Use of Wearable Activity Trackers for Physical Activity Promotion

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola D. Ridgers ◽  
Samuel K. Lai
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
The Body ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Wearable Activity Trackers

Commercially available wearable activity trackers are small, non-invasive electronic devices that are worn on the body for the purposes of monitoring a range of outcomes including steps, energy expenditure, and sleep. These devices utilize sensors to track movement, and these recorded data are provided to the user via a visual display on the device itself and/or by syncing the device with an accompanying app or web-based program. Combined together, these devices and accompanying apps incorporate a broad range of behavior change techniques that are known to change behavior, including self-monitoring, goal setting, and social support. In recent years, wearable activity trackers have become increasingly popular, and the growth in ownership within different populations has occurred at an exponential rate. This growth in appeal has led to researchers and practitioners examining the validity and reliability of wearable activity trackers for measuring a range of outcomes and integrating the results into physical activity promotion strategies. Acceptable validity has been reported for steps and moderate validity for measuring energy expenditure. However, little research has examined whether wearable activity trackers are a feasible and effective method for changing physical activity behaviors in the short- and longer-term, either alone or in combination with additional strategies. Some initial results are promising, though concerns have been raised over longer-term use and impacts on motivation for physical activity. There is a need for research examining the longer-term use of wearable activity trackers in different population groups, and establishing whether this technology has any positive effects on physical activity levels.

scholarly journals Parental Perspectives of a Wearable Activity Tracker for Children Younger Than 13 Years: Acceptability and Usability Study

10.2196/13858 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. e13858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A Mackintosh ◽  
Stephanie E Chappel ◽  
Jo Salmon ◽  
Anna Timperio ◽  
Kylie Ball ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Distance Information ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Parental Perspectives ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Wearable Activity Trackers ◽  
Wearable Activity Tracker

Background There is increasing availability of, and interest in, wearable activity trackers for children younger than 13 years. However, little is known about how children and parents use these activity trackers or perceive their acceptability. Objective This study primarily aimed to ascertain parental perspectives on the acceptability and usability of wearables designed to monitor children’s physical activity levels. Secondary aims were to (1) identify practical considerations for future use in physical activity interventions and promotion initiatives; (2) determine use of different features and functions incorporated into the accompanying app; and (3) identify parents’ awareness of their child’s current physical activity levels. Methods In total, 36 children (18 boys and 18 girls) aged 7-12 years were asked to wear a wrist-worn activity tracker (KidFit) for 4 consecutive weeks and to use the accompanying app with parental assistance and guidance. Each week, one parent from each family (n=25; 21 mothers and 4 fathers) completed a Web-based survey to record their child’s activity tracker use, app interaction, and overall experiences. At the end of the 4-week period, a subsample of 10 parents (all mothers) participated in face-to-face interviews exploring perceptions of the acceptability and usability of wearable activity trackers and accompanying apps. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, respectively. Thematic data are presented using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. Results Parents reported that they and their children typically found the associated app easy to use for activity tracking, though only step or distance information was generally accessed and some difficulties interpreting the data were reported. Children were frustrated with not being able to access real-time feedback, as the features and functions were only available through the app, which was typically accessed by, or in the presence of, parents. Parents identified that children wanted additional functions including a visual display to track and self-monitor activity, access to the app for goal setting, and the option of undertaking challenges against schools or significant others. Other barriers to the use of wearable activity trackers included discomfort of wearing the monitor because of the design and the inability to wear for water- or contact-based sports. Conclusions Most parents reported that the wearable activity tracker was easy for their child or children to use and a useful tool for tracking their children’s daily activity. However, several barriers were identified, which may impact sustained use over time; both the functionality and wearability of the activity tracker should therefore be considered. Overall, wearable activity trackers for children have the potential to be integrated into targeted physical activity promotion initiatives.

scholarly journals Parental Perspectives of a Wearable Activity Tracker for Children Younger Than 13 Years: Acceptability and Usability Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly A Mackintosh ◽  
Stephanie E Chappel ◽  
Jo Salmon ◽  
Anna Timperio ◽  
Kylie Ball ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Distance Information ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Parental Perspectives ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Wearable Activity Trackers ◽  
Wearable Activity Tracker

