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The Physical Activity Tracker Testing in Youth (P.A.T.T.Y.) Study: Content Analysis and Children's Perceptions.

Brittany Masteller¹, John Sirard¹, Patty Freedson¹

¹Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States.

JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth

|April 30, 2017

Summary

Children preferred the social features of activity trackers over activity tracking itself. Incorporating social elements and theoretical perspectives in youth activity tracker design can enhance engagement.

Keywords:

child physical activity qualitative research

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Area of Science:

Pediatric health technology
Behavioral science
Human-computer interaction

Background:

Activity trackers are increasingly marketed towards children.
Understanding children's engagement with these devices is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

Analyze behavioral change techniques (BCTs) in youth activity trackers.
Assess children's perceptions of activity trackers and their websites.

Main Methods:

Content analysis of BCTs in three youth activity trackers (MovBand, Sqord, Zamzee).
16 children (mean age 8.6) tested the devices and websites.
Cognitive interviews and surveys gathered children's feedback.

Main Results:

Trackers incorporated 8-15 of 36 possible BCTs.
Children preferred social features like avatars (75-94% liked) over activity tracking (50-69% liked).
Social engagement was a key motivator, with 75% wanting to use trackers more if friends also used them.

Conclusions:

Youth activity tracker websites included various BCTs.
Social features and engagement are more appealing to children than activity monitoring.
Designers should consider social elements and theoretical frameworks for youth-focused trackers.