Effects of Step Count Monitoring Smartphone Health App in Promoting Walking Behaviour among the Young Adults

Abstract

Objectives: Physical inactivity poses a significant global health threat, particularly among young adults, contributing to conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. Mobile health apps such as Google Fit (GFSH) aim to combat this issue through features like step tracking, reminders, and feedback. This study evaluates GFSH's efficacy in promoting walking and reducing sedentary time among 18-26-year-olds, assessing both mental and physical outcomes and user engagement.

Methodology: The study utilized a five-week, two-time-point longitudinal design with 61 participants in each group: an intervention group using GFSH and a control group following general physical activity guidelines. Criteria included owning a compatible smartphone and being within the specified age range; participants with incompatible devices or app issues were excluded. Physical activity data, including daily steps and app interaction, were collected. The intervention followed the COM-B model, emphasizing goal setting, progress tracking, and inactivity alerts. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, Expectation Maximization) compared group differences.

Results: Among 136 participants (56.6% male, 43.4% female; mean age = 22.4 ± 2.31 years), both groups showed increased physical activity. The GFSH group saw greater step count improvement (+2436 steps vs. +1209 steps). While between-group differences were not significant (P = 0.15), within-group improvements were notable (GFSH: P < 0.001; Control: P = 0.009), suggesting positive impacts of the app.

Conclusion: GFSH shows promise in enhancing physical activity levels among young adults, yet further research with longer durations and enhanced engagement strategies is necessary to affirm sustained effects on sedentary behaviour and physical activity patterns.