Motivation, barriers and benefits for the practice of physical exercise in a mobile health intervention in adults from Biobio, Chile

Background: Although the efficacy of interventions via mobile health (mHealth) to increase physical exercise has been documented, there is limited evidence on the motivation, barriers and benefits associated with practicing of physical exercise in this type of mHealth intervention. Objective: To examine the differences in motivation, barriers and benefits between the practice of physical exercise via mHealth and in person. Method: Pre-experimental study in 37 adults (96.5% women, 43 & PLUSMN;10.5 years old) from the Biobio, Chile, who participated in a physical exercise intervention via mHealth. The Exercise Behavior Regulation Questionnaire (BREQ-3), and the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS). Results: After the intervention, the mHealth physical exercise group presented a higher external regulation type motivation score (3.25 & PLUSMN;3.79 v/s 1.08 & PLUSMN;1.60; t(33.676)= 2.434, p= 0.020, d= 0.676), a lower integrated motivation score (3.25 & PLUSMN;3.79 v/s 1.08 & PLUSMN;1.60; t(33.676)= 2.434, p= 0.020, d= 0.676), and a lower index of self-determination in the practice of physical exercise (45.25 & PLUSMN;26.54 v/s 67.38 & PLUSMN;19.61; t(35)=-2.635, p= 0.012, d= 0.908) than the group face-to-face physical exercise. No significant differences were observed in the barriers and benefits for the practice of physical exercise. Conclusions: The exercise via mHealth generated greater external motivation and less integrated motivation com-pared to the face-to-face exercise. These findings support the potential of mHealth technology to promote physical activity motiva-tion and overcome perceived barriers.