Research Question
How successful are health related applications in maintaining a healthy lifestyle in University sport students?
Methods
Research Methods
We adopted a mixed method approach using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this way we are able to compare the two.
Our Quantitative data was collected from Online Based Surveys to see who has and why they use the apps. The survey was created on Bristol online surveys (BOS).
Qualitative research can be expressed as research that has derived from measures other than quantification (Strauss and Corbin, 1990). We chose to use focus groups as it allows one participant to draw from another or to collectively brainstorm together, and this may lead to a large number of ideas, opinions, issues, and topics being discussed (Berg, 1998). Our participants involved in the focus group consisted of individuals who use and who have previously used fitness applications. Throughout the focus group interviews, an audio-recorder was used as advocated by Heritage (1984), who points out that this method of data collection means that the interviewer need not rely on memory throughout the interview and that there may be constant re-examination of the data.
The Interpretivist paradigm would be a good approach towards this research as its helps understand and describe human nature. Furthermore, it typically goes a long side with a qualitative methodology. The goal of interpretivist research is to understand and interpret the meanings in human behavior rather than to generalize and predict causes and effects (Neuman, 2000; Hudson and Ozanne, 1988). For an interpretivist researcher, it is important to understand motives, meanings, reasons and other subjective experiences which are time and context bound (Hudson and Ozanne, 1988; Neuman, 2000). People create meaning through subjective meaning making practices and experience is constructed. Our focus groups would fit under their technique of gathering data.
Participants
Participants included 2nd year Sport and Social science students who have and havent used health applications. Our online survey was open to the course to respond, from the survey we asked participants to leave their email if they wouldnt mind taking part in a focus group, therefore from this we emailed participants and created a focus group that consisted of 7 participants. Participants were excluded from the focus group if they had not used fitness applications
Ethical Considerations
There were many ethical considerations that were taken into account when conducting this research. Before the research was carried out a consent form was signed and it was clear to the participants that they didnt have to answer questions if they felt uncomfortable and that they had the right to withdraw at any point throughout the research. It is important that the information provided by the participants is kept confidential unless they give their full consent for it to be given out. Confidentiality protects the participants and allows them to build trust with the researcher and rapport with participants. Rapport is about trust and making sure that the participants are comfortable and at ease. The online survey that we provided was anonymous therefore it will encourage the participants to respond with more honest answers as they wont be identified, furthermore it could also reduce any psychological factors, for example embarrassment. As the researcher, I must ensure that those taking part in research will not be caused distress. They must be protected from physical and mental harm. This means I must not embarrass, frighten, offend or harm participants (McLeod, S. A. 2015). During the focus group, I would adopt a position of an active and empathic listener, and I would encourage the participants to tell their story in their own words (Carless and Douglas, 2009). In addition, at the start of the focus group I will make sure that my participants are relaxed and feel comfortable, this will help me build a relationship with them.
Results/Discussion of Findings of Quantitative data (Surveys)
Our online surveys allowed us to have almost an instant response time, therefore it was quick when we came to analyzing the data. We had 41 respondents to our survey (23 male and 18 female). 31 of the participants had used health related applications and 10 had not. Although we are concentrating on those that use the apps its important to also look at those who dont and there reasons this way it makes it more valid and reliable. For instance, those who stated that they dont use the apps put it down to reasons such as; no interest, dont need technology to track my exercise or the fact that they provide a warped representation of health that can lead to obsessive behaviors associated with body image.
We asked the participants to state what sport/ exercise they take part in. Shown in figure 1. This way we were able to see what exercise is most popular for people using the fitness applications. Gym was the most popular.
Figure 1.
When looking at the 31 respondents of what health-related application did/have you used the most, MyFitnessPal came out on top with 12 responses and strava followed by 10. MyFitnessPal is a free online calorie counter, food journal, and exercise diary. Whereas strava is predominantly focused for runners and cyclist to track their performance. It also lets people share their updates and progress on their feed letting others see and interact with.
Furthermore, when asking their reasons for downloading the specific health-related application the most popular answer was 14 (45.5%) participants stating that they use to track their physical activity progress as well as 11 (35.5%) participants saying they use it to track their diet. Cummiskey (2011) highlights the functional integration of technology within the PE curriculum, such as the MapMyRun® app, which allows pupils to calculate and monitor their physical activity levels.
When looking in more depth into the health-related fitness apps we wanted to find out how long our participants used their apps for.
