scholarly journals Evaluating Motivational Interviewing and Habit Formation to Enhance the Effect of Activity Trackers on Healthy Adults’ Activity Levels: Randomized Intervention

10.2196/10988 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e10988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura D Ellingson ◽  
Jeni E Lansing ◽  
Kathryn J DeShaw ◽  
Karissa L Peyer ◽  
Yang Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Habit Formation ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Randomized Intervention

scholarly journals Evaluating Motivational Interviewing and Habit Formation to Enhance the Effect of Activity Trackers on Healthy Adults’ Activity Levels: Randomized Intervention (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura D Ellingson ◽  
Jeni E Lansing ◽  
Kathryn J DeShaw ◽  
Karissa L Peyer ◽  
Yang Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Sedentary Behaviors ◽  
Wear Time ◽  
Activity Trackers

BACKGROUND While widely used and endorsed, there is limited evidence supporting the benefits of activity trackers for increasing physical activity; these devices may be more effective when combined with additional strategies that promote sustained behavior change like motivational interviewing (MI) and habit development. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the utility of wearable activity trackers alone or in combination with these behavior change strategies for promoting improvements in active and sedentary behaviors. METHODS A sample of 91 adults (48/91 female, 53%) was randomized to receive a Fitbit Charge alone or in combination with MI and habit education for 12 weeks. Active and sedentary behaviors were assessed pre and post using research-grade activity monitors (ActiGraph and activPAL), and the development of habits surrounding the use of the trackers was assessed postintervention with the Self-Reported Habit Index. During the intervention, Fitbit wear time and activity levels were monitored with the activity trackers. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the influence of the trial on outcomes of physical activity and sedentary time. The influence of habits was examined using correlation coefficients relating habits of tracker use (wearing the tracker and checking data on the tracker and associated app) to Fitbit wear time and activity levels during the intervention and at follow-up. RESULTS Regression analyses revealed no significant differences by group in any of the primary outcomes (all P>.05). However, personal characteristics, including lower baseline activity levels (beta=–.49, P=.01) and lack of previous experience with pedometers (beta=–.23, P=.03) were predictive of greater improvements in moderate and vigorous physical activity. Furthermore, for individuals with higher activity levels at the baseline, MI and habit education were more effective for maintaining these activity levels when compared with receiving a Fitbit alone (eg, small increase of ~48 steps/day, d=0.01, vs large decrease of ~1830 steps/day, d=0.95). Finally, habit development was significantly related to steps/day during (r=.30, P=.004) and following the intervention (r=.27, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that activity trackers may have beneficial effects on physical activity in healthy adults, but benefits vary based on individual factors. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of habit development surrounding the wear and use of activity trackers and the associated software to promote increases in physical activity. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03837366; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03837366

Effect of interventions using physical activity trackers on physical activity in people aged 60 years and over: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (20) ◽  
pp. 1188-1194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana S Oliveira ◽  
Cathie Sherrington ◽  
Elizabeth R Y Zheng ◽  
Marcia Rodrigues Franco ◽  
Anne Tiedemann
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older People ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Tracker ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundOlder people are at high risk of physical inactivity. Activity trackers can facilitate physical activity. We aimed to investigate the effect of interventions using activity trackers on physical activity, mobility, quality of life and mental health among people aged 60+ years.MethodsFor this systematic review, we searched eight databases, including MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL from inception to April 2018. Randomised controlled trials of interventions that used activity trackers to promote physical activity among people aged 60+ years were included in the analyses. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42017065250.ResultsWe identified 23 eligible trials. Interventions using activity trackers had a moderate effect on physical activity (23 studies; standardised mean difference (SMD)=0.55; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.70; I2=86%) and increased steps/day by 1558 (95% CI 1099 to 2018 steps/day; I2=92%) compared with usual care, no intervention and wait-list control. Longer duration activity tracker-based interventions were more effective than short duration interventions (18 studies, SMD=0.70; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.93 vs 5 studies, SMD=0.14; 95% CI −0.26 to 0.54, p for comparison=0.02). Interventions that used activity trackers improved mobility (three studies; SMD=0.61; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.90; I2=10%), but not quality of life (nine studies; SMD=0.09; 95% CI −0.07 to 0.25; I2=45%). Only one trial included mental health outcomes and it reported similar effects of the activity tracker intervention compared with control.ConclusionsInterventions using activity trackers improve physical activity levels and mobility among older people compared with control. However, the impact of activity tracker interventions on quality of life, and mental health is unknown.

Preliminary efficacy of prize-based contingency management to increase activity levels in healthy adults

2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Donlin Washington ◽  
Kelly M. Banna ◽  
Amanda L. Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Contingency Management ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Activity Levels

The use of physical exercise apps for Smartphone in improving the level of physical activity, and general health: A Systematic review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEXANDHER NEGREIROS ◽  
Roberto Rodrigues Maciel ◽  
Bianca Carvalho Barros ◽  
Rosimeire Simprini Padula
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
General Health ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Virtual Technology ◽  
Cochrane Reviews

