Message framing effects on exercise flow and interest in mobile fitness apps

This study explored the effects of message framing in mobile fitness applications on user experiences and exercise outcomes, focusing specifically on perceived benefits, exercise interest, flow, and attitudes toward exercise. It investigated how gain-framed and loss-framed messages influence users’ engagement and exercise-related attitudes. A total of 100 participants (50 male and 50 female) were randomly assigned to one of two groups, where they were exposed to either gain-framed or loss-framed messages during app-guided exercise sessions. Employing the playtest method, participants performed exercises guided by the app and subsequently completed self-administered questionnaires. The data were analyzed using ANCOVA to examine group differences. The findings demonstrated that gain-framed messages significantly enhanced perceived benefits, exercise interest, flow, and attitudes compared to loss-framed messages. These results underscore the effectiveness of gain-framed messages in fostering positive user experiences and encouraging favorable attitudes toward exercise. This study highlights the pivotal role of message framing in influencing user motivation and behavior within digital fitness contexts. Specifically, gain-framed messages, which emphasize benefits rather than risks, proved to be particularly effective in engaging users and promoting sustained exercise habits. These insights offer valuable implications for health communication strategies in fitness apps and other digital health tools. By tailoring messages to align with users’ needs and goals, app developers and health communicators can create more persuasive, user-centered experiences, ultimately contributing to long-term health and wellness outcomes.