As we can see from figure 2 the responses were very spread. Over a year, was the highest response, this showing that 19.4% of the participants found their health-related app beneficial and potentially helping them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle whilst at university as they kept in up for over a year. On the other hand, 9.7% of participants stated that they used it for less than a week. This of which could be down to boredom of the app or just lost interested. This graph helps us show the real spread in contrast of answers.
Figure 2.
Furthermore, to gather more in-depth data we ask the participants to state how many days did/do they use the specific health-related application for. Figure 3 shows their answers. 2-3 days was the most that the participants used a week on their app. The researchers agreed that this was a good amount of time spent using the app and exercising furthermore contributing to the idea of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
When focusing on why the participants no longer use their health-related fitness app 35.7% of the participants stated that they became unmotivated and another 21.4% said it was boring.
Figure 3.
I wasnt using it to necessarily lose weight but was just interested in how many calories the food I was eating had, however once I roughly knew how much was in the foods I regularly eat, there wasnt much of a need to continue using it.
(Answer from the questionnaire from response ID 457541-457532-45681486)
Health related fitness apps can be useful and effective in reaching goals. We asked our participants how successful was the application in achieving their specific goals? (1 = Unsuccessful, 5 = Very Successful). 38.7 of the 41 respondents went for number 3 on the scale and 35.5% for number 4. Interestingly only one 1 participants voted for 5 this being that it was very successful in them achieving their goals. When looking at the lower end of the scale 9.7% participants voted for unsuccessful. The mean rank for the scale was 3.1.
A similar mean rank was 3.23. This was in relation to How likely would you be to recommend a health-related app to a friend or colleague? (1 = Very Unlikely, 5 = Very Likely). 41.9% of the participants voted for scale number 3, however the higher part of the scale was the dominant half as 25.8% of people voted for 4 and 12.9% at 5. Overall from this concluding that participants would be likely to recommend the health-related apps.
Health related apps provide quick and easy access, they track health information and provide interventions that can allow people to be highly engaged in promoting their health. However there has been lots of debate on how effective they are and the negative effects that they have. Numerous studies have found that there to be no positive effects of using health related fitness apps. Laing et al found that there was no difference in weight loss between intervention and control groups. Furthermore, Tighe et al reported that using an app had no effect on decreasing depression symptoms and impulsivity behaviors. However, we need to take in to consideration the fact that its hard to assess the effectiveness of apps based on the results of a single study.
Findings of Qualitative data (Focus groups)
Focus groups can help to explore or generate hypotheses (Powell and Single, 1996) and develop questions or concepts for questionnaires and interview guides (Hoppe et al., 1995; Lankshear, 1993). Our qualitative data allowed us to gather more in-depth information. Our focus group consisted of 7 participants. At the start of the focus groups, the researcher explained the study, its purpose, the role of the moderator (the researcher), the use of the digital audio recorders, and how their responses will be confidential. Furthermore, they went on to explain, that the participants had the right to withdraw at any point and that no harm will come if they decide not to take part or by participating. After this, the researcher commenced with the question and a group discussions took place.
As the researches, we wanted to start the focus group with introduction questions and getting to know the participants health related app background. MyFitnessPal or strava were reported to be used by all of the participants. The majority of the participants stated that they use the app to track their progress and to make sure that they are meeting their specific goals. In addition, Callum one of the participants stated, I like to use it to not to compare myself with others but to keep up to date with how other people are doing. This will bring the extra motivation as your trying to keep up with others and do better than them, so in essence it enhanced social interaction as well. MyFitnessPal (2012a) states that, Now all of your Facebook friends can stay updated on your progress and offer you support and motivation. When you lose weight, they can congratulate you, and if you lose momentum and stop logging, MyFitnessPal can let them know so they can encourage you to get back on track
Linking into this Fred highlights:
I feel like with certain fitness apps, comparing strava to your friends can be a good thing, because youre comparing results and stuff, but if your tracking food and your comparing it, thats when it can be bad
The participants were asked if it was the case for them if they use it quite rigidly and once theyve reached their goals if it becomes more relaxed. Again, the majority of the participants agreed when first downloaded its something new and interesting and your motivated but then the novelty wears off. The following user helps highlight this:
In terms of the other way it could go negatively in terms of the fact that you just stop feeling engaged with it because it does feel like a chore, it becomes quite monotonous (Deliha).
