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Singh B, Chastin S, Miatke A, Curtis R, Dumuid D, Brinsley J, Ferguson T, Szeto K, Simpson C, Eglitis E, Willems I, Maher C. Real-World Accuracy of Wearable Activity Trackers for Detecting Medical Conditions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e56972. [PMID: 39213525 DOI: 10.2196/56972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wearable activity trackers, including fitness bands and smartwatches, offer the potential for disease detection by monitoring physiological parameters. However, their accuracy as specific disease diagnostic tools remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate whether wearable activity trackers can be used to detect disease and medical events. METHODS Ten electronic databases were searched for studies published from inception to April 1, 2023. Studies were eligible if they used a wearable activity tracker to diagnose or detect a medical condition or event (eg, falls) in free-living conditions in adults. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the overall area under the curve (%), accuracy (%), sensitivity (%), specificity (%), and positive predictive value (%). Subgroup analyses were performed to assess device type (Fitbit, Oura ring, and mixed). The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies. RESULTS A total of 28 studies were included, involving a total of 1,226,801 participants (age range 28.6-78.3). In total, 16 (57%) studies used wearables for diagnosis of COVID-19, 5 (18%) studies for atrial fibrillation, 3 (11%) studies for arrhythmia or abnormal pulse, 3 (11%) studies for falls, and 1 (4%) study for viral symptoms. The devices used were Fitbit (n=6), Apple watch (n=6), Oura ring (n=3), a combination of devices (n=7), Empatica E4 (n=1), Dynaport MoveMonitor (n=2), Samsung Galaxy Watch (n=1), and other or not specified (n=2). For COVID-19 detection, meta-analyses showed a pooled area under the curve of 80.2% (95% CI 71.0%-89.3%), an accuracy of 87.5% (95% CI 81.6%-93.5%), a sensitivity of 79.5% (95% CI 67.7%-91.3%), and specificity of 76.8% (95% CI 69.4%-84.1%). For atrial fibrillation detection, pooled positive predictive value was 87.4% (95% CI 75.7%-99.1%), sensitivity was 94.2% (95% CI 88.7%-99.7%), and specificity was 95.3% (95% CI 91.8%-98.8%). For fall detection, pooled sensitivity was 81.9% (95% CI 75.1%-88.1%) and specificity was 62.5% (95% CI 14.4%-100%). CONCLUSIONS Wearable activity trackers show promise in disease detection, with notable accuracy in identifying atrial fibrillation and COVID-19. While these findings are encouraging, further research and improvements are required to enhance their diagnostic precision and applicability. TRIAL REGISTRATION Prospero CRD42023407867; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=407867.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Singh
- Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sebastien Chastin
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aaron Miatke
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rachel Curtis
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dorothea Dumuid
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jacinta Brinsley
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ty Ferguson
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kimberley Szeto
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Catherine Simpson
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emily Eglitis
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Iris Willems
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Carol Maher
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Ma T, Sirard J, Yang L, Li Y, Tsang S, Fu A. Revisiting the concept of bout: associations of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity sessions and non-sessions with mortality. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:81. [PMID: 39075398 PMCID: PMC11287937 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01631-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current physical activity guidelines recommend 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for health benefits, regardless of the pattern of MVPA. However, MVPA that occurs in sessions (MVPA-S) may have different health implications compared to MVPA that is not accumulated in sessions (MVPA-nonS). This study aimed to investigate the associations of MVPA-S and MVPA-nonS with mortality. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006 (n = 5,658) with accelerometer-measured physical activity at baseline and mortality followed through December 31, 2019. A session was defined as a time window of 30 min or longer where the average intensity was at or above 2020 counts/minute. MVPA accumulated within such sessions was quantified as MVPA-S, while MVPA accumulated outside the sessions was quantified as MVPA-nonS. We examined the joint association of MVPA-S and MVPA-nonS by classifying the participants into four groups (both < 75 min/week [referent], MVPA-S ≥ 75 and MVPA-nonS < 75, MVPA-S < 75 and MVPA-nonS ≥ 75, and both ≥ 75). We used 75 min as the cut-point because it is half of the guideline-recommended MVPA volume where a strong MVPA-mortality association has been observed in previous studies, and because it was close to the median of MVPA-nonS (75 min/week was the 54th percentile), allowing a sufficient sample size in each group for testing statistical significance. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated with adjustment for important confounders. RESULTS During 13.9 years of follow-up (74,988 person-years), there were 1,424 deaths, out of which 472 were related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Compared to the referent combination (both < 75), the hazard ratios in the other three combinations were 0.48 (0.33-0.69), 0.85 (0.71-1.01), and 0.45 (0.30-0.67) for all-cause mortality; and were 0.34 (0.17-0.70), 0.96 (0.69-1.33), and 0.40 (0.17-0.90) for CVD mortality, respectively. Results were largely consistent in the spline-based models, age- and sex-stratified analyses, complete-case analysis, competing risk analysis, and the analysis excluding deaths within two years of follow-up. CONCLUSION In conclusion, MVPA accumulated in sessions that lasted at least 30 min was associated with significant reductions in all-cause and CVD-specific mortality risks. The health implications of MVPA that were not accumulated in such sessions warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyu Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - John Sirard
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lin Yang
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sharon Tsang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amy Fu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Bogaers R, Sluik D, Helmhout P, Leijten F. A Workplace Health Promotion Program for a Predominantly Military Population: Associations with General Health, Mental Well-Being and Sustainable Employability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:625. [PMID: 38791839 PMCID: PMC11120656 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Due to the globally increasing life expectancies, many countries are raising their official retirement age to prevent labor shortages and sustain retirement systems. This trend emphasizes the need for sustainable employability. Unhealthy lifestyles pose a risk to sustainable employability as they contribute to chronic diseases and decreased productivity. Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) programs have gained attention as a strategy to enhance employee health and well-being. The Netherlands Armed Forces, a unique employer with demanding psychological and physical requirements, was used as a case study to investigate the associations of a WHP Program with workers health and sustainable employability. The program offered tailor-made guidance to participants (N = 341) through individual coaching trajectories. The program's impact was evaluated by measuring self-reported health, mental well-being, and sustainable employability over a 6-month period. Results indicated significant improvements across all these dimensions after participation in the program. This study provides valuable insights into the benefits of tailor-made WHP programs. While this was an observational study without a control group, this study supports the importance of incorporating individualized approaches in WHP initiatives to foster positive outcomes in health and sustainable employability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bogaers
- Strategic Military Healthcare Department, Defence Healthcare Organisation, Ministry of Defence, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.S.)
| | - Diewertje Sluik
- Strategic Military Healthcare Department, Defence Healthcare Organisation, Ministry of Defence, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.S.)
| | - Pieter Helmhout
- Centre of Excellence, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Ministry of Defence, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fenna Leijten
- Strategic Military Healthcare Department, Defence Healthcare Organisation, Ministry of Defence, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.S.)
