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Implementation of a school-based Fitbit program for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A feasibility study
Jeanette M Garcia1, Nicholas Leahy2, Keith Brazendale1
1Department of Health Sciences, College of Health Professions and Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA.
Background:
School settings may be optimal for physical activity interventions for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Additionally, consumer-based fitness trackers may encourage youth with ASD to increase their physical activity levels, however, no studies have examined whether a fitness tracker program would be feasible in youth with ASD.
Objective:
To examine the feasibility of a 12-week school-based Fitbit© program for youth with ASD.
Methods:
Six classroom teachers and their students (n = 45) were provided with Fitbit fitness trackers to wear over 12-weeks. Classroom teachers monitored student tracker use and completed open-ended surveys to describe both their experience and their students' experience with the fitness trackers.
Results:
Out of the 45 eligible students, 42 (94%) opted to participate in the study. All six teachers and 32 (76%) of the 42 students wore the fitness tracker daily over 12 weeks. Teachers reported that students were most interested in tracking their daily steps, and the short batter life, and account set-up were the biggest challenges to students. All six teachers felt that this program could have long-term sustainability, especially if tracker use could be incorporated into school curriculum and classroom activities.
Conclusions:
A school-based Fitbit program appears to be both feasible, and well-accepted by students with ASD. Future work should evaluate the preliminary efficacy of this type of program.
