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.
Purpose
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.
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© 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