- Directorate of Strategy and Knowledge, Directorate-General of Policy, Ministry of Defence, 2511 CB The Hague, The Netherlands
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Del-Valle-Soto C, López-Pimentel JC, Vázquez-Castillo J, Nolazco-Flores JA, Velázquez R, Varela-Aldás J, Visconti P. A Comprehensive Review of Behavior Change Techniques in Wearables and IoT: Implications for Health and Well-Being. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2429. [PMID: 38676044 PMCID: PMC11054424 DOI: 10.3390/s24082429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
This research paper delves into the effectiveness and impact of behavior change techniques fostered by information technologies, particularly wearables and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, within the realms of engineering and computer science. By conducting a comprehensive review of the relevant literature sourced from the Scopus database, this study aims to elucidate the mechanisms and strategies employed by these technologies to facilitate behavior change and their potential benefits to individuals and society. Through statistical measurements and related works, our work explores the trends over a span of two decades, from 2000 to 2023, to understand the evolving landscape of behavior change techniques in wearable and IoT technologies. A specific focus is placed on a case study examining the application of behavior change techniques (BCTs) for monitoring vital signs using wearables, underscoring the relevance and urgency of further investigation in this critical intersection of technology and human behavior. The findings shed light on the promising role of wearables and IoT devices for promoting positive behavior modifications and improving individuals' overall well-being and highlighting the need for continued research and development in this area to harness the full potential of technology for societal benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Del-Valle-Soto
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Álvaro del Portillo 49, Zapopan 45010, Mexico;
| | | | - Javier Vázquez-Castillo
- Department of Informatics and Networking, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Quintana Roo, Chetumal 77019, Mexico;
| | | | - Ramiro Velázquez
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Panamericana, Aguascalientes 20296, Mexico;
| | - José Varela-Aldás
- Centro de Investigaciones de Ciencias Humanas y de la Educación—CICHE, Universidad Indoamérica, Ambato 180103, Ecuador;
| | - Paolo Visconti
- Department of Innovation Engineering, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
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He Z, Hassan MA, Saiz-González P, Ryu S, Wang R, Gao Z. Smartphone app-based interventions on physical activity behaviors and psychological correlates in healthy young adults: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301088. [PMID: 38578729 PMCID: PMC10997080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The issue of low physical activity (PA) levels among the youth is a longstanding concern. Smartphone applications offer a promising avenue for delivering interventions that are both accessible and engaging. Up to now, there appears to be a gap in the literature, with no systematic reviews assessing the efficacy of smartphone apps in encouraging increased physical activity among healthy young adults. OBJECTIVE To synthesize the effects of a smartphone app-based intervention on PA and PA-related psychological correlates in healthy young adults (18-35 years old). METHODS A search was conducted on eighteen databases: PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Communication and Mass Media Complete, Article First, Biomed Central, BioOne, EBSCOHost, JSTOR, ProQuest, SAGE Reference Online, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Taylor&Francis, and Wiley Online. The search covered the period up until December 2023. This research included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of smartphone app-based interventions on PA and PA related psychological outcomes in healthy young adults. The overall impact was determined by vote counting based on the direction of effect and aggregating p values. The quality of the evidence was evaluated using an 8-item scale. This study has been registered in the PROSPERO database with the identification number CRD42023390033. RESULTS A total of 8403 articles were retrieved, and based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven articles were selected for inclusion. Among these articles, four high-quality RCTs were identified, and the results of vote counting and combining p values methods suggested that smartphone-based app interventions did not demonstrate significant effectiveness in improving PA and PA-related psychological outcomes. However, some improvements were observed. The analysis results, which were categorized into fitness apps and health apps based on the characteristics of the interventions, also failed to demonstrate significant intervention effects. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that, currently, there are no significant effects of smartphone app interventions on improving PA and PA-related psychological outcomes in healthy young adults aged 18-35 years. It is important to note that these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of included studies. Future research should focus on employing high-quality study designs to determine the true effects of interventions and analyze various smartphone app interventions. These analyses should encompass different app characteristics (e.g., fitness app and health app), various combinations (e.g., fitness app alone and fitness app in combination with other interventions), diverse intervention goals (e.g., PA and PA along with other outcomes), and multiple intervention characteristics (e.g., frequency and duration).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao He
- School of Sport Science, Beijing Sport University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Mohamed A. Hassan
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Methods and Curriculum, Physical Education College for Men, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Pablo Saiz-González
- Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Suryeon Ryu
- School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Ronghui Wang
- School of Sport Science, Beijing Sport University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Zan Gao
- Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Tong HL, Alnasser A, Alshahrani NZ, Bawaked RA, AlAhmed R, Alsukait RF, Rakic S, Cetinkaya V, Al-Hazzaa HM, Alqahtani SA. The Use of Mobile Technologies to Promote Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Behaviors in the Middle East and North Africa Region: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e53651. [PMID: 38502160 PMCID: PMC10988381 DOI: 10.2196/53651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces unique challenges in promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviors, as the prevalence of insufficient physical activity is higher than the global average. Mobile technologies present a promising approach to delivering behavioral interventions; however, little is known about the effectiveness and user perspectives on these technologies in the MENA region. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mobile interventions targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviors in the MENA region and explore users' perspectives on these interventions as well as any other outcomes that might influence users' adoption and use of mobile technologies (eg, appropriateness and cultural fit). METHODS A systematic search of 5 databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Global Index Medicus) was performed. Any primary studies (participants of all ages regardless of medical condition) conducted in the MENA region that investigated the use of mobile technologies and reported any measures of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, or user perceptions were included. We conducted a narrative synthesis of all studies and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of the included RCTs; quality assessment of the rest of the included studies was completed using the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. RESULTS In total, 27 articles describing 22 interventions (n=10, 37% RCTs) and 4 (15%) nonexperimental studies were included (n=6141, 46% women). Half (11/22, 50%) of the interventions included mobile apps, whereas the other half examined SMS. The main app functions were goal setting and self-monitoring of activity, whereas SMS interventions were primarily used to deliver educational content. Users in experimental studies described several benefits of the interventions (eg, gaining knowledge and receiving reminders to be active). Engagement with the interventions was poorly reported; few studies (8/27, 30%) examined users' perspectives on the appropriateness or cultural fit of the interventions. Nonexperimental studies examined users' perspectives on mobile apps and fitness trackers, reporting several barriers to their use, such as perceived lack of usefulness, loss of interest, and technical issues. The meta-analysis of RCTs showed a positive effect of mobile interventions on physical activity outcomes (standardized mean difference=0.45, 95% CI 0.17-0.73); several sensitivity analyses showed similar results. The trim-and-fill method showed possible publication bias. Only 20% (2/10) of the RCTs measured sedentary behaviors; both reported positive changes. CONCLUSIONS The use of mobile interventions for physical activity and sedentary behaviors in the MENA region is in its early stages, with preliminary evidence of effectiveness. Policy makers and researchers should invest in high-quality studies to evaluate long-term effectiveness, intervention engagement, and implementation outcomes, which can inform the design of culturally and socially appropriate interventions for countries in the MENA region. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42023392699; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=392699.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Ly Tong
