University students’ exercise intention in the context of technology assistance: testing an integrated model of SDT and TPB

Purpose This study explores the psychological mechanisms underlying university students’ intentions to engage in technology-assisted exercise, focusing on campus running applications for university physical exercise management in China. Method Guided by an integrated Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework, data were collected from 477 undergraduates. Five psychological needs—autonomy, competence, relatedness, novelty, and variety—were examined as predictors of exercise intention, with attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as mediators. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis. Results The findings showed that basic psychological needs significantly predicted exercise intention. Perceived behavioral control was the strongest mediator, whereas subjective norms had no significant influence. Discussion/conclusion This study highlights the roles of novelty, variety, and perceived control in sustaining motivation, refining SDT–TPB integration, and informing the design of digital health interventions for students.