University of Twente Student Theses
Self Regulation by Recreational Runners with Wearable Technology: A Literature Review
Ross, Inez Rabea (2020) Self Regulation by Recreational Runners with Wearable Technology: A Literature Review.
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| Abstract: | Introduction: Wearable technology is prevalent in the western society as a useful tool for self regulation since it became affordable. Simultaneously, recreational running as an individual and feasible type of sport increased, however, registering a high number of dropout rates. Self regulation assisted by wearable technology could bring about changes in terms of setting and achieving running goals. To address the knowledge gap regarding psychological patterns in this topic, three research questions were formulated. On their basis (i) predictors for the usage of wearable technology by recreational runners, (ii) the reason to use technology during running, and (iii) the presence of references in (i) and (ii) to the constructs elaborated in the Self-Determination Theory (SDT): autonomy, competence, and relatedness will be identified. Methods: Literature was searched via two different databases: EBSCOhost and Scopus. The PICOS framework was used to identify relevant terms and concepts. A total amount of 13 papers met the inclusion criteria and were thoroughly analyzed in this mixed-method review. Results: Ten studies pointed out predictors for usage, half of them have found either technical- or runner-related predictors that affect the possibility for recreational runners using technology. Nine papers stated reasons to use technology during running. Four of them in a quantitative and six in a qualitative way, whereby one paper offered both data. Runners’ reasons are wide-ranging but related to three categories: ‘tracking personalized training data’, ‘increasing running motivation’, and ‘improving performance’. Overall, there appeared to be a noteworthy connection between predictors and reasons for technology usage and the constructs elaborated in the SDT, in particular with respect to autonomy and competence. Discussion: The focus of recent studies included in this review concentrated on psychological aspects. In contrast to physical health benefits from running with devices, research with reference to well-being still needs to be further integrated in the field of wearable technology. Nevertheless, 10 papers concentrated on the fit between technology and the user, illustrating that technology designers and researchers in the area of running already work for the same aim: individual’s physical and mental health. Additionally, nine papers addressed runners’ perspectives on self regulation supported by technology. The elaborated interplay of physical and mental health leads to the conclusion that the psychological research area for the usage of technology for running has recently been growing. Concerning the psychological perspective on running with technology, further research is still needed. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/81411 |
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