Exploring the Integration of Consumer Activity Trackers Into a Community Weight Management Intervention to Support...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes affects over 483 million adults globally, with low physical activity being a major risk factor.
• Increased physical activity can mitigate type 2 diabetes onset and enhance metabolic health.
• Consumer activity trackers show potential for increasing physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes when combined with behavior change strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the integration of consumer activity trackers into a community-based weight management intervention.
• To support physical activity levels in adults at risk for or living with type 2 diabetes.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design was employed, recruiting participants and healthcare professionals from a community weight management program.
• Participants received Fitbit devices to monitor daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
• Semistructured interviews were conducted with participants and staff, with qualitative data analyzed thematically and quantitative data examined for activity changes.

Main Results:

• Daily steps significantly increased by a mean difference of 5345 steps between week 1 and week 7 (P=.002).
• Key themes included the importance of free device provision, essential educational classes for effectiveness, and the need for staff training on device functionality.
• Implementation protocols and structured attendance were identified as crucial for consistent adoption and maintenance of behavior change.

Conclusions:

• Consumer activity trackers can be feasibly integrated into community-based weight management interventions.
• Free device provision, comprehensive education, clear protocols, and structured attendance enhance the effectiveness of tracker-supported interventions.
• Activity trackers hold promise for improving physical activity in adults with type 2 diabetes when part of well-designed community programs, highlighting the synergy between digital tools and behavioral strategies.