# Do Welfare Apps Motivate People to Live Healthier and Stay Active?

> A team of Health and Welfare Coordinator students explores the effectiveness of the HeiaHeia app in promoting active lifestyles.

## Introduction
We are a team of five future Welfare Coordinators and our interest is to dive into the digitalized welfare field and find out what works and in what areas improvement and innovation can be done. This article is written as a part of our Health and Welfare Coordinator Master’s Degree studies at Savonia University of Applied Sciences.

Can welfare apps be an effective tool for health and welfare coordinators in terms of involving, influencing and empowering people to become and stay more active? We chose to have a closer look at one popular welfare app: HeiaHeia.

## About HeiaHeia
HeiaHeia is a GDPR-compliant, multilingual workplace wellbeing program that is especially suitable for remote and hybrid work and can be used in a mobile application, browser or on your own smart device. One of the app’s motivational factors is based on peer support: the example of like-minded friends and colleagues inspires, encourages, and supports to maintain an active everyday life.

## The Trial Process
Three out of the five of us tested the app’s exercises and two of us did some background research and reviewed the overall layout and user experience. The trial period lasted for a week and the aim of the trial was to examine how the app works and to see what kind of exercise and wellness content it offers to its users. We completed the trial using the free and limited version of the app (Heia Free).

## Pros of the Free Version
*   **Emphasis on small movements:** The app highlights that being active for just a few minutes is beneficial, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles.
*   **Daily wellness challenges:** Features like the four-week water intake challenge provide helpful health tips.
*   **Activity tracking:** Users can monitor performance in endurance, strength, and mobility, comparing results against national physical activity recommendations.
*   **Instructional content:** Simple exercises for beginners and short videos help ensure correct techniques.
*   **Self-competition:** The app allows users to compete against their own previous performance.

## Limitations and Observations
*   **Hardware dependency:** To get the most out of the app, a smartwatch is recommended. Advanced features are often locked behind the chargeable HeiaPro version or specific hardware requirements.
*   **Value proposition:** The free version offers few benefits compared to the native apps already included with most smartwatches. A one-month free trial of HeiaPro for new users could improve the experience.
*   **Target audience:** The app is a great starting point for beginners, but may become boring for more active users.
*   **Cardio program concerns:** The "start from zero" cardio program suggests running 15 minutes three times a week, which may be too intense for true beginners and could lead to musculoskeletal issues. A progression starting with walking and short jogging intervals would be more sustainable.

## Conclusion
HeiaHeia and similar apps are designed to encourage exercise, but they seem most effective for those already somewhat active. We question whether these apps provide enough support for those with sedentary lifestyles who lack intrinsic interest in exercise. 

For apps to be more effective, they should be tailored to specific target groups. One feature that could increase engagement is the inclusion of full-length, follow-along workout videos.

## Authors
*   **Minna Hirvi, Inna Kääriäinen, Titta-Liisi Rapila, Riia Säynevirta and Ina Vihiniemi**, Students of Welfare and Health Coordinator Master’s Degree Programme at Savonia UAS
*   **Sanna Savela**, Senior Lecturer in Languages, Savonia UAS