JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

There is increasing availability of, and interest in, wearable activity trackers for children aged under 13 years. However, little is known about how children and parents use these devices or perceive their acceptability.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to ascertain the acceptability and usability of wearables designed to monitor children’s physical activity levels, as well as identify practical considerations for future use in physical activity interventions and promotion initiatives. A secondary aim was to determine use of the different features and functions incorporated into the accompanying app and parents’ awareness of their child(ren)’s current physical activity levels.

Methods:

Thirty-six children (18 boys, 18 girls) aged 7-12 years were asked to wear a wrist-worn KidFitTM for four consecutive weeks and to use the accompanying app with parental assistance/guidance. Each week one parent from each family (n=25; 21 mothers, 4 fathers) completed an online survey to record their child’s monitor use, app interaction and overall experiences. At the end of the four-week period, a sub-sample of 10 parents (all mothers) participated in face-to-face interviews exploring their, and their child(ren)’s, perceptions of the acceptability and usability of the KidFitTM and accompanying app. Qualitative data were analysed thematically and presented using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts.

Results:

Parents reported that they and their children typically found the KidFitTM app easy to use for activity tracking, though only step or distance information was generally accessed and some difficulties interpreting the data were reported. Children were frustrated with not being able to access real-time feedback, as the features and functions were only available through the app, which was typically accessed by, or in the presence of, parents. Parents identified that children wanted additional functions including a visual display to track and self-monitor activity, access to the app for goal-setting, and the option of undertaking challenges against schools or significant others. Other barriers to the use of the KidFitTM included the discomfort/design of the monitor and the inability to wear the tracker for water- or contact-based sports.

Conclusions:

Whilst the majority of parents reported that the KidFitTM was easy for their child(ren) to use and a useful tool for tracking their children’s daily activity, several barriers were identified which may impact sustained use over time. Overall, wearable activity trackers for children have the potential to be integrated into targeted physical activity promotion initiatives, however, both the functionality and wearability of the monitor should be considered.