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The Use of Smartphone Fitness Applications: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Vinnikova

    (School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China)

  • Liangdong Lu

    (School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China)

  • Jiuchang Wei

    (School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China)

  • Guangbao Fang

    (Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia)

  • Jing Yan

    (School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China)

Abstract

With the popularity of the health and wellness trend in recent years, smartphone fitness applications have become more and more popular. Thus, this study explored factors affecting the behavioral intention to use and the actual usage behavior of smartphone fitness apps from technical, health, and social perspectives by integrating the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). We examined whether perceived usefulness, perceived ease-of-use, social influence, self-efficacy, goal-setting, and self-monitoring predict usage behavior. Based on the survey responses of 1066 smartphone fitness apps users, we revealed that all of the variables, except for self-monitoring, significantly influence usage behavior, while behavioral intention acts as a total mediator between perceived usefulness, perceived ease-of-use and usage behavior. Drawing on the research findings, we suggest that influencing behavioral intention to use a fitness app can be an effective method to increase its adoption. Therefore, app developers need to pay attention to interventions that seek to enhance the usefulness of the app, provide professional counseling, as well as an opportunity for effortless goal setting features.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Vinnikova & Liangdong Lu & Jiuchang Wei & Guangbao Fang & Jing Yan, 2020. "The Use of Smartphone Fitness Applications: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Self-Regulation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:20:p:7639-:d:431661
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Salvador Angosto & Jerónimo García-Fernández & Moisés Grimaldi-Puyana, 2023. "A systematic review of intention to use fitness apps (2020–2023)," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Baudier, Patricia & Kondrateva, Galina & Ammi, Chantal & Chang, Victor & Schiavone, Francesco, 2023. "Digital transformation of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic: Patients’ teleconsultation acceptance and trusting beliefs," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    3. Yu-dong Zhang & Hui-long Zhang & Jia-qin Xie & Chu-bing Zhang, 2023. "The influence of self-quantification on individual’s participation performance and behavioral decision-making in physical fitness activities," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Eunhye Kim & Semi Han, 2021. "Determinants of Continuance Intention to Use Health Apps among Users over 60: A Test of Social Cognitive Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-19, October.

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