Behavior change techniques implemented in electronic lifestyle activity monitors: a systematic content analysis

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Electronic activity monitors (e.g., Fitbit, Jawbone) offer automated feedback and behavior change tools.
• These devices are popular and show promise for public health, but their specific techniques are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically describe the behavior change techniques (BCTs) implemented in commercially available electronic activity monitors.

Main Methods:

• 13 electronic activity monitors were systematically identified and tested by 3 coders for at least one week each.
• Coding utilized a hierarchical list of 93 BCTs, informed by meta-analyses of effective techniques and theory-based recommendations.

Main Results:

• All monitors included self-monitoring, feedback, and environmental change tools.
• Goal-setting and discrepancy between current and goal behavior were present in all devices.
• Monitors incorporated 5-10 potentially effective BCTs, with most aligning with social cognitive theory principles.

Conclusions:

• Electronic activity monitors integrate a diverse range of BCTs common in clinical settings.
• These devices may serve as a scalable platform for delivering behavioral interventions.
• Potential applications span clinical, public health, and rehabilitation settings.