, and if they were free. Apps meeting these criteria were independently assessed by two reviewers regarding their general and technical information, aspects of physical activity, presence of behavioral change techniques, and quality. Data were analyzed using means and SDs or frequencies and percentages.ResultsOf 51 apps included, none specified the age of the target group and only one mentioned the involvement of health professionals. Most apps offered the possibility to work in background (n=50) and allowed data sharing (n=40). Regarding physical activity, most apps measured steps and distance (n=11) or steps, distance, and time (n=17). Only 18 apps, all of which measured number of steps, followed the guidelines on recommendations for physical activity. On average, 5.5 (SD 1.8) behavioral change techniques were identified per app; the most frequently used techniques were “provide feedback on performance” (n=50) and “prompt self-monitoring of behavior” (n=50). The overall quality score was 3.88 (SD 0.34).ConclusionsAlthough the overall quality of the apps was moderate, the quality of their content, particularly the use of international guidelines on physical activity, should be improved. Additionally, a more in-depth assessment of apps should be performed before releasing them for public use, particularly regarding their reliability and validity.

Smartphone Apps Targeting Physical Activity in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Quality Appraisal and Content Analysis

“…All apps included some BCTs that may promote adherence to PA, and the higher-quality apps included a greater number of BCTs. No app contained more than 7 BCTs, which is similar to the findings of reviews of apps targeting PA in the general population [ 41 , 43 , 46 , 47 ]. Although the optimum number of BCTs needed to support PA adherence is not known, a recent systematic review including 8 randomized controlled trials (1018 participants) found that interventions with less than 7 BCTs were most effective at enhancing adherence to exercise in people with persistent musculoskeletal pain [ 48 ].…”

“…This finding is consistent with reviews of publicly available rheumatology self-management apps [ 20 - 22 ] and apps targeting PA and exercise in the general population [ 41 , 42 ]. For example, Simoes et al [ 43 ] identified 51 moderate-quality PA apps for use by the general population (MARS total score 3.16 to 4.41) with the functionality and esthetics domains scoring most highly. This is broadly similar to our findings and suggests that the included apps were intuitive, logical to follow, easy to learn and navigate, which is particularly important for people with RA who may have fatigue or hand and wrist disability [ 44 , 45 ].…”

Mobile Applications for the Promotion and Support of Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity Habits: A Systematic Review, Extraction of Features and Taxonomy Proposal

“…In a study [134], the authors only described the features of this mobile application. In a study [135], it was reported to use for data acquisition.…”

Supporting Better Physical Activity in a Smart City: a Framework for Suggesting and Supervising Walking Paths

“…The PAUL project aims to understand how the physical activity of city dwellers can be increased using custom apps [15]. It is observed that different apps to stimulate people to exercise exercise use different strategies [6]. The way to encourage more exercise, or at least maintain the same level of activity, varies and can be motivational messages, games, or peer comparison.…”

“…This helps to personalize strategies and interventions aiming to increase physical activity and decrease sedentary behavior as well as goal setting [5]. Most mobile applications (apps) related to health, well-being, and physical exercise are not properly validated or under the supervision of health professionals, even though some are quite popular and well rated by users [6]. Privacy concerns also arise when apps collect and store data.…”