Digital Literacy Training and Acceptance of Physical Activity Apps in Older Women

The Effect of Digital Literacy Training on Physical Activity App Acceptance and Behavioral Intentions Among Older Women: An Experimental Study

This randomized controlled study examined whether a structured digital literacy training program could improve eHealth literacy, acceptance of physical activity applications, and behavioral intentions among older women. Participants aged 55 years and older with prior experience using physical activity applications were randomly assigned to either a 9-week face-to-face digital literacy training intervention or a control group that continued usual daily activities without receiving any educational program. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. The study evaluated whether improving digital literacy enhances technology acceptance and supports intentions to use physical activity applications and engage in physical activity.

Physical activity is an important factor supporting health, independence, and quality of life among older adults; however, many individuals face barriers to maintaining regular activity. Digital solutions, such as physical activity applications, may help promote activity, but their acceptance among older adults remains inconsistent and is influenced by digital literacy and related factors.

This study examined whether a structured digital literacy training intervention could improve eHealth literacy, acceptance of physical activity applications, and behavioral intentions related to application use and physical activity among older women. Older women were selected as the target population due to evidence suggesting lower levels of digital literacy and lower acceptance of health technologies in this group. The study was based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), supplemented with personal innovativeness.

A randomized controlled pre-post experimental design was used. Participants aged 55 years and older with prior experience using physical activity applications were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Following baseline assessment, participants were assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group received a structured digital literacy training program, while the control group continued usual daily activities without intervention.

The intervention consisted of a structured 9-week face-to-face digital literacy training program focused on developing practical skills for using physical activity applications. The training emphasized hands-on practice, individualized support, and progressive skill development.

Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Measures included eHealth literacy, UTAUT2-based technology acceptance constructs (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, habit, and personal innovativeness), intention to use physical activity applications, and intention to engage in physical activity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female sex
• Age ≥55 years
• Prior experience using physical activity applications (current or former users)
• Engagement in at least minimal physical activity (≥1 time per week)
• Access to a smartphone
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Male sex
• Age <55 years
• No prior experience using physical activity applications
• Not engaging in at least minimal physical activity (less than once per week)
• No access to a smartphone
• Inability to understand the study procedures or provide informed consent