- Cultural and Indigenous Research Centre Australia, Redfern, Australia
- The World Bank Group, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Aroub Alnasser
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Najim Z Alshahrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowaedh A Bawaked
- Department of Public Health, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem AlAhmed
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Scientific Computing, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | - Hazzaa M Al-Hazzaa
- Health Sciences Research Center, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alqahtani
- Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Ibrahim NS, Rampal S, Lee WL, Pek EW, Suhaimi A. Evaluation of Wrist-Worn Photoplethysmography Trackers with an Electrocardiogram in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease: A Validation Study. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2024; 15:12-21. [PMID: 37973701 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-023-00693-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Photoplethysmography measurement of heart rate with wrist-worn trackers has been introduced in healthy individuals. However, additional consideration is necessary for patients with ischemic heart disease, and the available evidence is limited. The study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of heart rate measures by a wrist-worn photoplethysmography (PPG) tracker compared to an electrocardiogram (ECG) during incremental treadmill exercise among patients with ischemic heart disease. METHODS Fifty-one participants performed the standard incremental treadmill exercise in a controlled laboratory setting with 12-lead ECG attached to the patient's body and wearing wrist-worn PPG trackers. RESULTS At each stage, the absolute percentage error of the PPG was within 10% of the standard acceptable range. Further analysis using a linear mixed model, which accounts for individual variations, revealed that PPG yielded the best performance at the baseline low-intensity exercise. As the stages progressed, heart rate validity decreased but was regained during recovery. The reliability was moderate to excellent. CONCLUSIONS Low-cost trackers AMAZFIT Cor and Bip validity and reliability were within acceptable ranges, especially during low-intensity exercise among patients with ischemic heart disease recovering from cardiac procedures. Though using the tracker as part of the diagnosis tool still requires more supporting studies, it can potentially be used as a self-monitoring tool with precautions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Syazwani Ibrahim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Rampal
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Ling Lee
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Eu Way Pek
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anwar Suhaimi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Longhini J, Marzaro C, Bargeri S, Palese A, Dell'Isola A, Turolla A, Pillastrini P, Battista S, Castellini G, Cook C, Gianola S, Rossettini G. Wearable Devices to Improve Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Behaviour: An Umbrella Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2024; 10:9. [PMID: 38219269 PMCID: PMC10788327 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-024-00678-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several systematic reviews (SRs), with and without meta-analyses, have investigated the use of wearable devices to improve physical activity, and there is a need for frequent and updated syntheses on the topic. OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate whether using wearable devices increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour in adults. METHODS We conducted an umbrella review searching PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, MedRxiv, Rxiv and bioRxiv databases up to February 5th, 2023. We included all SRs that evaluated the efficacy of interventions when wearable devices were used to measure physical activity in adults aged over 18 years. The primary outcomes were physical activity and sedentary behaviour measured as the number of steps per day, minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, and minutes of sedentary behaviour (SB) per day. We assessed the methodological quality of each SR using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews, version 2 (AMSTAR 2) and the certainty of evidence of each outcome measure using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations). We interpreted the results using a decision-making framework examining the clinical relevance and the concordances or discordances of the SR effect size. RESULTS Fifty-one SRs were included, of which 38 included meta-analyses (302 unique primary studies). Of the included SRs, 72.5% were rated as 'critically low methodological quality'. Overall, with a slight overlap of primary studies (corrected cover area: 3.87% for steps per day, 3.12% for MVPA, 4.06% for SB) and low-to-moderate certainty of the evidence, the use of WDs may increase PA by a median of 1,312.23 (IQR 627-1854) steps per day and 57.8 (IQR 37.7 to 107.3) minutes per week of MVPA. Uncertainty is present for PA in pathologies and older adults subgroups and for SB in mixed and older adults subgroups (large confidence intervals). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the use of WDs may increase physical activity in middle-aged adults. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of using WDs on specific subgroups (such as pathologies and older adults) in different follow-up lengths, and the role of other intervention components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Longhini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Bargeri
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Alvisa Palese
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Andrea Dell'Isola
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Orthopedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrea Turolla
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Pillastrini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Battista
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Orthopedics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Campus of Savona, Savona, Italy
| | - Greta Castellini
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Chad Cook
- Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Physical Therapy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Silvia Gianola
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Rossettini
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Roma "Sapienza Roma", Rome, Italy
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Calle Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón 28670, Spain
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Zheng X, Li W. Association between fitness technology use and physical activity mediated by communication behaviors on social media. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241266367. [PMID: 39055784 PMCID: PMC11271164 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241266367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Fitness technologies, such as smartphone applications and wearable tracking devices, have gained widespread popularity. This study had two main objectives: 1) to examine whether fitness technology use is associated with increased physical activity (PA) levels and 2) to investigate whether communication behaviors on social media mediated the association between fitness technology use and PA. Methods Data were from the U.S. Health Information National Trends Survey 2022 (N = 6,252, weighted N = 258,418,467). Weighted linear regressions were conducted to examine the associations between fitness technology usage, physical activities, and communication behaviors on social media. Mediations were tested using PROCESS macro, a path-analysis based tool. Results Controlling for demographic and other known influences on PA, the findings revealed that users of fitness technology reported higher levels of both moderate PA (β = .41, p < 0.001) and strength training (β = .29, p < 0.001). Additionally, communication behaviors (i.e., sharing personal health information on social media and watching health-related videos on social media) mediated the relationship between fitness technology use and frequencies of strength training. Conclusion The results underscored the potential of fitness technologies in enhancing PA levels through promoting communication behaviors on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zheng
- School of Communication and Journalism, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Wenbo Li
