The role of mobile fitness applications in student leisure activities

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the behavior of students when using mobile applications (apps) during physical activity and to identify the determinants of their behavior. Analysis of variance, t test, chi-square test of independence, and chi-squared automatic interaction detection decision trees were utilized. Exploratory analysis was undertaken to identify the motivation behind the use of apps, using the self-determination theory as a framework. The results showed that the main reason for using apps is to record and save data for personal use and to improve the effectiveness of training. Students mostly use apps while running and cycling. The determinants of student app use are gender, place of residence, material situation, and level of higher education (bachelor’s or master’s degree). The results of the exploratory analysis indicate that motivations for using apps for most surveyed students are autonomous. The results provide a greater understanding of the role of mobile app use during leisure.

Keywords:

• Mobile apps
• physical activity
• leisure
• autonomous motivations
• self-determination theory

Disclosure statement

We have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This project was financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education within the Regional Initiative of Excellence Program for 2019-2022. Project no. 021/RID/2018/19.