Effectiveness of Using Exercise App in Improving Exercise Adherence and Aerobic Endurance of Football Players

Abstract

Introduction. The use of mobile apps known as mHealth is starting to shape the delivery of physical therapy care not only in patients but also to the healthy population. Using an exercise app is a potential strategy to promote physical activity among individuals. Thus, this pilot study examined the utility of the Nike® Training Club app in increasing exercise adherence and enhancing aerobic endurance. Methods. The study utilized one-way repeated measures over time quasi-experimental design. It used purposive sampling to select 10 college football players aged 18-25 years old. After downloading the app, the participants were required to perform a workout plan composed of 15–45 minutes workouts through circuit interval training. The 20-day workout plan was done for 6 weeks (3-4 workouts per week). Aerobic endurance was measured at baseline and every after 2 weeks of intervention using Cooper’s 12-minute run test. Results. An extremely high adherence rate (85%, SD = 2.11) to exercise was exhibited by the participants based on recorded logs in the app. Also, the participants agreed that the app was easy to use (x̅ = 3.9, SD = .18) due to its user-friendly interface, uncomplicated design, and comprehensive features. Results also showed an improvement in their aerobic endurance at the end of the 6-week training with a change of 3.8 ml/kg/min, however, ANOVA showed no statistically significant difference in VO2 max from baseline to post-tests [F (3, 10) = 2.18, p = .11]. Discussion. A high adherence to exercise may be achieved when exercise is facilitated using the app. The app has potential to provide information that could lead to improvements in aerobic endurance and can be a useful tool in maintaining an active lifestyle among the well population.