- School of Communication and Journalism, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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Wu S, Li G, Shi B, Ge H, Chen S, Zhang X, He Q. Comparative effectiveness of interventions on promoting physical activity in older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241239182. [PMID: 38601186 PMCID: PMC11005496 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241239182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the well-established health benefits of physical activity, a large population of older adults still maintain sedentary life style or physical inactivity. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the effectiveness of wearable activity tracker-based intervention (WAT), electronic and mobile health intervention (E&MH), structured exercise program intervention (SEP), financial incentive intervention (FI) on promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time in older adults. Methods The systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Scopus were searched from inception to December 10th 2022. The randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, risk of bias and certainty of evidence assessment. The effect measures were standard mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in daily steps, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time. Results A total of 69 studies with 14,120 participants were included in the NMA. Among these included studies, the results of daily steps, MVPA and sedentary time was reported by 55, 25 and 15 studies, respectively. The NMA consistency model analysis suggested that the following interventions had the highest probability (surface under the cumulative ranking, SUCRA) of being the best when compared with control: FI + WAT for daily steps (SUCRA = 96.6%; SMD = 1.32, 95% CI:0.77, 1.86), WAT + E&MH + SEP for MVPA (SUCRA = 91.2%; SMD = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.36, 1.52) and WAT + E&MH + SEP for sedentary time (SUCRA = 80.3%; SMD = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.14). The quality of the evidences of daily steps, MVPA and sedentary time was evaluated by very low, very low and low, respectively. Conclusions In this NMA, there's low quality evidence that financial incentive combined with wearable activity tracker is the most effective intervention for increasing daily steps of older adults, wearable activity tracker combined with electronic and mobile health and structured exercise program is the most effective intervention to help older adults to increase MVPA and reduce sedentary time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wu
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guangkai Li
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Beibei Shi
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongli Ge
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianliang Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang He
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Zheng S, Edney SM, Goh CH, Tai BC, Mair JL, Castro O, Salamanca-Sanabria A, Kowatsch T, van Dam RM, Müller-Riemenschneider F. Effectiveness of holistic mobile health interventions on diet, and physical, and mental health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 66:102309. [PMID: 38053536 PMCID: PMC10694579 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Good physical and mental health are essential for healthy ageing. Holistic mobile health (mHealth) interventions-including at least three components: physical activity, diet, and mental health-could support both physical and mental health and be scaled to the population level. This review aims to describe the characteristics of holistic mHealth interventions and their effects on related behavioural and health outcomes among adults from the general population. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Google Scholar (first 200 records). The initial search covered January 1, 2011, to April 13, 2022, and an updated search extended from April 13, 2022 to August 30, 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) were included if they (i) were delivered via mHealth technologies, (ii) included content on physical activity, diet, and mental health, and (iii) targeted adults (≥18 years old) from the general population or those at risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or mental disorders. Studies were excluded if they targeted pregnant women (due to distinct physiological responses), individuals with pre-existing NCDs or mental disorders (to emphasise prevention), or primarily utilised web, email, or structured phone support (to focus on mobile technologies without exclusive human support). Data (summary data from published reports) extraction and risk-of-bias assessment were completed by two reviewers using a standard template and Cochrane risk-of-bias tools, respectively. Narrative syntheses were conducted for all studies, and random-effects models were used in the meta-analyses to estimate the pooled effect of interventions for outcomes with comparable data in the RCTs. The study was registered in PROSPERO, CRD42022315166. Findings After screening 5488 identified records, 34 studies (25 RCTs and 9 pre-post NRSIs) reported in 43 articles with 5691 participants (mean age 39 years, SD 12.5) were included. Most (91.2%, n = 31/34) were conducted in high-income countries. The median intervention duration was 3 months, and only 23.5% (n = 8/34) of studies reported follow-up data. Mobile applications, short-message services, and mobile device-compatible websites were the most common mHealth delivery modes; 47.1% (n = 16/34) studies used multiple mHealth delivery modes. Of 15 studies reporting on weight change, 9 showed significant reductions (6 targeted on individuals with overweight or obesity), and in 10 studies reporting perceived stress levels, 4 found significant reductions (all targeted on general adults). In the meta-analysis, holistic mHealth interventions were associated with significant weight loss (9 RCTs; mean difference -1.70 kg, 95% CI -2.45 to -0.95; I2 = 89.00%) and a significant reduction in perceived stress levels (6 RCTs; standardised mean difference [SMD] -0.32; 95% CI -0.52 to -0.12; I2 = 14.52%). There were no significant intervention effects on self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (5 RCTs; SMD 0.21; 95%CI -0.25 to 0.67; I2 = 74.28%) or diet quality scores (5 RCTs; SMD 0.21; 95%CI -0.47 to 0.65; I2 = 62.27%). All NRSIs were labelled as having a serious risk of bias overall; 56% (n = 14/25) of RCTs were classified as having some concerns, and the others as having a high risk of bias. Interpretation Findings from identified studies suggest that holistic mHealth interventions may aid reductions in weight and in perceived stress levels, with small to medium effect sizes. The observed effects on diet quality scores and self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were less clear and require more research. High-quality RCTs with longer follow-up durations are needed to provide more robust evidence. To promote population health, future research should focus on vulnerable populations and those in middle- and low-income countries. Optimal combinations of delivery modes and components to improve efficacy and sustain long-term effects should also be explored. Funding National Research Foundation, Prime Minister's Office, Singapore, under its Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) Programme and Physical Activity and Nutrition Determinants in Asia (PANDA) Research Programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglin Zheng
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Sarah Martine Edney
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chin Hao Goh
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Bee Choo Tai
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Jacqueline Louise Mair
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Oscar Castro
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
| | - Alicia Salamanca-Sanabria
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Future Health Technologies, Singapore-ETH Centre, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology and Economics ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rob M. van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Departments of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and Epidemiology, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore
- Digital Health Centre, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Nazaret A, Tonekaboni S, Darnell G, Ren SY, Sapiro G, Miller AC. Modeling personalized heart rate response to exercise and environmental factors with wearables data. NPJ Digit Med 2023; 6:207. [PMID: 37968567 PMCID: PMC10651837 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-023-00926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart rate (HR) response to workout intensity reflects fitness and cardiorespiratory health. Physiological models have been developed to describe such heart rate dynamics and characterize cardiorespiratory fitness. However, these models have been limited to small studies in controlled lab environments and are challenging to apply to noisy-but ubiquitous-data from wearables. We propose a hybrid approach that combines a physiological model with flexible neural network components to learn a personalized, multidimensional representation of fitness. The physiological model describes the evolution of heart rate during exercise using ordinary differential equations (ODEs). ODE parameters are dynamically derived via a neural network connecting personalized representations to external environmental factors, from area topography to weather and instantaneous workout intensity. Our approach efficiently fits the hybrid model to a large set of 270,707 workouts collected from wearables of 7465 users from the Apple Heart and Movement Study. The resulting model produces fitness representations that accurately predict full HR response to exercise intensity in future workouts, with a per-workout median error of 6.1 BPM [4.4-8.8 IQR]. We further demonstrate that the learned representations correlate with traditional metrics of cardiorespiratory fitness, such as VO2 max (explained variance 0.81 ± 0.003). Lastly, we illustrate how our model is naturally interpretable and explicitly describes the effects of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity on heart rate, e.g., high temperatures can increase heart rate by 10%. Combining physiological ODEs with flexible neural networks can yield interpretable, robust, and expressive models for health applications.