When looking at MyFitnessPal and tracking food there were negative opinions that the participants had. For instance, Fred stated that when i ate a bad meal i felt guilty about it. Which would make me avoid eating something as it didnt fit in with my plan. This of which can lead to it becoming obsessive and potentially causing eating problems. However, on the other hand he also argued that there can be positives as it makes you aware and can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Deliha also argues that the fitness apps can have physiological effects on people.
It encourages more people to track their food in the group, which can be a negative thing as some of my friends who are taller than me ask how many calories im tracking which is going to be less than them, just because im less active and smaller than them. Then they compare themselves to me (Deliha).
When looking back at our research question we wanted to get a better understanding on the participants opinion on what a healthy lifestyle consists of and if university has had an impact on it. The majority of participants agreed that its about balancing lifestyles (Ben) and having a balance between good eating and good exercise (Deliha).
Fred believes that the health-related apps have had a positive effect on him at university, he goes on to say:
I feel like fitness apps improved the uni stresses I feel. When I wasnt using apps like at the start of uni I wasnt motivated or I didnt really do much. Since Ive started using fitness apps more I feel like its kind of improved my uni life in some sort of way because I was eating unhealthy and I wasnt doing a lot of exercise but I feel like getting the app has made me more motivated and just sort of minimized some of the uni pressures (Fred)
The questionnaire finished with a summary question, whether fitness apps help you sustain physical activity? Overall the majority agreed that it has encourage them as well as making them more aware of what they are eating. One user states that:
I think they are useful and dont think anyone will disagree with that and as long as you use them correctly, there good (Callum)
In addition, another stated:
I feel like its definitely helped me even more. The exercise side hasnt really helped but the nutrition side of it Ive become a lot more aware (Fred).
Although users generally felt motivated and could see the apps benefits. One user disagreed with the exercise apps:
Ive kept doing the same amount of sport, it not more but like since I only use the apps for nutrition I dont really like think fitness apps really help you enough to encourage me to do more sports so I dont know
The focus group ended by the participants being told if they have any questions or worries then please ask after the recording has finished.
Data analysis of Qualitative data (Focus groups)
After the focus group was completed, the researcher transcribed the audio recordings. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis, a method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting themes and patterns within data (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Thematic analysis is a useful method if the researcher is investigating an under researched topic, or if the researcher is collaborating with participants whose views on the topic are not known (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The interview data obtained in the present study were analyzed. Analysis is artful and scientific interpretative process of meaning-making that begins at the outset of the investigation (Sparkes and Smith, 2014, p.115). Thematic analysis is a search for themes that emerge as being important to the description of the phenomenon (Daly, Kellehear, & Gliksman, 1997). The process involves the identification of themes through careful reading and re-reading of the data (Rice & Ezzy, 1999, p. 258). It is a form of pattern recognition within the data, where emerging themes become the categories for analysis. Braun & Clarke (2006) suggest that it is the first qualitative method that should be learned as it provides core skills that will be useful for conducting many other kinds of analysis (p.78). Thematic analysis can be broken down into 6 phases; Familiarization with the data, Coding, searching for themes, reviewing themes, Defining and naming themes and writing up. To start as the researcher, I must immerse myself in, and become familiar with, their data; reading and re-reading the data. Furthermore, i should listen to the audio-recorded data at least once. Secondly, the coding phase involves me generating code that show important information that will be relevant to my research question. Thirdly searching for themes consists of examining the codes and data and identifying patterns and putting them into themes. Themes are identified by bringing together components or fragments of ideas or experiences, which often are meaningless when viewed alone (Leininger, 1985, p. 60). In addition, reviewing the themes involves checking the candidate themes against the data. The final part of the themes is Defining and naming themes. Braun & Clarke, (2006, p.92) state that the aim is to identify the essence of what each theme is about. This phase involves developing a detailed analysis of each theme, working out the scope and focus of each theme, determining the story of each. Lastly is the write up, this will involve us putting together the analytic narrative and data and relating it to the existing literature.
Potential and limitations
While young adults were the target generation, the sample contained more men than women. Therefore, future research can include samples containing the same numbers of men and women. The strengths of this study include the mixed-method approach. This way it allows the researcher to take a wider approach with a broader range of questions and the researcher is not stuck with a particular method of research. However, its a lot of work taking the mixed method approach for the researcher as they have to learn about lots of different approaches, methods and how to mix and apply them. Therefore, its important this is understood before carrying out the research.
Conclusion (including strengths, weaknesses and future research)
In my opinion if the fitness apps are easy to use and work i believe people will have the motivation to try and reach their fitness goals. However, some people become lazy with them or use for the first week after downloading then wont use again.????
References:
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