Research
Adherence
When adherence is strictly monitored (using the app 3 times per week), non-immersive fitness apps can significantly improve cardiorespiratory fitness compared to usual behavior.
If you can commit to using a fitness app three times a week for two months, you will likely see a measurable improvement in your running fitness. The app provides the structure, but you must provide the consistency.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
In prespecified per-protocol analyses (ie, the app was used 3 times/week), there were statistically significant differences observed on the primary outcome between the nonimmersive app group and the control (adjusted mean difference –79.39 sec, 95% CI –133.01 to –25.77, P=.003).
Why this rating
Per-protocol analysis of a small RCT; susceptible to selection bias (only adherent users included).
Source
Apps for IMproving FITness and Increasing Physical Activity Among Young People: The AIMFIT Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Artur Direito et al. · Journal of Medical Internet Research · 2015
DOI 10.2196/jmir.4568
rct · n=51Cited 209×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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