Accepted for/Published in: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
Date Submitted: May 29, 2020
Date Accepted: Sep 2, 2020
Behavior Change Techniques in wrist-worn wearables to promote physical activity: a content analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Levels of physical activity (PA) are decreasing, thereby facilitating non-communicable diseases, obesity and overall mortality. Interventions to increase levels of PA to counteract such diseases are warranted. Mobile Health solutions including wearable sensors (Wearables) might assist to improve physical activity and reduce non-communicable diseases
Objective:
The aim of this study was to examine which Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) targeting PA behaviour are incorporated in current commercially available high-end wearables.
Methods:
Two researchers assessed the BCTs incorporated in five different high-end wearables (Apple Watch Series 3, Garmin Vivoactive 3, Fitbit Versa, Xiaomi Amazfit Stratos 2, Polar M600) using the BCT Taxonomy Version 1 (BCTTv1). Effectiveness of incorporated BCTs to promote PA behaviour were assessed using existing literature.
Results:
Most common BCTs were Goal setting (behaviour), Action planning, Review behaviour goal(s), Discrepancy between current behaviour and goal, Feedback on behaviour, Self monitoring of behaviour, Biofeedback, and others. The Fitbit Versa, Garmin Vivoactive 3, Apple Watch Series 3, Polar M600 and Xiaomi Amazfit Stratos 2 incorporated 17, 16, 12, 11 and 11 BCTs that were previously shown to be effective in promoting PA.
Conclusions:
The Fitbit Versa and Garmin Vivoactive 3 implemented most, while the Xiaomi Amazfit Stratos 2 as well as the Polar M600 implemented the least amount of BCTs which were shown to be effective to promote PA. To promote PA by employing wearables, we encourage researchers to develop a taxonomy specifically designed to assess BCTs incorporated in wearables and we encourage manufacturers to individualize BCTs.
Citation
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