Effects of a walking program using the “WalkON” mobile app among college students

Objective This study implemented a 12-week walking program using the mobile app WalkON among college students and evaluated its effects. Methods This study used a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group, pre/post design. The WalkON program was conducted from September to December 2022, involving 50 participants in the experimental group and 52 participants in the control group. Results Significant between-group differences were observed as follows. Sleep quality evaluation score (i.e. higher scores mean poorer sleep quality) decreased more significantly in the experimental group (vs. control group; 1.40 vs. 0.34 points, respectively; p = .027). Anxiety decreased more in the experimental group than in the control group (2.08 vs. 1.75 points, respectively; p = .020). Regarding the mean score of the “health responsibility” domain of health-promoting behaviors, the experimental group saw an increase of 0.25 points compared to 0.15 in the control group ( p = .005). The self-efficacy level increased by an average of 0.34 points in the experimental group and 0.03 points in the control group ( p = .046). Conclusions The WalkON program has the potential to positively influence physical activity engagement and health-promoting behaviors in college students. It could be an effective strategy for promoting the physical and mental health of college students lacking engagement in physical activity. This study is significant in that it provides evidence of a mobile app-based program potentially useful to encourage college students to increase their regular physical activity through walking exercises, something especially pertinent in the new norm of contactless environments post-COVID-19.