Table 3.
Applied behavior change techniques in mobile apps.
| No. | Mobile app | Theoretical basis | Behavior change techniques by Abraham and Michie [ 16] (In brackets is the number of the technique as numbered in the taxonomy, 2008). | Examples of applied behavior change techniques |
| 1 | ePASS | Transtheoretical model | Model or demonstrate behavior (9) Prompt specific goal setting (10) Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) Provide contingent rewards (14) |
9: ePASS uses healthy role models. 10: ePASS shows the participants the recommended amount of daily physical activity (based on guidelines). 12: ePASS allows users to monitor their daily physical activity levels. 13: ePASS shows users the recorded amount of physical activity. 14: ePASS provides motivational tips. |
| 2 | eVIP | Transtheoretical model | Model or demonstrate behavior (9) Prompt specific goal setting (10) Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) Provide contingent rewards (14) |
9: eVIP uses healthy role models. 10: eVIP shows the participants the recommended fruit and vegetable intake (based on guidelines). 12: eVIP allows users to monitor their fruit and vegetable intake. 13: eVIP provides (evaluative) feedback on the reported behavior. 14: eVIP provides motivational tips. |
| 3 | eSIYP | Transtheoretical model | Model or demonstrate behavior (9) Prompt specific goal setting (10) Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) Provide contingent rewards (14) |
9: eSIYP uses healthy role models. 10: eSIYP shows the participants the allowed amount of sugar-sweetened drink intake. 12: eSIYP allows users to monitor their energy, sugar, and alcohol intake. 13: eSIYP shows users the recorded amount of energy, sugar, and alcohol intake (and values these amounts). 14: eSIYP provides motivational tips. |
| 4 | eTIYP | Transtheoretical model | Model or demonstrate behavior (9) Prompt specific goal setting (10) Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) Provide contingent rewards (14) |
9: eTIYP uses healthy role models. 10: eTIYP shows the participants the allowed amount of take-out meals intake (based on guidelines). 12: eTIYP allows users to monitor their take-out meals intake. 13: eTIYP provides (evaluative) feedback on the reported behavior. 14: eTIYP provides motivational tips. |
| 5 | CHAT | Self-determination theory Motivational interviewing |
Prompt specific goal setting (10) Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) Provide contingent rewards (14) Motivational interviewing (25) |
10: CHAT sets goals based on dietary assessment. 12: CHAT allows self-assessment of dietary intake. 13: CHAT provides feedback on recorded nutrition performed (based on guidelines). 14: The participants receive messages to increase motivation. 25: Tone and content is carefully designed to enhance autonomous decision making and users can refuse to receive messages on particular content. |
| 6 | MoSeBo/DiaTrace | Not described | Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) Plan social support or social change (20) |
12: MoSeBo/DiaTrace measures physical activity. 13: MoSeBo/DiaTrace displays the performed amount of physical activity. 20: Participants are virtually connected with a “buddy”. The current results of the buddy are shown on the app. |
| 7 | Ak-Shen app | Behavior change theory; not specified by the authorsa | Set graded tasks (7) Provide instruction (8) Provide opportunities for social comparison (19) |
7: The participants received four different challenges on their phones. 8: Information about the physical activities is delivered via the i-Challenge! social network. 19: The i-Challenge! social network is a virtual community that allows participants to upload their activities and share it with other members. |
| 8 | MMM (My Meal Mate) | Authors stress the importance of goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback messages | Prompt specific goal setting (10) Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) Provide contingent rewards (14) |
10: The app allows users to set weight loss goals. 12: Participants are asked to self-monitor their dietary intake. 13: The app displays daily calorie intake. 14: Feedback via tailored text messages weekly. |
| 9 | Recaller | Not described | Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) |
12: The app provides the ability to monitor dietary intake. 13: The app provides feedback on dietary intake, based on photos that users take. |
| 10 | W8Loss2Go | Identification of problem foods and enhancing coping skills | Prompt barrier identification (5) Plan social support or social change (20) Relapse prevention (23) |
5: The user is able to list and photograph his/her problem foods. 20: The app includes a buddy and online community support. 23: Relapse prevention is provided by determining problem food, increasing self-esteem, and coping skills augmentation. |
| 11 | FRapp | Not described | Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) |
12: The app provides the ability to monitor dietary intake. 13: The app provides feedback on dietary intake. |
| 12 | App-Hongu | Not described | Prompt self-monitoring of behavior (12) Provide feedback on performance (13) |
12: The participants registered the miles walked with their mobile phones. 13: The app directly shows the results on a Web site. |
aThe authors indicate that the app raises awareness, increases motivation, and provides tailored feedback.