Abstract

Today, more and more people are using different types of exercise monitoring devices to measure their physical exercise activities. However, the underlying reasons for using these devices remain vaguely understood. This study aims at addressing this shortcoming by first proposing a theoretical model for explaining the usage intentions of exercise monitoring devices and then empirically testing it in the case of one common type of these devices: heart rate monitors. The model is based on a synthesis of three distinct theoretical domains – the theory of planned behaviour, the innovation diffusion theory, and the typology of consumer value – and it is tested by analysing an online survey sample of 3,036 Finnish consumers, or more specifically a sub-sample of 1,250 Finnish heart rate monitor owners, through structural equation modelling. The results of the analysis are also used to draw implications for the design and marketing of heart rate monitors.

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Explaining the Usage Intentions of Exercise Monitoring Devices: The Usage of Heart Rate Monitors in Finland

Today, more and more people are using different types of exercise monitoring devices to measure their physical exercise activities. However, the underlying reasons for using these devices remain vaguely understood. This study aims at addressing this shortcoming by first proposing a theoretical model for explaining the usage intentions of exercise monitoring devices and then empirically testing it in the case of one common type of these devices: heart rate monitors. The model is based on a synthesis of three distinct theoretical domains – the theory of planned behaviour, the innovation diffusion theory, and the typology of consumer value – and it is tested by analysing an online survey sample of 3,036 Finnish consumers, or more specifically a sub-sample of 1,250 Finnish heart rate monitor owners, through structural equation modelling. The results of the analysis are also used to draw implications for the design and marketing of heart rate monitors.