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e-Article

College Students' Motivations for Using Fitness Related Technology
Document Type
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Author
Jessica Kendrick (ORCID 0000-0002-6515-0267); Lisa DuffyLichuan YePamela Burke
Source
Journal of American College Health. 2024 72(4):1224-1232.
Subject
Student Motivation
Information Technology
Physical Fitness
Physical Activity Level
Student Behavior
Interpersonal Relationship
Accountability
Student Attitudes
Undergraduate Students
Language
English
ISSN
0744-8481
1940-3208
Abstract
The purpose was to understand college students' motivations for the use and discontinued use of fitness related technology (FRT) in relation to their physical activity behaviors. Participants: Participants were undergraduate students (n = 22) who were eligible if they were between 18-24 years of age (emerging adulthood) and current or previous users of FRT. Methods: Qualitative descriptive design was used with semi-structured interviews conducted virtually. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Participants discussed four themes; (1) Motivations for physical activity, (2) Motivations for using FRT, (3) Social connection improves accountability for physical activity, and (4) The ups and downs of FRT goal setting and data display. Conclusions: Best practice guidelines need to be established for the use of FRT along with approaches to promote physical activity among this population. Additional research is needed to identify reasons for discontinuation of use and to develop potential interventions to promote sustained engagement with FRT.