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The Effect of a Consumer-Based Activity Tracker Intervention on Accelerometer-Measured Sedentary Time Among Retirees:
Kristin Suorsa1,2, Tuija Leskinen1,2, Anna Pulakka3
1Department of Public Health, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Finland.
Summary
An activity tracker intervention did not reduce sedentary time in retirees over 12 months. Further research is needed to find effective strategies for reducing prolonged sitting in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Sedentary behavior increases post-retirement.
- Effective strategies are needed to mitigate this trend.
- Retirees are a key demographic for interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a 12-month activity tracker intervention.
- To assess effects on daily total and prolonged sedentary time.
- To determine efficacy in recent retirees.
Main Methods:
- 231 retirees randomized into intervention and control groups.
- Intervention group used wrist-worn activity trackers with alerts.
- Sedentary time measured via accelerometry at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- No significant reduction in total or prolonged sedentary time over 12 months.
- No short-term differences at 3 months.
- A potential decrease in prolonged sedentary time at 6 months (29 min difference).
Conclusions:
- Activity trackers with inactivity alerts did not change sedentary time long-term.
- Alternative strategies are required for retirees.
- Long-term behavioral changes remain a challenge.
