The intention of Chinese college students to use sports smart wearable devices based on the technology acceptance model and technology readiness index

Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 28;16(1):11399. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-41062-9.

ABSTRACT

With the rapid advancement of technology, sports-related technological products such as wearable smart devices have expanded from professional athletic settings into daily life. This study aims to explore the theoretical foundations of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology Readiness Index (TRI), to understand the factors influencing college students' acceptance and use of sports smart wearable devices. A total sample of 428 college students (48.3% male and 51.7% female) participated in this investigation. Data was collected using the Likert five-level scale of the TAM, which was then analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, privacy concerns, innovation, curiosity, health needs, and social motivation all positively influence college students' use of sports smart wearable devices. In addition, the level of technology readiness significantly moderated this process. The results showed that all research hypotheses were supported, and the model exhibited a good fit. This study expands the application boundaries of TAM and TRI in the field of sports health, provides a theoretical basis and practical implications for the product design of smart wearable devices, the reform of physical education in colleges and universities, and market promotion, and contributes to the improvement of college students' physical health under the goal of Healthy China 2030.

PMID:41764306 | PMC:PMC13057166 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-41062-9