BACKGROUND There is increasing availability of, and interest in, wearable activity trackers for children younger than 13 years. However, little is known about how children and parents use these activity trackers or perceive their acceptability. OBJECTIVE This study primarily aimed to ascertain parental perspectives on the acceptability and usability of wearables designed to monitor children’s physical activity levels. Secondary aims were to (1) identify practical considerations for future use in physical activity interventions and promotion initiatives; (2) determine use of different features and functions incorporated into the accompanying app; and (3) identify parents’ awareness of their child’s current physical activity levels. METHODS In total, 36 children (18 boys and 18 girls) aged 7-12 years were asked to wear a wrist-worn activity tracker (KidFit) for 4 consecutive weeks and to use the accompanying app with parental assistance and guidance. Each week, one parent from each family (n=25; 21 mothers and 4 fathers) completed a Web-based survey to record their child’s activity tracker use, app interaction, and overall experiences. At the end of the 4-week period, a subsample of 10 parents (all mothers) participated in face-to-face interviews exploring perceptions of the acceptability and usability of wearable activity trackers and accompanying apps. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, respectively. Thematic data are presented using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. RESULTS Parents reported that they and their children typically found the associated app easy to use for activity tracking, though only step or distance information was generally accessed and some difficulties interpreting the data were reported. Children were frustrated with not being able to access real-time feedback, as the features and functions were only available through the app, which was typically accessed by, or in the presence of, parents. Parents identified that children wanted additional functions including a visual display to track and self-monitor activity, access to the app for goal setting, and the option of undertaking challenges against schools or significant others. Other barriers to the use of wearable activity trackers included discomfort of wearing the monitor because of the design and the inability to wear for water- or contact-based sports. CONCLUSIONS Most parents reported that the wearable activity tracker was easy for their child or children to use and a useful tool for tracking their children’s daily activity. However, several barriers were identified, which may impact sustained use over time; both the functionality and wearability of the activity tracker should therefore be considered. Overall, wearable activity trackers for children have the potential to be integrated into targeted physical activity promotion initiatives.

scholarly journals Exploring the Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Physical Activity Among Wounded, Injured, and/or Sick Military Veterans

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Walker ◽  
Caroline Limbert ◽  
Paul M Smith
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Military Veterans ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Capability ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

Wounded, injured, and/or sick (WIS) military veterans face significant physical and psychosocial challenges following discharge from service. Physical activity can have many positive effects on the holistic wellbeing of such individuals. However, little knowledge exists regarding the perceived barriers and benefits of physical activity within this population, creating challenges surrounding physical activity promotion. Therefore, this study was designed to identify key barriers and benefits among this population, so that informed approaches to encourage participation in physical activity can be developed. A questionnaire related to the perceived barriers and benefits of physical activity was completed by 105 WIS British military veterans. Participants were predominantly male, physically active, served in the British Army, and described their injury as frequently impacting their daily living. Factor analysis revealed that poor mental health, negative beliefs about physical activity, and low beliefs about physical capability were prominent barriers represented in the data. However, only veterans’ beliefs about their physical capability were related to physical activity levels and differed between active and insufficiently active participants. Beliefs identified as benefits of physical activity that correlated with physical activity levels were improved mental and physical health, a sense of purpose, and increased physical fitness. Subsequently, barriers and benefits were categorized using the Behaviour Change Wheel, a behavior change framework, that indicated intervention functions of education, incentivization, and persuasion might be effective methods of increasing physical activity behavior among WIS veterans. Ultimately, this will lead to greater engagement with physical activity and improved health and wellbeing within this population.

Pedestrian Activity Among California Adults

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Mathews ◽  
Natalie Colabianchi ◽  
Brent Hutto ◽  
Delores M. Pluto ◽  
Steve P. Hooker
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Health Agencies ◽  
Random Digit Dial

Background:The objectives of this study were to assess (1) pedestrian activity levels among adults, (2) where and why adults engage in pedestrian activity, and (3) what adults consider when deciding where to engage in pedestrian activity.Methods:Pedestrian activity was assessed in 12,036 California adults, ≥18 years, using a random digit-dial telephone survey.Results:Significant differences were identified by race, sex, age, and physical activity level in the type, location, and purpose of pedestrian activities. Men engage in pedestrian activity at work, and women engage in pedestrian activity while escorting children to school and running errands. Whites primarily engage in leisure-time pedestrian activity, and non-whites are more likely to engage in pedestrian activity for transportation. Older adults were less active than their younger counterparts.Conclusions:These findings should be considered by public health agencies and their partners as they continue to increase and promote opportunities for pedestrian activity. Additional research is needed to assess older adults’ physical activity patterns and preferences, barriers, and facilitators to effectively tailor physical activity promotion efforts to this at-risk group.

