EFFECTS OF WEARABLE AND MOBILE FITNESS TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, ENGAGEMENT, AND MOTIVATION AMONG PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS

M. S. Indu, Binu George Varghese Varghese

Abstract


The integration of wearable fitness trackers and mobile fitness applications has created new opportunities to enhance physical activity monitoring and motivation among university students. The present study examined the effects of wearable and mobile fitness tracking technologies on physical activity levels, engagement, and intrinsic motivation among undergraduate students preparing for university-level sports competitions. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was adopted. The study included 160 undergraduate students aged 18–22 years from Arts and Science colleges in Palakkad district affiliated with the University of Calicut. Participants were actively preparing for various intercollegiate competitions conducted by the University of Calicut. Students were divided into an experimental group (n = 80) and a control group (n = 80). The experimental group used wearable fitness trackers integrated with mobile fitness applications during a 12-week intervention period, while the control group followed conventional training routines. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), Physical Education Student Engagement Scale, and Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2). Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), engagement, and intrinsic motivation among students using wearable technology (p < .01). The findings highlight the potential of wearable and mobile fitness technologies to enhance training engagement and physical activity behaviour among collegiate athletes.

Keywords


wearable technology, physical activity, student engagement, exercise motivation, mobile fitness applications, collegiate sports

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v13i4.6724

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