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Moffit R, McTigue K, Conroy MB, Kriska A, Fischer G, Ricci E, Dunstan D, Deperrior S, Rao N, Burke LE, Rockette-Wagner B. Aspects of Program Engagement in an Online Physical Activity Intervention and Baseline Predictors of Engagement. Am J Health Promot 2023; 37:1100-1108. [PMID: 37550892 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231194176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Participant engagement in an online physical activity (PA) intervention is described and baseline factors related to engagement are identified. DESIGN Longitudinal Study Within Randomized Controlled Trial. SETTING Online/Internet. SAMPLE Primary care patients (21-70 years). INTERVENTION ActiveGOALS was a 3-month, self-directed online PA intervention (15 total lessons, remote coaching support, and a body-worn step-counter). MEASURES Engagement was measured across six outcomes related to lesson completion (total number and time to complete), coach contact, and behavior tracking (PA, sedentary). Self-reported baseline factors were examined from seven domains (confidence, environment, health, health care, demographic, lifestyle, and quality of life). ANALYSIS General linear and nonlinear mixed models were used to examine relationships between baseline factors and engagement outcomes within and across all domains. RESULTS Seventy-nine participants were included in the sample (77.2% female; 74.7% white non-Hispanic). Program engagement was high (58.2% completed all lessons; PA was tracked ≥3 times/week for 11.3 ± 4.0 weeks on average). Average time between completed lessons (days) was longer than expected and participants only contacted their coach about 1 of every 3 weeks. Individual predictors related to health, health care, demographics, lifestyle, and quality of life were significantly related to engagement. CONCLUSION Examining multiple aspects of engagement and a large number of potential predictors of engagement is likely needed to determine facilitators and barriers for high engagement in multi-faceted online intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagan Moffit
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen McTigue
- Department of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Molly B Conroy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Andrea Kriska
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gary Fischer
- Department of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Edmund Ricci
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David Dunstan
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Deperrior
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Neel Rao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lora E Burke
- Department of Health and Community Systems, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bonny Rockette-Wagner
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Bizhanova Z, Sereika SM, Brooks MM, Rockette-Wagner B, Kariuki JK, Burke LE. Identifying Predictors of Adherence to the Physical Activity Goal: A Secondary Analysis of the SMARTER Weight Loss Trial. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:856-864. [PMID: 36574734 PMCID: PMC10106377 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE Research is needed to inform tailoring supportive strategies for promoting physical activity (PA) in the context of behavioral treatment of obesity. We aimed to identify baseline participant characteristics and short-term intervention response predictors associated with adherence to the study-defined PA goal in a mobile health (mHealth) weight loss trial. METHODS A secondary analysis was conducted of a 12-month weight loss trial (SMARTER) that randomized 502 adults with overweight or obesity to either self-monitoring of diet, PA, and weight with tailored feedback messages ( n = 251) or self-monitoring alone ( n = 251). The primary outcome was average adherence to the PA goal of ≥150 min·wk -1 of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activities (MVPA) from Fitbit Charge 2™ trackers over 52 wk. Twenty-five explanatory variables were considered. Machine learning methods and linear regression were used to identify predictors of adherence to the PA goal. RESULTS The sample ( N = 502) was mostly female (80%), White (82%) with the average age of 45 ± 14.4 yr and body mass index of 33.7 ± 4.0 kg·m -2 . Machine learning methods identified PA goal adherence for the first week as the most important predictor of long-term PA goal adherence. In the parsimonious linear regression model, higher PA goal adherence for the first week, greater PA FB messages opened, older age, being male, higher education, being single and not having obstructive sleep apnea were associated with higher long-term PA goal adherence. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study using machine learning approaches to identify predictors of long-term PA goal adherence in a mHealth weight loss trial. Future studies focusing on facilitators or barriers to PA among young and middle-age adults and women with low PA goal adherence are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan M. Sereika
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, PA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, PA
| | - Maria M. Brooks
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, PA
| | | | | | - Lora E. Burke
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, PA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, PA
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15
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Keats MR, Yu X, Sweeney Magee M, Forbes CC, Grandy SA, Sweeney E, Dummer TJB. Use of Wearable Activity-Monitoring Technologies to Promote Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors: Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Cancer Care. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4784. [PMID: 36981693 PMCID: PMC10048707 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review was to explore the acceptability, opportunities, and challenges associated with wearable activity-monitoring technology to increase physical activity (PA) behavior in cancer survivors. A search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and SportDiscus was conducted from 1 January 2011 through 3 October 2022. The search was limited to English language, and peer-reviewed original research. Studies were included if they reported the use of an activity monitor in adults (+18 years) with a history of cancer with the intent to motivate PA behavior. Our search identified 1832 published articles, of which 28 met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eighteen of these studies included post-treatment cancer survivors, eight were on active cancer treatment, and two were long-term cancer survivor studies. ActiGraph accelerometers were the primary technology used to monitor PA behaviors, with Fitbit as the most commonly utilized self-monitoring wearable technology. Overall, wearable activity monitors were found to be an acceptable and useful tool in improving self-awareness, motivating behavioral change, and increasing PA levels. Self-monitoring wearable activity devices have a positive impact on short-term PA behaviors in cancer survivors, but the increase in PA gradually attenuated through the maintenance phase. Further study is needed to evaluate and increase the sustainability of the use of wearable technologies to support PA in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R. Keats
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University & Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Xing Yu
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Molly Sweeney Magee
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Cynthia C. Forbes
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Scott A. Grandy
- School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University & Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Ellen Sweeney
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Trevor J. B. Dummer
