Promoting healthy lifestyles through physical fitness mobile applications among student-athletes
Main Article Content
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2025.11.4.12114Abstract
In recent years, mobile fitness applications have emerged as accessible tools that support physical activity and health behavior change. This study aimed to determine the relationship between exposure to physical fitness mobile applications and the motivation of student-athletes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 86 student-athletes from Batangas State University The National Engineering University, JPLPC-Malvar Campus, during the academic year 2024–2025. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire assessing both app usage and motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), complemented by physical fitness observations. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results showed that the respondents were moderately exposed to fitness mobile applications (M = 3.10), and exhibited high levels of intrinsic (M = 3.81) and moderate extrinsic (M = 3.38) motivation. A statistically significant and strong positive relationship (r = 0.614, p = 0.000) was found between app exposure and motivation. The findings suggest that increased engagement with fitness apps contributes to higher motivation for adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The study highlights the value of integrating mobile fitness technology into athletic training and wellness programs to reinforce motivation and health behaviors among student-athletes.
Keywords:
Article Details
References
Akkase, A., Husnul, D., Sulaeman, S., Wahid, W. M., & Jayadilaga, Y. (2024). Meta-Analysis Study: The Relationship Between Nutritional Status And Physical Fitness. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4911434/v1
Alarcón Meza, E. I., & Hall-López, J. A. (2021). Physical activity in university student athletes, prior and in confinement due to pandemic associated with COVID-19. 39, 572–575. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=7615356
Al-Nawaiseh, H. K., McIntosh, W. A., & McKyer, L. (2022). An-m-Health Intervention Using Smartphone App to Improve Physical Activity in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(12), 7228. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127228
Aznar Díaz, I., Cáceres Reche, M. P., Trujillo Torres, J. M., & Romero Rodríguez, J. M. (2019). Impacto de las apps móviles en la actividad física: un meta-análisis (Impact of mobile apps on physical activity: A meta-analysis). 36(36), 52–57. https://doi.org/10.47197/RETOS.V36I36.66628
Bardus, M., Borgi, C., Diab El-Harakeh, M., Gherbal, T., Kharroubi, S. A., & Fares, E.-J. (2021). Exploring the Use of Mobile and Wearable Technology among University Student Athletes in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sensors, 21(13), 4472. https://doi.org/10.3390/S21134472
Batucan, H.J., Panganiban, T.D., Salaguste, K.M.C., Gabunilas, J.M.C., Manimtim, R.M., Cumal, J.I.V., … Lobo, J. (2025). The crucial role of perceived control in adolescent athletes’ success: A commitment study in the Philippines. Sportis. Scientific Journal of School Sport, Physical Education and Psychomotricity , 11 (2), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2025.11.2.11656
Behera, D. K. (2023). Technological Interventions in Education: An Empirical Review of Their Impact on Learning Outcomes. Alsystech Journal of Education Technology, 1(1), 62–77. https://doi.org/10.58578/alsystech.v1i1.1674
Benlidayı, İ. C. (2024). Physical fitness and healthy aging. Anti-Aging Eastern Europe, 3(2), 107–108. https://doi.org/10.56543/aaeeu.2024.3.2.08
Chaput, J.-P., Willumsen, J., Bull, F., Chou, R., Ekelund, U., Firth, J., Jago, R., Ortega, F. B., & Katzmarzyk, P. T. (2020). 2020 WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for children and adolescents aged 5–17 years: summary of the evidence. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 17(1), 141. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12966-020-01037-Z
Cui, Z., & Song, Y. (2024). Multilevel modeling of technology use, student engagement, and fitness outcomes in physical education classes. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1458899
Damaševičius, R., Kim, J., & Zuniga Dourado, V. (2022). Editorial: Use of Smartphone Applications to Increase Physical Activity and Fitness. Frontiers in Public Health, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1190566
Di Martino, G., della Valle, C., Centorbi, M., Buonsenso, A., Fiorilli, G., Calcagno, G., Iuliano, E., & di Cagno, A. (2024). Enhancing Behavioural Changes: A Narrative Review on the Effectiveness of a Multifactorial APP-Based Intervention Integrating Physical Activity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21020233
Ferraz, R., Branquinho, L., Pereira, M., Marques, M. C., Neiva, H. P., & Marinho, D. A. (2021). Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Physical Education Class and the Differences between Two Educational Pathways. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports, 68–83. https://doi.org/10.34256/IJPEFS2138
