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Feasibility and acceptability of remotely monitored pedometer-guided physical activity
J N Darvall1, A Parker2, D A Story3
1Anaesthetist and Intensive Care Specialist, Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management and Intensive Care Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Senior Lecturer in Medical Education-Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|July 27, 2016
Summary
A pilot study found that remotely monitored pedometers are feasible and acceptable for increasing physical activity. This mobile health approach may help encourage exercise for at-risk patients before surgery or childbirth.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Digital Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- High rates of sedentary behavior in Australian adults necessitate innovative health promotion strategies.
- Mobile Health (mHealth) leverages technology for health interventions, with activity trackers showing promise.
- Next-generation pedometers offer automatic data uploading for analysis of physical activity levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of using Fitbit Zip® pedometers for a remotely monitored physical activity intervention.
- To evaluate participant and investigator experiences with the mHealth technology over a ten-week period.
Main Methods:
- A ten-week pilot trial involving ten volunteers using Fitbit Zip® pedometers.
- Validated tools were used to assess acceptability and monitor activity.
- Remote monitoring of daily step counts and sedentary time was conducted.
Main Results:
- All participants found data syncing 'very easy' or 'easy'; investigators could monitor activity remotely.
- Participant daily step counts varied widely, from 5471 to 18779 steps.
- Sedentary time ranged from 1.4% to 33.3% of study days, with significant individual variation in meeting activity goals.
Conclusions:
- Remotely monitored pedometer use is a feasible and acceptable method for guiding physical activity interventions.
- This mHealth technology shows potential for prehabilitation in at-risk surgical and obstetric patients.
- Further research can explore the long-term impact of such interventions on health outcomes.