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Conroy DE, Wu J, Lee AM, Brunke-Reese D, Lagoa CM. Dose-response relations between the frequency of two types of momentary feedback prompts and daily physical activity. Health Psychol 2023; 42:151-160. [PMID: 36862471 PMCID: PMC10015600 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-monitoring and behavioral feedback are widely used to help people monitor progress toward daily physical activity goals. Little information exists about the optimal dosing parameters for these techniques or if they are interchangeable in digital physical activity interventions. This study used a within-person experimental design to evaluate associations between the frequency of two different prompt types (one for each technique) and daily physical activity. METHOD Insufficiently active young adults were assigned monthly physical activity goals and wore smartwatches with activity trackers for 3 months. They received zero to six randomly selected and timed watch-based prompts each day, with individual prompts either providing behavioral feedback or prompting the participant to self-monitor. RESULTS Physical activity increased significantly over the 3-month period (step counts d = 1.03; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity duration d = 0.99). Mixed linear models revealed that daily step counts were positively associated with the frequency of daily self-monitoring prompts up to approximately three prompts/day (d = 0.22) after which additional prompts provided minimal or reduced benefit. Daily step counts were not associated with the frequency of behavioral feedback prompts. Daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not associated with the frequency of either prompt. CONCLUSIONS Self-monitoring and behavioral feedback are not interchangeable behavior change techniques in digital physical activity interventions, and only self-monitoring prompts show signs of a dose-response association with physical activity volume. Activity trackers, such as smartwatches and mobile apps, should provide an option to replace behavioral feedback prompts with self-monitoring prompts to promote physical activity among insufficiently active young adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Conroy
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Jingchuan Wu
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Alexandra M Lee
- Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University
| | | | - Constantino M Lagoa
- School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, The Pennsylvania State University
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Standen EC, Rothman AJ. Capitalizing on the potential of mobile health applications as behavioral interventions: A research agenda for calorie‐tracking and activity‐tracking applications. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erin C. Standen
- Department of Psychology University of Minnesota Minnesota Minneapolis USA
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Van Ooteghem K, Godkin FE, Thai V, Beyer KB, Cornish BF, Weber KS, Bernstein H, Kheiri SO, Swartz RH, Tan B, McIlroy WE, Roberts AC. User-centered design of feedback regarding health-related behaviors derived from wearables: An approach targeting older adults and persons living with neurodegenerative disease. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231179031. [PMID: 37312943 PMCID: PMC10259132 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231179031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective There has been tremendous growth in wearable technologies for health monitoring but limited efforts to optimize methods for sharing wearables-derived information with older adults and clinical cohorts. This study aimed to co-develop, design and evaluate a personalized approach for information-sharing regarding daily health-related behaviors captured with wearables. Methods A participatory research approach was adopted with: (a) iterative stakeholder, and evidence-led development of feedback reporting; and (b) evaluation in a sample of older adults (n = 15) and persons living with neurodegenerative disease (NDD) (n = 25). Stakeholders included persons with lived experience, healthcare providers, health charity representatives and individuals involved in aging/NDD research. Feedback report information was custom-derived from two limb-mounted inertial measurement units and a mobile electrocardiography device worn by participants for 7-10 days. Mixed methods were used to evaluate reporting 2 weeks following delivery. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics for the group and stratified by cohort and cognitive status. Results Participants (n = 40) were 60% female (median 72 (60-87) years). A total of 82.5% found the report easy to read or understand, 80% reported the right amount of information was shared, 90% found the information helpful, 92% shared the information with a family member or friend and 57.5% made a behavior change. Differences emerged in sub-group comparisons. A range of participant profiles existed in terms of interest, uptake and utility. Conclusions The reporting approach was generally well-received with perceived value that translated into enhanced self-awareness and self-management of daily health-related behaviors. Future work should examine potential for scale, and the capacity for wearables-derived feedback to influence longer-term behavior change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Van Ooteghem
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - F Elizabeth Godkin
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Vanessa Thai
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Kit B Beyer
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin F Cornish
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle S Weber
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah Bernstein
- Department of Nanotechnology Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Soha O Kheiri
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Richard H Swartz
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Tan
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - William E McIlroy
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Angela C Roberts
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Wu S, Li G, Du L, Chen S, Zhang X, He Q. The effectiveness of wearable activity trackers for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231176705. [PMID: 37252261 PMCID: PMC10214103 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231176705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Traditional interventions such as education and counseling are successful in increasing physical activity (PA) participation, but are usually labor and resource intensive. Wearable activity trackers can objectively record PA and provide feedback to help users to achieve activity goals and are an increasingly popular tool among adults used to facilitate self-monitoring of PA. However, no reviews systematically explored the roles of wearable activity trackers in older populations. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from inception to September 10, 2022. Randomized controlled trials were included. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, risk of bias, and certainty of evidence assessment. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the effect size. Results A total of 45 studies with 7144 participants were included. A wearable activity tracker was effective in increasing daily steps (standard mean differences (SMD) = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.44, 0.75)), weekly moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI (0.36, 0.72)), and total daily PA (SMD = 0.21, 95% CI (0.01, 0.40)) and reducing sedentary time (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI (-0.19, -0.01)). Subgroup analysis showed that the effectiveness of wearable activity trackers for daily steps was not influenced by participants and intervention features. However, wearable activity trackers seemed more effective in promoting MVPA of participant's age <70 than participant's age ≥70. In addition, wearable activity trackers incorporated with traditional intervention components (e.g. telephone counseling, goal setting, and self-monitoring) could better promote MVPA than alone use. Short-term interventions potentially achieve better MVPA increase than long-term. Conclusion This review showed that wearable activity trackers are an effective tool to increase PA for the old population and also favor reducing sedentary time. When used together with other interventions, wearable activity trackers can achieve better MVPA increase, especially in the short term. However, how to more effectively improve the effectiveness of wearable activity trackers is an important direction of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wu
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guangkai Li
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Litao Du
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation,
Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianliang Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang He