“Replanning” a Statewide Walking Program Through the Iterative Use of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance Framework

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Laura E. Balis ◽  
Samantha M. Harden
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Implementation Quality ◽  
Walking Program ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Iterative Evaluation

Background: Interventions undergo adaptations when moving from efficacy to effectiveness trials. What happens beyond these initial steps—that is, when the “research” is over—is often unknown. The degree to which implementation quality remains high and impacts remain robust is underreported as these data are often less valued by community entities. Comprehensive and iterative evaluation is recommended to ensure robust outcomes over time. Methods: The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework was used within an assess, plan, do, evaluate, report process to determine the degree to which a statewide physical activity promotion program aligned with evidence-based core components, assess who was reached and impacts on physical activity behaviors, and make decisions for future iterations. Results: Walk Across Arkansas was adopted by a majority of delivery agents and was effective at increasing physical activity levels postprogram, but those effects were not maintained after 6 months. Future decisions included recruitment strategies to reach a more diverse population and a blueprint document to reduce program drift. Conclusions: This article details the process of “replanning” a community-based physical activity intervention to understand public health impact and make decisions for future iterations. Pragmatic reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance questions were useful throughout the assess, plan, do, evaluate, report process.

scholarly journals Use of pedometers as a tool to promote daily physical activity levels in patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (154) ◽  
pp. 190039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Armstrong ◽  
Andrew Winnard ◽  
Nikolaos Chynkiamis ◽  
Spencer Boyle ◽  
Chris Burtin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pulmonary Rehabilitation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Physical Activity Levels

The aim of this study was to examine the use of pedometers as a tool to promote daily physical activity levels in patients with COPD.A systematic review meta-analysis of pedometer physical activity promotion in patients with COPD was conducted. Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL were searched from inception to January 2019. The search strategy included the following keywords: physical activity promotion, pulmonary rehabilitation and daily physical activity. The eligibility criteria for selecting studies were randomised controlled trials reporting pedometer physical activity promotion in patients with COPD.Improvements in steps per day were found with pedometer physical activity promotion either standalone (n=12, mean 0.53 (95% CI 0.29–0.77); p=0.00001) or alongside pulmonary rehabilitation (n=7, 0.51 (0.13–0.88); p=0.006). A subgroup analysis reported significant differences in the promotion of physical activity based on baseline physical activity levels and the type of instrument used to assess levels of physical activity.Future trials should consider the way in which pedometers are used to promote physical activity to inform clinical practice in the setting of pulmonary rehabilitation.

scholarly journals Physical activity modification in youth with congenital heart disease: a comprehensive narrative review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arend W. van Deutekom ◽  
Adam J. Lewandowski
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Congenital Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Promotion

Abstract Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects nearly 1% of births. As survival rates have dramatically improved, the majority of individuals with CHD now live into adulthood. As these patients age, they become prone to a large range of complications, such as chronic heart failure and acquired cardiovascular disease. Promotion of a healthy and active lifestyle from childhood onwards has been suggested as a sustainable and effective strategy to enhance cardiovascular health, improve quality of life and reduce immediate and long-term risk in people with CHD. Well-established physical activity consensus statements for youth with CHD have now been published. In this article, we review how increasing physical activity in youth with CHD may offer immediate and long-term cardiovascular benefits, what is known about physical activity in children with CHD, describe the unique factors that contribute to achieving sufficient and insufficient physical activity levels and summarize the evidence of trials on physical activity promotion in youth with CHD. Furthermore, we discuss some of the challenges that need to be addressed by further research regarding the optimal strategy, timing and format of physical activity intervention programmes in children and adolescents with CHD. Impact Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects nearly 1% of births, with the majority of individuals with CHD now living into adulthood due to improved survival. As CHD patients age, they become prone to a large range of cardiovascular complications. This article discusses how and why increasing physical activity in youth with CHD may offer immediate and long-term cardiovascular benefits, the barriers to achieving sufficient physical activity levels and the evidence from trials on physical activity promotion in youth with CHD. The optimal strategy, timing and format of physical activity intervention programmes in children and adolescents with CHD are discussed.

