JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Physical activity interventions with wearable devices may have beneficial effects on mental-health outcomes. Only a small number of studies explored the application of such devices in mental healthcare. Therefore, more evidence is required to understand its potential effectiveness and for whom it might be most beneficial. Furthermore, barely any research has been conducted on using wearable devices in relation to physical activity within a group therapy.

Objective:

This pioneering study therefore aimed to examine the effects of wearing an activity tracker on treatment outcome and stimulating physical activity in an existing group therapy.

Methods:

Participants with mental illness enrolled in a 6 to 12 weeks solution-focused group therapy (SFG) were given a Fitbit Charge 3 combined with a goalsetting protocol. Outcome measures (COPE-EASY & ORS) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Comparisons were made between an experimental group, wearing a Fitbit, and a control group that consisted of participants who completed the SFG without the Fitbit. Additionally, physical activity levels were objectively assessed for the experimental group at baseline and after each weekly SFG-session using the Fitbit Charge 3.

Results:

Although both experimental group and control group showed a significant improvement in therapy outcome measures, no significant effect on active coping was found between both groups. Furthermore, physical activity during SFG did not increase.

Conclusions:

Our findings reveal no direct benefits of wearing a Fitbit for mental health, nor does it stimulate physically active behavior during SFG combined with a goal-setting protocol. Clinical Trial: This study was not subject to the national Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO). This has been declared by the Medical Research Ethics Committee Utrecht (MREC), therefore medical-ethical review was not required.