Efficacy Of Mobile App-Based Intervention On Step Counts And Motivation In College Students

No known studies have examined the effectiveness of mobile technologies in conjunction with both online and offline social networking. Therefore, it is important to examine whether mobile app-based PA intervention combined with face-to-face social interaction will promote PA and exercise motivation in inactive college students. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of mobile app-based intervention and face-to-face social interaction on physical activity and psychological outcomes in inactive college students. METHODS: A total of 14 college students (Mage = 19.94, SD = 1.12; 9 females) participated in the study. A 4-week intervention using Samsung Health and Snapchat mobile applications in combination with weekly in-person group meeting was implemented to promote physical activity. Participants’ step count was measured using Tri-Axis Pedometer (OMRON) Model HJ-303, and exercise motivation and self-efficacy were assessed using Exercise Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-E) and 12-item abbreviated version of the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Habit Survey, respectively. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post- intervention outcomes. RESULTS: Participants’ introjected regulation (t (1,13) = -3.05, p < 0.01), identified regulation (t (1,13) = -2.43, p < 0.05), intrinsic motivation (t (1,13) = -3.29, p < 0.01), and exercise self-efficacy (t (1,13) = -3.26, p < 0.01) significantly improved from pre- to post-intervention. Participants, average daily step count increased from 5839 to 6610 steps over the intervention period; however, it did not reach a significant level. CONCLUSIONS: The use of health and social media mobile apps and face-to-face group meetings appear feasible in improving exercise motivation and self-efficacy in insufficiently active college students. Fitness and health professionals may consider utilizing both on- and offline intervention measures to maximize the intervention effects.