Apps zur Förderung von körperlicher Aktivität – Nutzung und Einstellungen bei Erwachsenen im Alter von 50 Jahren und älter: Ergebnisse eines Online-Surveys

Background: Smartphone applications (apps) represent an opportunity to promote physical activity (PA). Objectives: To explore (1) the extent and sociodemographic differences in utilization of PA and fitness apps, (2) associations between technology acceptance and competence and PA and fitness app use, (3) associations between PA and fitness app use, PA and subjective health status and (4) attitudes towards the use of behavior change techniques (BCTs) in apps among persons aged 50 years and older. Material and methods: Sociodemographic information, PA and fitness app use, technology acceptance and competence, PA, subjective health status and attitudes towards employing BCTs in apps were assessed via an online survey. Associations between variables were analyzed using logistic regressions. Results: Of the 146 survey participants (average age 59.5 years), 18.5% used PA and fitness apps. Compared to non-users, users were more likely to be male (odds ratio, OR 7.23; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.82–28.68). Medium to high technology acceptance (OR 2.66; 95% CI 0.57–12.49) was associated with a higher PA and fitness app use but not technology competence. Persons who were physically active for at least 150 min/week had a greater likelihood to use PA and fitness apps (OR 7.06; 95% CI 1.83–27.19). Users rated the following BCTs as helpful in PA and fitness apps: prompt review of behavioral goals, goal setting of behavior and instruction on how to perform the behavior. Conclusion: The results of this exploratory study suggest that future smartphone-assisted interventions should address a wider spectrum of the general population. Because low levels of technology acceptance appear to be related to little PA and fitness app use among older adults, future interventions should address this issue and spark interest and curiosity for technology use.