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It is Feasible for 3 to 5-Year-Old Children to Use Smartwatch Activity Trackers: A Systematic Review
Raymond J Davey1,2, Juliana Zabatiero1,2, Amber Beynon1,2
1School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Insights
Smartwatch activity trackers appear feasible for preschoolers, but evidence on increasing physical activity is lacking. Short-term use may boost activity awareness, though discomfort can hinder long-term engagement.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric health and technology
- Behavioral science in early childhood
Background:
- Smartwatch activity trackers are increasingly common, raising questions about their use in young children.
- Understanding the feasibility and impact of these devices in preschoolers is crucial for promoting healthy habits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on the feasibility, efficacy, and implications of smartwatch activity tracker use in preschool-aged children (3-5 years).
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases in November 2023.
- Fifteen studies involving preschool children and smartwatch activity trackers were included.
- Data extraction focused on feasibility, efficacy, and user-reported advantages/disadvantages, following PRISMA guidelines.
Main Results:
- Adherence to wear suggests good feasibility of smartwatch activity trackers in this age group.
- No studies assessed the efficacy of these devices in increasing physical activity or reducing sedentary behavior.
- Potential drawbacks include discomfort and a loss of interest among young children.
Conclusions:
- Smartwatch activity trackers may be feasible for preschoolers, but their effectiveness in promoting physical activity remains unevaluated.
- Short-term use might enhance physical activity through increased awareness and family engagement.
- Discomfort and waning interest pose significant barriers to sustained use in young children.
Aim:
This review aimed to summarise the evidence related to the feasibility, efficacy for increasing physical activity, and implications of smartwatch activity tracker use in preschool-aged children.
Methods:
In November 2023, we searched Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest Central and SPORTDiscus. From an initial 7449 studies, we included 15 studies that explored the use of smartwatch activity trackers in preschool children aged three to 5 years. Data were extracted on feasibility, efficacy, and reported advantages and disadvantages of use. We used the preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
Results:
Studies that reported adherence to wear indicate good feasibility. No studies evaluated the efficacy of activity trackers for influencing physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Potential limitations of activity tracker use by preschool children include discomfort and a loss of interest.
Conclusion:
Smartwatch activity trackers may be feasible for use by preschool children, but no studies have explored whether these devices can increase physical activity in this age group. Short-term use of these devices may encourage physical activity by promoting family discussions and increasing awareness of physical activity, but discomfort and a loss of interest over time may be barriers to long-term use by young children.
