Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Published on: November 8, 2013
Pilot randomized controlled trial of a cognitive-behavioral treatment combined with a physical activity tracker for
Roberto Secades-Villa1, Ignacio Cuesta-López1, Alba González-Roz1
1Addictive Behaviors Research Group (GCA), Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain.
Introduction:
Wearable physical activity trackers are increasingly being used in health interventions and are a promising approach for addressing substance use disorders. This study aimed to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) combined with the use of a physical activity tracker for smoking cessation.
Method:
Seventy-four people who smoke were randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions: CBT (n = 33) or CBT + physical activity tracker (PAT) (n = 41). The CBT intervention involved one group-based session per week for six weeks. Participants in the CBT+PAT condition received the device and were required to use it throughout the treatment. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity in both groups.
Results:
78.7 % of participants finished the treatment in the CBT group and 87.8 % in the CBT+PAT group (p = 0.939). The mean percentage of adherence to the physical activity tracker (days of use) was 84.87 %, and the mean patient satisfaction rating with the device was 38.8/50. There was a statistically significant increase in physical activity (number of steps per day) in the CBT+PAT group (p < 0.002) but not in the CBT group. There was an average reduction of 9.3 cigarettes per day in the CBT+PAT group and 13.2 in the CBT group, with no statistically significant differences between groups.
Conclusion:
Using a PAT within a behavioral intervention for smoking cessation is feasible. CBT+PAT seems effective in promoting physical activity in treatment-seeking people who smoke smokers. More powerful randomized controlled trials in the future should examine their potential effects on smoking outcomes.
