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Mobile and Wearable Device Features that Matter in Promoting Physical Activity
Julie B Wang1, Janine K Cataldo2, Guadalupe X Ayala3
1Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA; Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
Engagement with wearable fitness trackers, especially mobile apps, significantly increases daily steps. This highlights the potential of mobile health technology for promoting physical activity and behavior change.
Area of Science:
- Digital health interventions
- Behavioral science
- Physical activity promotion
Background:
- Wearable sensors are increasingly used to encourage physical activity (PA).
- Research is needed to understand how specific device components influence PA levels.
- Understanding user engagement is key for effective digital health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usability and engagement with the Fitbit One and SMS prompts over 6 weeks.
- To determine if engagement with intervention components correlates with changes in physical activity.
- To assess the impact of wearable technology on physical activity in overweight/obese adults.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial comparing Fitbit One with SMS prompts versus Fitbit One alone.
- Assessed usability and engagement with device features (tracker, website, app, SMS) using Likert scales.
- Measured changes in daily steps using Actigraph GT3X+.
Main Results:
- Participants found the Fitbit One easy to use, with the tracker aiding activity.
- Users of the Fitbit mobile app showed a significant increase in daily steps (+545 steps/day) compared to non-users (-28 steps/day).
- Mobile app usage was independently associated with increased physical activity.
Conclusions:
- Engagement with the Fitbit One, particularly its mobile app, is linked to greater physical activity.
- Mobile apps may enhance self-regulation by providing immediate PA feedback.
- Further research should explore the cost-effectiveness of mobile health interventions.
