Behavior change techniques in top-ranked mobile apps for physical activity.
BACKGROUND
Mobile applications (apps) have potential for helping people increase their physical activity, but little is known about the behavior change techniques marketed in these apps.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to characterize the behavior change techniques represented in online descriptions of top-ranked apps for physical activity.


METHODS
Top-ranked apps (n=167) were identified on August 28, 2013, and coded using the Coventry, Aberdeen and London-Revised (CALO-RE) taxonomy of behavior change techniques during the following month. Analyses were conducted during 2013.


RESULTS
Most descriptions of apps incorporated fewer than four behavior change techniques. The most common techniques involved providing instruction on how to perform exercises, modeling how to perform exercises, providing feedback on performance, goal-setting for physical activity, and planning social support/change. A latent class analysis revealed the existence of two types of apps, educational and motivational, based on their configurations of behavior change techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
Behavior change techniques are not widely marketed in contemporary physical activity apps. Based on the available descriptions and functions of the observed techniques in contemporary health behavior theories, people may need multiple apps to initiate and maintain behavior change. This audit provides a starting point for scientists, developers, clinicians, and consumers to evaluate and enhance apps in this market.
Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: conroy@psu.edu.
David E
DE
Conroy
Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
Chih-Hsiang
CH
Yang
Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.
Jaclyn P
JP
Maher
D040421:Cell Phone; D015444:Exercise; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D063731:Mobile Applications; D009042:Motivation