How to Test HealthCare and Fitness Apps
Testscenario Testing Team
14/02/2022
Sudden outburst of the pandemic situation put health and fitness right at the top of our priority list. Considering we are so used to app our way in any situation, it’s no surprise fitness apps have surged in popularity.
But we are dealing with health here. So, there can be no compromise on app quality, right?
Rightfully so. It’s health we are dealing with!
Health and Fitness app testing should ensure high precision levels and security. Tests for interoperability on various devices like smartphones, smart wearables, and fitness equipment are also vital indeed. The purpose of healthcare domain testing is to ensure application quality, reliability, performance, safety, and efficiency. Standards, safety, compliance, cross-dependency, etc. are all tested in Healthcare Domain Testing.
Let’s read further to know how to test the fitness app, the parameters, and the functions to be tested.
Why is Testing of Fitness Apps Necessary?
People use fitness apps to track their most critical health factors like sugar level, blood pressure, BMI, weight, and heart rate with the convenience of regular online checkups.
People of different age groups and with disabilities use fitness apps. Thus, user interaction with the app is a very important aspect to be tested.
Since delicate information about a person’s health and personal details are used by fitness apps, persistent security testing has to be carried out.
Mobile devices like smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, telemedical equipment, fitness equipment are used in accordance with the app. Hence, software testing that interacts with these mobile devices is very crucial. Various parameters need to be checked for utmost quality, precision, and accuracy of results.
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Categories and Functionalities of Fitness apps
Fitness apps usually fall under the below categories. The mentioned are the basic functionality that needs to be tested in each.
Training and workout
Every user is unique. This type of app should adapt to the user and their convenience.
- Individual training plan
- Goal setting
- Monitor progress
Diet and nutrition
The type of app should be designed to users’ needs
- Calorie counter
- Video recipes
- Progress tracker
- Tips and suggestions on supplements
Fitness Club:
This type of app is designed for gyms and clubs which allow extensive interaction with their clients.
- Subscription management
- Content management for videos and articles
- Track individual progress
- Live streaming of training sessions and seminar
Wellness app:
This type of app includes Yoga, meditation, and exercises with spiritual practices.
- Sleep tracking
- Meditation practices
- Mindfulness
Parameters for Fitness App Testing
The QA team should have a detailed specification list on what to test. Special training has to be given for handling any medical terms and conditions. Below are the few parameters to be tested for fitness apps.
Positive and negative testing
Users of different age groups and with disabilities use the app. There are chances for a lot of negative data scenarios to occur. Hence, negative testing is vital.
Despite all the correct data insertion, there may be situations when the output is not delivered properly. Hence, positive testing is equally important.
System integration testing
The developed app should be compatible with various systems like wearable and non-wearable devices.
Functionality testing
It is a very critical type of testing. Precision and accuracy of the result are very crucial in fitness apps, as it involves a lot of calculations.
Improper functioning of the app may result in inappropriate results that may lead to severe consequences.
Testing for consistency on mobile versions
Consistently testing the app for every release of the mobile version is an important aspect as different types of people use this.
Compatibility testing
The functions of the health and fitness app should be compatible with different devices like smartphones, smart wearable, fitness equipment, telemedical equipment, and assistive tools.
Cross-browser testing
This non-functional testing needs to be made to ascertain that the app works well on the different browsers-OS combination, smartphone, tablet, desktop, laptop, etc.
Performance testing
Performance on load, stress, scalability has to be tested for special offer days and on an outbreak of pandemic disease.
Interoperability testing
Fitness apps involve a lot of interaction with computerized fitness equipment and telemedical equipment. Thus, inter-operation between the equipment and the systems to connect and exchange information with the app should be tested.
Security testing
Security should be very strong, as it involves user details and their medical records. Security should be guaranteed by HIPAA (the health insurance portability and accountability act). The app should be tested at every stage of development and on every new update.
UI testing
Flaws here can be harmful as people with various kinds of disabilities use this app. Vigorous UI testing has to be executed to suit all age groups of users as well.
API integration testing
Since the app operates on various devices, multiple API integrations need to be tested.
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Checklist on Mandatory Functions for Fitness Apps
User personalization
Check for
- Customization of profile, training, videos, articles, medications, and supplements.
Wearable and non-wearable devices
Check below factors with each wearable and non-wearable device.
- Compatibility
- Functionality
- Accuracy of results
Activity summary by specific period
Check for extraction of summary by specific periods.
Goal setting
Goals are time-bound hence they should be flexible and easy to change.
Check for
- Making micro goals and big goals with threading functionality.
- Repetition of goals should be possible.
Tracking metrics
Tracking of the below metrics should be measured.
- Weight in inches
- Sleep
- Strength
- Stamina
- Speed
- Consistency
- Productivity
- Health
- Heart rate
- Happiness level
Push notification
This helps users to stick to the app by motivating them in reminding them about their targets, calories burnt, videos and articles from favorite influencers, achievements of their friends and community and much more.
Check if
- Messages are short and sweet.
- Messages are not sent in a short amount of time.
Social sharing
Sharing the training results on social media keeps them motivated.
Check for
- Integration of API on different social media apps,
- Verify the call to action.
Gamification
Gamification has become an important part of the fitness industry. The app should be made enjoyable, engaging, and challenging for users to use. Design plays a vital role here.
Check for
- Functions like rewarding by earning points and badges and unlocking the next level.
- Check for social sharing functions.
Video & Article contents
Check for
- Personalization of videos and article contents.
- Incorporation of client testimonials
- Quality and consistency
Chatting
Enables interaction with the community
Check for
- Cloud storage and backup
- Data security
- Chatbots
- Message broadcasting
- Push notifications
Special offers
Check for
- Validity
- Coupon code generation
- Eligibility of user
- Deals management
Billing reporting
Check for
- Invoice generations
- Customer records
- Card processing
- Predefined templates
- Currency options
- Tax calculations
Authorization and authentication
Check for
- Authorization and authentication of the user
- Identify and confirm registered users
- User permissions
- Access to resources
Sample Test Cases for Fitness App
- Check for pairing between apps and wearable devices like Smartwatch.
- Check if the sports activities tracked by the app match real-life scenarios.
- Check if the graph plotted matches the data generated in the app.
- Check if synchronization of data tracking
- is good in a low battery of the band and mobile device,
- synchronize with the different band,
- synchronize after every update of the app.
- Check if a training session is not interrupted during a call or SMS
- on a low network and low battery.
Common Problems Faced in Fitness Apps
- Some functions of the app work only on a full battery.
- GPS tracking problem- issue in tracking and comparing the paths taken.
- Steps counter track distance and calculate the steps instead of the steps actually taken.
- App freezes in the middle of a session.
- Shows error message “unable to access the content at this time” due to a server or network issues.
Conclusion
To wrap up, having a testing environment with the appropriate equipment, interoperability testing between the software and devices, the expertise of testers, following safety and regulatory standards are some of the challenges faced during testing. Effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, and learnability are a few factors that help users use the app to the fullest.
If you are finding it a tough ask to cover all the different aspects and test cases of fitness app testing, don’t worry. At testscenario, we have talented and experienced mobile app testers. Connect with us for more details.
10 Oct 2021
