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Published on: March 7, 2019
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Supporting Behavior Change in Sedentary Adults via Real-time Multidimensional Physical Activity Feedback: Mixed
Max James Western1, Martyn Standage1, Oliver James Peacock1
1Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom.
JMIR Formative Research
|March 2, 2022
Summary
Wearable technology with real-time feedback significantly increased physical activity (PA) in adults after 12 weeks. This approach shows promise for promoting behavior change in inactive individuals.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Health Technology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) promotion is a public health priority.
- Wearable technology offers potential for supporting behavior change efforts.
- Multidimensional feedback and real-time support from wearables may increase PA in inactive individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the effectiveness of a 6-week self-monitoring intervention using web-based multidimensional PA feedback with real-time daily support.
- To assess the intervention's impact on PA levels, psychosocial cognitions, and health in adults.
Main Methods:
- A 6-week, mixed-methods, 2-armed exploratory randomized controlled trial with 6-week follow-up.
- Participants (low to moderately active adults) were randomized to an intervention or waiting list control group.
- PA, psychosocial cognitions, and health were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks; qualitative interviews were conducted post-intervention.
Main Results:
- No immediate differences, but by 12 weeks, significant moderate-to-large effects were observed in PA levels (PAL, moderate-intensity PA, moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA, steps).
- Effects were more pronounced in women and those with lower baseline PA.
- Improvements in autonomous motivation, perceived competence, and barrier self-efficacy were noted, with barrier self-efficacy sustained at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Sophisticated multidimensional PA feedback from wearables, combined with real-time support, may effectively facilitate behavior change.
- Further research is warranted to optimize wearable use in inactive populations and confirm efficacy through robust study designs.
