Fitness Tracker Technology Motivating Healthy Living

Authors

Andrew Petersen, Brigham Young University
William Tayler, Brigham Young University

Keywords

fitness tracker technology, healthy living, Fitbit, physical activity

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Accountancy

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to test whether wearing a fitness tracker, such as a Fitbit, induces wearers to increase their physical activity. We believe that when wearers know that their physical activity is being measured, they will accelerate their physical activity. To test this hypothesis, we needed a control group where we could record participants’ physical activity when the participants were unaware they were being measured. This was accomplished by using the iPhone pedometer which is automatically activated upon purchase, and relatively unknown by iPhone users. The treatment groups were given a MiFit band, which is a less expensive fitness tracker similar to the Fitbit. This enabled us to observe how knowledge of measurement changes behavior. At the completion of the study period, the iPhone pedometer data from all groups was compared.

Recommended Citation

Petersen, Andrew and Tayler, William (2017) "Fitness Tracker Technology Motivating Healthy Living," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2017: Iss. 1, Article 251.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2017/iss1/251