Loading...
Characteristics and quality of physical activity apps which provide feedback on user affect. A systematic review and evaluation of public and academic apps
Lamming, Laura
Lamming, Laura
Publication Date
2020-12-10
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Peer-Reviewed
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Faculty of Health Studies
Awarded
2019
Embargo end date
Collections
Additional title
Abstract
Despite its benefits to both physical and mental health, physical activity
levels worldwide remain low and new solutions for behaviour change must
be sought. Smartphone apps are extremely popular and prevalent across the
population, however their quality is still questionable. Physical activity
produces an acute ‘feel good’ effect and intervention designers should
consider the role that affect (mood) plays in uptake and maintenance of
behaviours. It is timely to examine the use of affect as a motivator for
physical activity, using new tools that allow real-time capture of both affect
and physical activity (smartphones). The existence, characteristics and
quality of physical activity apps that provide feedback on affect were
explored in this thesis
A mixed methods approach, comprising a systematic review (study 1) and a
systematic evaluation (study 2) was taken. Data collection methods included
both quantitative and qualitative assessments, using pre-existing and fit-for purpose tools.
Twenty-two physical activity apps that provided feedback on affect were
identified. Apps often failed to target groups most at risk of poor physical
activity levels. Feedback on affect was performed in a variety of ways.
Quality of apps, based on 13 criteria, was mixed. Recommendations are
made for researchers, app developers and funders, including the need for
development of high quality physical activity apps incorporating and
emphasising affective benefits, consideration of archiving processes for
developed apps once development ceases, and collaboration between
researchers, developers and users when designing apps.
Version
Citation
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Thesis
Qualification name
MPhil