Keywords

physical activity, health behavior, wearable technology, activity measurement, pedometer, smartphone

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we tested the effect of wearable activity monitors and tracking on physical activity over 2 weeks.

Methods: Ninety young adults participated. Prior to initiation of the study, each participant was asked to download an iPhone app that tracked physical activity level (step counts) but were not told the app’s purpose. Each participant was then randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (N=30/group): (1) measurement awareness, (2) measurement awareness+track/record, or (3) control. Participants in the measurement awareness and the measurement awareness+track/record groups were given a pedometer to wear for 2 weeks. Additionally, participants in the measurement awareness+track/ record group were instructed to record daily steps and submit their record after 2 weeks. Participants in the control group were not given a pedometer band nor asked track steps.

Results: Neither the measurement awareness group nor the measurement awareness+track/record group were statistically different than controls during the intervention (p>.05). However, collapsing the intervention groups and comparing to the control group resulted in a 388.3 (SE=-186.9) higher daily step count during the intervention (p< .05).

Conclusion: Wearable monitors modestly increases daily step count. However, the addition of recording daily step counts does not appear to provide an additional benefit in our study.

Original Publication Citation

Tayler, W. B., J. D. LeCheminant, J. Price, and C. Tadje. 2022. The Effect of Wearable Activity Monitor Presence on Step Counts. American Journal of Health Behavior, 46(4).

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2022

Publisher

American Journal of Health Behavior

Language

English

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Accountancy

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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