García-Pérez-de-Sevilla, G., & Sánchez-Pinto, B. (2022). Physical Inactivity and Chronic Disease. Nutrition Today, 57(5), 252–257. https://doi.org/10.1097/nt.0000000000000556
Huang, J., Chen, J., & Zhou, L. (2024). Motivation crowding effects on the intention for continued use of gamified fitness apps: A mixed-methods approach. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1286463. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1286463
Ibragimova, E., Uraimov, S., Baitassov, Y., Yuldasheva, S., Kutlimuratova, D., & Litwinowa, M. (2025). Influence of digital technologies on students’ physical activity and intrinsic motivation for physical activity: experience of using fitness apps. Retos, 67, 1162–1173. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v67.113 635
Lobo, J.; Panganiban, T.D.; Mendoza, J.J.N.; Tanucan, J.C.M.; Geantă, V.A.; Kurnaz, M.; Setiawan, E.; Gazali, N.; Sanjaykumar, S. (2025).Differential effects of pre-workout energy drink and chocolate on cardiovascular endurance and physiological responses in intermittent sport athletes. Sportis Sci J, 11(2), 1-25 https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2025.11.2.11369
Longakit, J.C.; Lobo, J.; Gazali, N.; Toring-Aque, L.; Sayson, M.C.; Aque, F.M. Jr.; Panganiban, T.D.; ... Celestial, E.F. (2025). The influence of teacher emotional support on academic engagement of university students: Examining the mediating role of academic motivation through the lens of Self-determination theory. Sportis Sci J, 11(2), 1-25 https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2025.11.2.11328
Molina, M. D., & Sundar, S. S. (2020). Can Mobile Apps Motivate Fitness Tracking? A Study of Technological Affordances and Workout Behaviors. Health Communication, 35(1), 65–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2018.1536961
Morouço, P., Rogowska, A. M., & Behzadnia, B. (2024). Editorial: Motivation for physical activity, volume II. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1533943
Oh, K. M., & Lee, J. (2024). Digital health literacy and self-efficacy in using e-health resources among caregivers of individuals with adrd. Innovation in Aging, 8(Supplement_1), 54. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae098.0165
Panganıban, T. (2024). SPIKES: Skills and Performance Inventory as Kinesiological Assessment for Empowerment of Sepaktakraw Athletes. International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences, 7(4), 765-774. https://doi.org/10.33438/ijdshs.1458988
Panganiban, T.D.; Camarador, R.A; Tagare Jr, R.L; Lobo, L.; Sinag, D.J.;Quibral, J.P.; Longakit, J.C.; Gula, L.P.;Santos, J.E; San Miguel, M.H.; Mendoza, D.;Payumo, A.S.(2025).Interweaving perceived instructors’ emotional support and students’ academic resilience in the physical education context through the lens of mindset and attachment theories. Sportis Sci J, 11(1), 1-20 https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2025.11.1.11202
Priyantin, T. (2021). Technology-supported peer feedback: a literature review. 3(1), 1–14. https://journal.unpak.ac.id/index.php/Jet-Li/article/view/3413
Real, M. E. D., & Ofrin, D. D. (2024). Facets of Motivation towards Physical Well-Being and Psychosocial Performance of Student-Athletes. International Journal of Social Science Humanity & Management Research, 3(07). https://doi.org/10.58806/ijsshmr.2024.v3i7n19
Sah, D. (2024). Unveiling the Power of Personalization in Health and Fitness Apps. International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2024.64980
Southcott, E., & Jooste, J. (2023). Unveiling the Impact of Mobile Fitness Applications on Motivational Orientation in Sustaining Exercise Behaviors: A Qualitative Investigation. 0. https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2024-0008
Spray, C. M., & Warburton, V. E. (2022). What Motivates Young Athletes to Play Sport? Frontiers for Young Minds, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/frym.2022.686291
Ventura, K. Á., Nicoletti, L. P., Caruzzo, A. M., Lins, P. A. da S., & Cardoso, V. D. (2024). Fatores motivacionais relacionados à prática de esportiva para pessoas com deficiência. European Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v11i6.5668
Vučković, V., & Duric, S. (2024). Motivational variations in fitness: a population study of exercise modalities, gender and relationship status. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1377947
Yunus, M., Hanief, Y. N., Sari, G. M., Panganiban, T. D., & Ferdinandus, M. E. (2023). Association between physical activity and body mass index with physical fitness in first-year sport students. Journal of Science and Education (JSE), 4(1), 58-64. https://doi.org/10.56003/jse.v4i1.299
World Health Organization. (2020). Global status report on physical activity 2020. World Health Organization. https://doi.org/10.1787/888934015125
