JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Modern lifestyle is associated with high prevalence of physical inactivity.

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the effect of a wearable tracking device on cardiorespiratory fitness among inactive adults and to explore individual differences in the adoption of the use of a wearable tracking device.

Methods:

Sixty-two inactive adults were recruited for this study. A control period (4 weeks) was followed by an intervention period (8 weeks) where participants were instructed to register and follow their physical activity behavior on a wrist-worn tracking device. Data collected included estimated cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood pressure and self-reported adoption of using the tracking device.

Results:

Fifty participants completed the study (mean age 48±13 years, 84% females). Relative to the control period, participants increased cardiorespiratory fitness by 1.52 mL/kg/min (P<.001), self-reported physical activity by 140 min/week (P<.001), daily steps by 982 (P<.001) while participants fat percentage decreased by 0.48 (P=.009). No association was observed between age or personality traits and participants adoption of using the tracking device. However, participants with a low perceived stress at baseline were more likely to rate the use of a WTD highly motivating.

Conclusions:

Tracking health behavior using a wearable tracking device increases physical activity resulting in an improved cardiorespiratory fitness among inactive adults. We suggest adaptive behavioral technology solutions may be an important feature to enhance the health benefit of the use of a wearable tracking device.