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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20
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Peng S, Othman AT, Khairani AZ, zeng G, Xiaogang Z, Fang Y. Effectiveness of pedometer- and accelerometer-based interventions in improving physical activity and health-related outcomes among college students: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Digit Health 2023; 9:20552076231188213. [PMID: 37492032 PMCID: PMC10364418 DOI: 10.1177/20552076231188213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although the pedometer- and accelerometer-based interventions (PABI) have demonstrated efficacy in improving physical activity (PA) and health-related outcomes, the dearth of empirical evidence in college students warrants further investigation. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the effects of PABI on improving PA and health-related outcomes among college students. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO were searched for relevant literature from inception to 20 February 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among college students with PABI to increase objectively measured PA as the primary outcome were included in this study. Results A total of nine RCTs with 527 participants were included in this study. The combined results showed that PABI significantly improved PA (standardized mean difference = 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08, 0.74, P = 0.016) and significantly contributed to weight loss (mean differences (MD) = -1.56 kg, 95% CI: -2.40 kg, -0.73 kg, P < 0.01), and lower body mass index (MD = -0.33 kg/m2, 95% CI: -0.66 kg/m2, 0.00 kg/m2, P = 0.05) compared to the control group, but no significant effects were observed on improvements of body fat (%) and exercise self-efficacy. Interventions in the group of step, general students, pedometer-based intervention, theory, and developed region were significantly more effective in subgroup analyses. Conclusions PABI was found to be effective in promoting PA and weight loss among college students. Future research is needed to further explore the long-term effects of PABI and the characteristics of multiple intervention models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanying Peng
- Department of Physical Education, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
- School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Gao zeng
- School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Zhou Xiaogang
- School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Yuan Fang
- College of International Languages and Cultures, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
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21
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Motahari-Nezhad H, Al-Abdulkarim H, Fgaier M, Abid MM, Péntek M, Gulácsi L, Zrubka Z. Digital Biomarker-Based Interventions: Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e41042. [PMID: 36542427 PMCID: PMC9813819 DOI: 10.2196/41042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of new medical technologies such as sensors has accelerated the process of collecting patient data for relevant clinical decisions, which has led to the introduction of a new technology known as digital biomarkers. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the methodological quality and quality of evidence from meta-analyses of digital biomarker-based interventions. METHODS This study follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline for reporting systematic reviews, including original English publications of systematic reviews reporting meta-analyses of clinical outcomes (efficacy and safety endpoints) of digital biomarker-based interventions compared with alternative interventions without digital biomarkers. Imaging or other technologies that do not measure objective physiological or behavioral data were excluded from this study. A literature search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library was conducted, limited to 2019-2020. The quality of the methodology and evidence synthesis of the meta-analyses were assessed using AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2) and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations), respectively. This study was funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund of Hungary. RESULTS A total of 25 studies with 91 reported outcomes were included in the final analysis; 1 (4%), 1 (4%), and 23 (92%) studies had high, low, and critically low methodologic quality, respectively. As many as 6 clinical outcomes (7%) had high-quality evidence and 80 outcomes (88%) had moderate-quality evidence; 5 outcomes (5%) were rated with a low level of certainty, mainly due to risk of bias (85/91, 93%), inconsistency (27/91, 30%), and imprecision (27/91, 30%). There is high-quality evidence of improvements in mortality, transplant risk, cardiac arrhythmia detection, and stroke incidence with cardiac devices, albeit with low reporting quality. High-quality reviews of pedometers reported moderate-quality evidence, including effects on physical activity and BMI. No reports with high-quality evidence and high methodological quality were found. CONCLUSIONS Researchers in this field should consider the AMSTAR-2 criteria and GRADE to produce high-quality studies in the future. In addition, patients, clinicians, and policymakers are advised to consider the results of this study before making clinical decisions regarding digital biomarkers to be informed of the degree of certainty of the various interventions investigated in this study. The results of this study should be considered with its limitations, such as the narrow time frame. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/28204.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Motahari-Nezhad
- Health Economics Research Center, University Research and Innovation Center, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Business and Management, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Hana Al-Abdulkarim
- Doctoral School of Applied Informatics and Applied Mathematics, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
- Drug Policy and Economic Center, National Guard Health Affairs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meriem Fgaier
- Doctoral School of Applied Informatics and Applied Mathematics, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mohamed Mahdi Abid
- Research Center of Epidemiology and Statistics, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Márta Péntek
- Health Economics Research Center, University Research and Innovation Center, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Gulácsi
- Health Economics Research Center, University Research and Innovation Center, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
- Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsombor Zrubka
- Health Economics Research Center, University Research and Innovation Center, Óbuda University, Budapest, Hungary
- Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies, Corvinus University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
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22
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Clemes SA, Varela-Mato V, Bodicoat DH, Brookes CL, Chen YL, Cox E, Edwardson CL, Gray LJ, Guest A, Johnson V, Munir F, Paine NJ, Richardson G, Ruettger K, Sayyah M, Sherry A, Paola ASD, Troughton J, Walker S, Yates T, King J. A multicomponent structured health behaviour intervention to improve physical activity in long-distance HGV drivers: the SHIFT cluster RCT. PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3310/pnoy9785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Long-distance heavy goods vehicle drivers are exposed to a multitude of risk factors associated with their occupation. The working environment of heavy goods vehicle drivers provides limited opportunities for a healthy lifestyle, and, consequently, heavy goods vehicle drivers exhibit higher than nationally representative rates of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities, and are underserved in terms of health promotion initiatives.
Objective
The aim of this trial was to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the multicomponent Structured Health Intervention For Truckers (SHIFT) programme, compared with usual care, at both 6 months and 16–18 months.
Design
A two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial, including a cost-effectiveness analysis and process evaluation.
Setting
Transport depots throughout the Midlands region of the UK.
