Background

FysBot is a ChatGPT-based mobile app developed to promote physical activity among adults living with obesity. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and usability of FysBot.

Methods

A 6-week single-arm pilot study was conducted in which patients from an obesity rehabilitation clinic in Norway used FysBot. This pilot study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design combining questionnaires and post-intervention interviews. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline and weeks 2, 4, and 6, assessing leisure-time physical activity (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GODIN)), motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2 and relative autonomy index (RAI)), Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE), and System Usability Scale (SUS). Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore user experiences further. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, with multiple imputations for missing data, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Results

Fifty-three participants were eligible, 36 completed baseline, and 17 completed the final follow-up. App engagement declined steadily, with most participants ceasing use after week 2. The mean SUS score was 51.3, indicating below-average usability. The median of self-reported leisure-time physical activity (GODIN: 34–40) and overall motivation (RAI: 8.3–9.8) showed small, non-significant increases, while identified regulation increased significantly (2.8–3.3; p = 0.04) and SEE decreased (58–49). Qualitative findings supported these results, showing that participants valued the chatbot's motivational potential but experienced technical problems and limited personalization.

Conclusions

This study offers insight into the potential of a ChatGPT-based physical activity app for adults living with obesity and highlights key areas for refinement. Future iterations should incorporate user-requested features through iterative co-design, with enhanced personalization and guidance to improve relevance and engagement.

Plain language title

Testing an AI Chatbot app that uses ChatGPT to help people be more active

Plain language summary

Why was the study done?

Being physically active can be difficult for adults, including people living with obesity, even though there are lots of studies that say it is highly beneficial. To help support being active, the research team developed FysBot, a mobile app that uses ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, to encourage and guide users to be more active in daily life. This study tested whether the app was practical, acceptable, and motivating for adults living with obesity.

What did the researchers do?

The research team, in collaboration with an obesity rehabilitation clinic in Norway, invited patients who were attending or had previously attended the clinic to use FysBot for 6 weeks. The participants completed questionnaires about their physical activity, motivation, confidence to exercise, and the app's usability. After 6 weeks, some participants took part in interviews to share their experiences in more detail. Combining the results from the questionnaires and interviews helped the researchers understand whether the FysBot app influenced their physical activity behavior and their personal experiences with the app.

What did the researchers find?

Most participants found the chatbot's exercise suggestions and reminders helpful at first. However, there were technical issues, no opportunities to personalize the app, and difficulties fitting it into their daily routines, which reduced their motivation and engagement with FysBot after the first few weeks. They rated the app's usability below average.

Why is this important?

The study shows that an AI chatbot app like FysBot can be a promising tool for supporting physical activity among people living with obesity, but further development is needed. Fixing the technical issues and making it possible to integrate into users’ everyday lives could make future versions more engaging. FysBot illustrates how AI can support healthy behavior change.