Unlocking the power of snailstep application: A smartphone-based way to improve walking and urban health

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to reduced physical activity and well-being, and there's a need for innovative approaches to encourage active lifestyles. Snailstep, a walkingencouraging app that offers personalized walking incentives, could be a promising solution for urban settings. Objective: Our study evaluates the influence of Snailstep on the improvement in walking, health, and mobility patterns of Zaragoza users under COVID-19 mobility restrictions and its possible impacts on CO2 emissions. Methods: Comprehensive data on Snailstep usage, step counts, mobility patterns, and user surveys were collected from 210 users per month in Zaragoza, Spain, from February to December 2022. Linear regression models examined associations between app usage time and changes in physical activity. Geospatial analyses mapped hotspots of walking activity and modeled neighborhood factors influencing mobility. Self-reported health and mental well-being were also assessed. Results: The 210 monthly Snailstep users took an average of 286,050 steps, traveling 2435.67 km over the study period - reducing the equivalent of 51.8 private cars, 5.4 buses, and 4.32 trains from Zaragoza's transportation system in peak months. Each additional 30 days of app use was associated with a 25-step increase in daily steps and 723 more monthly steps on average (p < 0.001). Engaging more businesses (B = 9 steps/business, p < 0.001) and social sharing (B = 21 steps for sharing, p < 0.05) amplified activity gains. Over 120 days of use led to nearly 55 more daily steps compared to newer users. Maps highlighted walking hotspots in mixed-use neighborhoods with amenities. However, lower-income areas had 24.2% less app usage (p < 0.001). The percentage reporting good/excellent health rose from 71% to 81% (p < 0.001), while depressive symptoms fell from 42% to 27% (p < 0.001) after app adoption. Conclusion: Snailstep incentivizes physical activity and improves health in urban areas, even during pandemic restrictions. It could be integrated into public health initiatives to promote healthier habits post-pandemic.