Abstract (eng)
Numerous people ruin their health by poor nutrition and too little physical activity. However, especially these two factors, namely a healthy diet and sports, are extremely crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For a couple of years now, scientists have begun to use smartphones as a platform for the mediation of health and fitness. The designed mobile applications have a huge potential to contribute to the improvement of the health and fitness of people. Nevertheless, only few studies about this subject matter have been published.
Methods: „Top ranked“ apps (n=20) were downloaded from the Apple App Store in the category health and fitness on December 13, 2016 and were evaluated with the (CALO-RE) taxonomy by Hagger, Keatley & Chan (2014) during the next weeks. The completion of the analysis was done in January 2017.
Results: The mobile applications included an average of 6,6 BCTs (range: 2 – 15). There is a difference between the free apps, including an average of 7,4 (range: 2 – 11) and the paid apps, including an average of 5,4 BCTs (range: 3 – 15). The most common techniques involved „demonstrate behavior“ (n=13), „instruction on how to perform the behavior“ (n=11), „information provision (to the individual)“ (n=8), „information provisions (general)“ (n=8), „plan social support“ (n=7), „successful behavior-contingent rewards“ (n=7) und „goal setting“ (n=7).
Conclusions: The present study shows that apps have potential in connection with appropriation and continuation of physical activity, however an improvement is absolutely necessary to guarantee a long-term results and regular usage.