scholarly journals A comprehensive physical activity promotion programme at elementary school: the effects on physical activity, physical fitness and psychosocial correlates of physical activity

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 477-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie JM Verstraete ◽  
Greet M Cardon ◽  
Dirk LR De Clercq ◽  
Ilse MM De Bourdeaudhuij
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Elementary Schools ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Accelerometer Data ◽  
Psychosocial Correlates ◽  
Promotion Programme ◽  
Activity Promotion

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a comprehensive physical activity (PA) promotion programme in elementary schools on children's total PA levels, leisure-time PA, physical fitness and psychosocial correlates of PA.DesignA pre-test–post-test design over two school years.Setting and subjectsSixteen elementary schools (764 children, mean age: 11.2 ± 0.7 years) were randomly assigned to the intervention condition (n = 8) and the control condition (n = 8). The intervention included a health-related physical education programme, an extracurricular PA promotion programme and classroom-based PA education lessons. In the total sample, leisure-time PA, psychosocial correlates of PA and physical fitness were measured using a PA questionnaire and the Eurofit test battery. In a sub-sample, total PA levels were measured using an accelerometer.ResultsAccording to accelerometer data, children's moderate PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) levels decreased less in the intervention schools than in the control schools (P < 0.01). The average time spent on MVPA decreased by 9 min per day in the intervention schools compared with 33 min per day in the control schools. Children in the intervention schools reported significantly more moderate PA in leisure time than the controls (P < 0.05). No overall improvement of physical fitness and no effects on the psychosocial correlates of PA were found.ConclusionsThe comprehensive PA promotion programme was successful in preventing a decline in children's total activity levels. Furthermore, the intervention increased children's PA engagement in leisure time. Therefore, implementation needs to be encouraged.

scholarly journals Toward a Better Understanding of the Link Between Parent and Child Physical Activity Levels: The Moderating Role of Parental Encouragement

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1238-1244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor B. Tate ◽  
Anuja Shah ◽  
Malia Jones ◽  
Mary Ann Pentz ◽  
Yue Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Parental Encouragement ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Moderating Role

Background:Research on adolescent physical activity is mixed regarding the role of parent activity. This study tested parent encouragement, direct modeling, and perceived influence as moderators of objectively-measured (accelerometer) parent and child moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) associations.Methods:Parent-child dyads (n = 423; mean child age = 11.33 yrs.) wore accelerometers for 7 days; parents completed surveys. Hierarchical linear regression models tested moderation using a product of constituent terms interaction.Results:Parent-reported encouragement moderated the association between parent and child MVPA (β = –.15, P = .01, ΔR2 = .02, P < .01). Among parents with lower MVPA, child MVPA was higher for children receiving high encouragement (mean = 3.06, SE = .17) vs. low (mean = 3.03, SE = .15, P = .02) and moderate encouragement (mean = 3.40, SE = .09) vs. low (P = .04).Conclusions:Physical activity promotion programs may use parent encouragement as a tool to boost child activity, but must consider other child and parent characteristics that could attenuate effects.

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of the ‘new’ ParticipACTION: overview and introduction of the special issue

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 153-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guy Faulkner ◽  
Lira Yun ◽  
Mark S. Tremblay ◽  
John C. Spence
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Marketing Organization ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
The Impact

ParticipACTION is the Canadian physical activity communications and social marketing organization first launched in the fall of 1971 and then ceased operations in 2001. ParticipACTION was relaunched in 2007. Framed as a public health natural experiment, evidence was collected from a population-based survey of knowledge, awareness, understanding of physical activity, and physical activity levels among Canadians (individual level), and key informant surveys and interviews examining capacity, readiness and advocacy for physical activity promotion among physical activity organizations (organizational level). The purpose of this paper is to first provide an overview of some of the major initiatives undertaken by the ‘new’ ParticipACTION that may have contributed to any changes at these individual or organizational levels. Second, the paper sets the stage for the three empirical papers in this special series reporting follow-up results.

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