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Behavior Change Techniques Incorporated in Fitness Trackers: Content Analysis
Gladys Lai Cheng Chia1, Angelika Anderson2, Louise Anne McLean1
1Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|July 25, 2019
Summary
Affordable fitness trackers incorporate behavior change techniques (BCTs) that support self-management for physical activity. These devices offer accessible, cost-effective tools to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce sedentary behavior.
Area of Science:
- Health behavior
- Behavioral science
- Digital health interventions
Background:
- Fitness trackers are increasingly used for self-management to promote physical activity.
- The specific content and features of fitness trackers related to behavior change remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze swim-proof fitness trackers under $150 using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1).
- To determine if these trackers incorporate behavior change techniques (BCTs) for self-management to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.
- To assess if tracker content aligns with physical activity guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Six fitness trackers meeting inclusion criteria (activity tracking, swim-proof, OS compatibility, <$150) were evaluated.
- Two raters applied the BCTTv1 to code the behavior change techniques within each tracker.
- Inclusion criteria ensured a focus on accessible and functional consumer-grade devices.
Main Results:
- All analyzed fitness trackers included BCTs known to promote physical activity.
- The most common BCTs were goal setting, self-monitoring, and feedback on behavior, aligning with self-management strategies.
- Fitbit Flex 2 featured the most BCTs (20), while Huawei Band 2 Pro and Misfit Shine 2 had the fewest (11).
Conclusions:
- Fitness trackers integrate evidence-based BCTs that support self-management strategies for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior.
- These devices represent a promising avenue for cost-effective physical activity interventions.
- Fitness trackers provide widely accessible tools for promoting population-level health behaviors.
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