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Self-tracking of Physical Activity in People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Thea J M Kooiman1, Martijn de Groot, Klaas Hoogenberg
1Author Affiliations: Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing (Mrs Kooiman, Drs Groot and Krijnen, and van der Schans), and Quantified Self Institute (Dr de Groot), Hanze University of Applied Sciences; Martini Hospital (Dr Hoogenberg); and Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine and Health Psychology, University Medical Centre, University of Groningen (Dr van der Schans), Groningen, the Netherlands; Bethesda Diabetes Research Center (Dr Kooy); and Treant Care Group, Bethesda General Hospital (Dr Kooy), Hoogeveen, the Netherlands; and Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center, University of Groningen (Dr Kooy), Groningen, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of an online self-tracking program on physical activity, glycated hemoglobin, and other health measures in patients with type 2 diabetes. Seventy-two patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. All participants received usual care. The intervention group received an activity tracker (Fitbit Zip) connected to an online lifestyle program. Physical activity was analyzed in average steps per day from week 0 until 12. Health outcome measurements occurred in both groups at baseline and after 13 weeks. Results indicated that the intervention group significantly increased physical activity with 1.5 ± 3 days per week of engagement in 30 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity versus no increase in the control group (P = .047). Intervention participants increased activity with 1255 ± 1500 steps per day compared to their baseline (P < .010). No significant differences were found in glycated hemoglobin A1c, with the intervention group decreasing -0.28% ± 1.03% and the control group showing -0.0% ± 0.69% (P = .206). Responders (56%, increasing minimally 1000 steps/d) had significantly decreased glycated hemoglobin compared with nonresponders (-0.69% ± 1.18% vs 0.22% ± 0.47%, respectively; P = .007). To improve effectiveness of eHealth programs, additional strategies are needed.
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