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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07515898

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Physical Activity Behavior Motor Activity Technology Acceptance eHealth Literacy

Age range

55 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Lithuanian Sports University

Kaunas, Lithuania, 44221

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Digital Literacy Training Program

Behavioral

The intervention consisted of a structured 9-week digital literacy training program delivered through weekly face-to-face sessions lasting approximately 60 minutes. The program focused on developing practical skills in using physical activity applications, including app selection, installation, navigation, privacy settings, goal setting, activity tracking, and interpretation of activity data. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and received individualized support to enhance their eHealth literacy and confidence in using mobile health technologies. Printed instructional materials and home practice tasks were provided to reinforce learning and encourage independent use of applications.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in eHealth literacy

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 9 weeks

    eHealth literacy was assessed using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS), an 8-item self-report measure of perceived knowledge, confidence, and skills in locating, evaluating, and applying electronic health information for health-related purposes. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Total scores range from 8 to 40, with higher scores indicating better eHealth literacy.

  2. Change in physical activity application acceptance

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 9 weeks

    Physical activity application acceptance was assessed using constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation, and habit, with personal innovativeness included as an additional construct. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), and scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater acceptance of physical activity applications.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in intention to use physical activity applications

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 9 weeks

    Intention to use physical activity applications was assessed using items based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), reflecting participants' willingness and likelihood to use physical activity applications in the future. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), and scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating stronger intention to use physical activity applications.

  2. Change in intention to engage in physical activity

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention at 9 weeks

    Intention to engage in physical activity was assessed using self-report items measuring participants' motivation and planned behavior to be physically active. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), and scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating stronger intention to engage in physical activity.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Lithuanian Sports University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 7, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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