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

Authors

  • M. S. Indu Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education Government Arts and Science, College Pathirippala, Palakkad, Kerala, India
  • Binu George Varghese Varghese Dean, Director School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejpe.v13i4.6724

Keywords:

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

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.

Author Biographies

  • M. S. Indu, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education Government Arts and Science, College Pathirippala, Palakkad, Kerala, India

    Indus M. S. is an Assistant Professor in Physical Education at the Government Arts and Science College, Pathirippala, Kerala, India, and is actively involved in teaching, research, and academic leadership. She holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education and is pursuing a doctorate from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Her specialisation in sports psychology, sports management, kinesiology, biomechanics, and sports training underpins her leadership of research initiatives, educational programs, and scholarly publications. Her work centres on advancing athletic performance, exploring human movement, and promoting holistic development in both academic and competitive environments.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3543-9149

  • Binu George Varghese Varghese, Dean, Director School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Prof. (Dr.) Binu George Varghese is the Dean and Director of the School of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India, where he completed his advanced academic qualifications in Physical Education. He is a research supervisor at the university, having supervised six scholars to completion and currently supervising eight more. He continues his research and professional work in sports science, exercise physiology, physical fitness, athletic performance, kinesiology, and sports training. He has been the head of university sports development programs and has actively contributed to academic research and professional activities in the field of physical education and sports sciences.

    ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6223-4652

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Published

2026-05-15

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 4 (2026)

Section

Articles

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