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Published on: March 7, 2019
Physical Activity Monitoring Using Wearable Devices in Young Adults: Secondary Analysis of a 6-Month Motivational
Nicolette Christodoulakis1, Taylor Incze1, Sahar Khademioore1
1Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada, 1 (905) 525-9140.
This study found that while daily adherence to wearable devices decreased over six months in university students, moderate and vigorous physical activity levels remained consistent between groups. This highlights challenges in long-term wearable device use for physical activity monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Public Health
- Digital Health
Background:
- Wearable devices offer promising tools for objective physical activity measurement.
- Understanding adherence patterns and impact on physical activity is crucial for effective health interventions.
- University students represent a key demographic for promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of using wearable devices to measure physical activity in university students over a 6-month period.
- To analyze adherence rates to wearable device usage.
- To compare physical activity levels between control and intervention groups.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial.
- Inclusion of university students aged 18 to 29 years.
- 6-month data collection on wearable device adherence and physical activity.
Main Results:
- Daily adherence to wearable devices showed a decline over the 6-month study duration.
- No significant differences in moderate and vigorous physical activity levels were observed between the control and intervention groups.
- Feasibility of device provision was established, but long-term adherence requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- While wearable devices can be feasibly provided, sustained adherence for physical activity monitoring in university students presents a challenge.
- Intervention strategies may be needed to improve long-term engagement with wearable technology for health.
- Future research should focus on optimizing adherence to maximize the benefits of wearable-based physical activity interventions.