BACKGROUND Smartphone use has become common among the population, and new apps are emerging for users to practice physical activity with the aid of virtual technology. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify and evaluate the effect of interventions that use smartphone exercise apps to increase the level of physical activity and improve the overall health of users. METHODS A search was conducted in five electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Academic Research Premier and Cochrane Reviews and Trials). A PICO strategy was used to research question construction (Population- healthy adults, intervention (smartphone apps), and outcomes (physical activity level).Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with healthy individuals of both sexes aged 18 years old and older were included. The outcomes assessed were physical activity levels, improvement in general health rates as a function of the apps used. RESULTS Out of the 3924 potential articles, 74 were read for full text analysis. Only seven studies were included in the review. All included studies demonstrated that the use of smartphone apps are effective in increasing the level of physical activity and improving some general health indices (calorie expenditure, weight, BMI.) in healthy adults, regardless of the duration and frequency of intervention, and the apps used. The methodological evaluation of the studies, showed thatonly one demonstrated good quality. CONCLUSIONS Exercise apps increase the level of physical activity and improve general health in healthy adults, although most studies were classified as low methodological quality.The apps evaluated did not have technical standardization points on how to be described in the studies, so that we can evaluate both the effect of the intervention and the apps used in the studies.

Motivational interviewing to increase physical activity in women with gestational diabetes

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (10) ◽  
pp. 550-556
Author(s):  
Ralph Smith ◽  
Ashley Ridout ◽  
Angus Livingstone ◽  
Nicola Wango ◽  
Yvonne Kenworthy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Motivational Interviewing ◽  
Clinical Pathway ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Moderate Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Increased Activity

Regular physical activity improves glycaemic control in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Motivational interviewing is an effective technique for increasing activity levels. This report evaluates a clinical pathway developed to integrate physical activity motivational interviewing into routine gestational diabetes care. Women attending a single-centre NHS clinic were invited to engage in a physical activity-focused motivational interview. The aerobic physical activity levels of 62 women were evaluated at baseline and at a 2-week telephone follow up, coded into three categories by minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week: red (<30 minutes), amber (30–149 minutes) and green (≥150 minutes). At baseline, 30.6% of participants were coded red, 41.9% amber and 27.4% green. At follow up, 4.8% women coded red, 38.7% amber and 56.5% green, demonstrating a significant association for increased activity levels after motivational interviewing (P<0.001). This clinical pathway provides encouraging results that physical activity increased significantly in the short term.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Experiences of Women Participating in a Digital Technology–Based Physical Activity Intervention (the mPED Trial): Qualitative Study

10.2196/13570 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. e13570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teri Lindgren ◽  
Julie Hooper ◽  
Yoshimi Fukuoka
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Habit Formation ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Tracking Technology ◽  
Physically Inactive

Background Despite the benefits of regular physical activity, women in every age group have lower activity levels than men, and few women meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Digital technologies have been useful in increasing physical activity during the course of an interventional study. However, sustaining that activity once the clinical trial was complete was a major challenge. Objective This study aimed to describe the experiences and perspectives of physically inactive women who completed the mobile phone–based physical activity education (mPED), a randomized controlled trial, at 12 months. Methods Of 210 women who were enrolled in the mPED trial, 203 completed a 12-month open-ended exit interview and survey through phone. The participants were asked about their physical activity levels; their digital technology use; what they learned from, liked, and would change about the trial; their motivations to keep active post-trial; and their advice for other women. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using the brief survey qualitative description. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the survey data with the significance level set at P<.05. Results In the 12-month survey, a greater proportion of the participants in the intervention group, compared with the control group, reported that they regularly wore a pedometer or physical activity tracker (49.3%, 66/143 vs 26.1%, 18/69; P=.002) and engaged in brisk walking (54.5%, 73/134 vs 30.4%, 21/69; P=.001). The experiences and perceptions of physical activity of physically inactive women over time were embedded in a complex interplay of internal and external factors. A total of 6 interactive themes emerged as critical in supporting continued engagement in physical activity postintervention: tracking, technology versus personal touch, accountability, resources and environment, motivation, and habit formation. Technology allowed for self-tracking, which supported internal accountability. However, tracking by another person (personal touch) was needed for external accountability. Resources and environment underpinned the relationship among the themes of tracking, technology versus personal touch, accountability, motivation, and habit formation. Conclusions Future research is needed to identify the best ways to harness this dynamic process in promoting and sustaining physical activity among inactive women. Digital technology is evolving at an exponential rate and provides new opportunities to transform research into new approaches to promote physical activity. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01280812; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01280812 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/1471-2485-11-933

scholarly journals Staying Active While Staying Home: The Use of Physical Activity Technologies During Life Disruptions

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph W. Newbold ◽  
Anna Rudnicka ◽  
Anna Cox
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Online Classes ◽  
Major Life ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Virtual Coaching ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Video Tutorials ◽  
Barriers To Exercise

One impact of the Covid-19 lockdowns was a restriction on people's ability to engage in physical activity in previously routine ways. This paper presents a two-stage mixed-method study exploring how people used technology to stay physically active during this period. We found that activity trackers reminded people to be active, while virtual coaching (i.e., video tutorials and online classes) helped them stay connected. The lockdown increased people's awareness of their activity levels and removed barriers to exercise, for example by giving them greater control over their time. However, it also created new challenges, with lack of time and space, injuries due to sudden changes in activity, and anxiety around lockdown, putting limits on physical activity. We highlight future directions that must be addressed to maximise the benefits of physical activity technologies for people trying to stay active during major life disruptions.

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.

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