Participants
Heavy goods vehicle drivers.
Intervention
The 6-month SHIFT programme included a group-based interactive 6-hour education session, health coach support and equipment provision [including a Fitbit® (Fitbit Inc., San Francisco, CA, US) and resistance bands/balls to facilitate a ‘cab workout’]. Clusters were randomised following baseline measurements to either the SHIFT arm or the control arm.
Main outcome measures
Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, with follow-up assessments occurring at both 6 months and 16–18 months. The primary outcome was device-measured physical activity, expressed as mean steps per day, at 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included device-measured sitting, standing, stepping, physical activity and sleep time (on any day, workdays and non-workdays), along with adiposity, biochemical measures, diet, blood pressure, psychophysiological reactivity, cognitive function, functional fitness, mental well-being, musculoskeletal symptoms and work-related psychosocial variables. Cost-effectiveness and process evaluation data were collected.
Results
A total of 382 participants (mean ± standard deviation age: 48.4 ± 9.4 years; mean ± standard deviation body mass index: 30.4 kg/m2 ± 5.1 kg/m2; 99% male) were recruited across 25 clusters. Participants were randomised (at the cluster level) to either the SHIFT arm (12 clusters, n = 183) or the control arm (13 clusters, n = 199). At 6 months, 209 (54.7%) participants provided primary outcome data. Significant differences in mean daily steps were found between arms, with participants in the SHIFT arm accumulating 1008 more steps per day than participants in the control arm (95% confidence interval 145 to 1871 steps; p = 0.022), which was largely driven by the maintenance of physical activity levels in the SHIFT arm and a decline in physical activity levels in the control arm. Favourable differences at 6 months were also seen in the SHIFT arm, relative to the control arm, in time spent sitting, standing and stepping, and time in moderate or vigorous activity. No differences between arms were observed at 16–18 months’ follow-up. No differences were observed between arms in the other secondary outcomes at either follow-up (i.e. 6 months and 16–18 months). The process evaluation demonstrated that the intervention was well received by participants and that the intervention reportedly had a positive impact on their health behaviours. The average total cost of delivering the SHIFT programme was £369.57 per driver, and resulting quality-adjusted life-years were similar across trial arms (SHIFT arm: 1.22, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 1.25; control arm: 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.22 to 1.27).
Limitations
A higher (31.4%) than anticipated loss to follow-up was experienced at 6 months, with fewer (54.7%) participants providing valid primary outcome data at 6 months. The COVID-19 pandemic presents a major confounding factor, which limits our ability to draw firm conclusions regarding the sustainability of the SHIFT programme.
Conclusion
The SHIFT programme had a degree of success in positively impacting physical activity levels and reducing sitting time in heavy goods vehicle drivers at 6-months; however, these differences were not maintained at 16–18 months.
Future work
Further work involving stakeholder engagement is needed to refine the content of the programme, based on current findings, followed by the translation of the SHIFT programme into a scalable driver training resource.
Trial registration
This trial is registered as ISRCTN10483894.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 10, No. 12. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy A Clemes
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
| | - Veronica Varela-Mato
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
| | | | | | - Yu-Ling Chen
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
| | - Edward Cox
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Charlotte L Edwardson
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Laura J Gray
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Amber Guest
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Vicki Johnson
- Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Fehmidah Munir
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
| | - Nicola J Paine
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Katharina Ruettger
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Mohsen Sayyah
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Aron Sherry
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Jacqui Troughton
- Leicester Diabetes Centre, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Simon Walker
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Thomas Yates
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - James King
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester, UK
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23
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Zanaboni P, Manskow US, Sagelv EH, Morseth B, Edvardsen AE, Aamot IL, Nes BM, Hastings B, Gagnon MP, Antypas K. Digital interventions to promote physical activity among inactive adults: A study protocol for a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation randomized controlled trial. Front Public Health 2022; 10:925484. [PMID: 36339169 PMCID: PMC9634084 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.925484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, and inactive adults have a higher risk to develop lifestyle diseases. To date, there is preliminary evidence of the efficacy of fitness technologies and other digital interventions for physical activity (PA) promotion. Intervention studies are needed to test the effectiveness and implementation of innovative PA promotion strategies. Methods and analysis The ONWARDS study is a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation randomized control trial aiming at an inactive and presumably high-risk population living in Northern Norway. One hundred and eighty participants will be assigned to 3 groups in a 1:1:1 ratio and participate for 18 months. Participants in group A will be provided an activity tracker with the personalized metric Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI). Participants in group B will be provided with both an activity tracker with the personalized metric PAI and access to online training videos (Les Mills+) to perform home-based training. Participants in group C will be provided an activity tracker with the personalized metric PAI, home-based online training and additional peer support via social media. The primary objective is to test which combination of interventions is more effective in increasing PA levels and sustaining long-term exercise adherence. Secondary objectives include: proportion of participants reaching PA recommendations; exercise adherence; physical fitness; cardiovascular risk; quality of life; perceived competence for exercise; self-efficacy; social support; usability; users' perspectives on implementation outcomes (adoption, acceptability, adherence, sustainability). The study design will allow testing the effectiveness of the interventions while gathering information on implementation in a real-world situation. Discussion This study can contribute to reduce disparities in PA levels among inactive adults by promoting PA and long-term adherence. Increased PA might, in turn, result in better prevention of lifestyle diseases. Digital interventions delivered at home can become an alternative to training facilities, making PA accessible and feasible for inactive populations and overcoming known barriers to PA. If effective, such interventions could potentially be offered through national health portals to citizens who do not meet the minimum recommendations on PA or prescribed by general practitioners or specialists. Trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04526444, Registered 23 April 2021, identifier: NCT04526444.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Zanaboni
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway,*Correspondence: Paolo Zanaboni
| | - Unn Sollid Manskow
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Edvard Hamnvik Sagelv
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway,School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bente Morseth
- School of Sport Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Inger-Lise Aamot
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Exercise Training as Medicine for Cardiopulmonary Condition, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway,K.G. Jebsen Center for Exercise in Medicine - CERG, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjarne Martens Nes
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Exercise in Medicine - CERG, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | - Konstantinos Antypas
- Norwegian Centre for E-health Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway,SINTEF Digital, Oslo, Norway
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24
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Soulard J, Carlin T, Knitza J, Vuillerme N. Wearables for Measuring the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior of Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e34734. [PMID: 35994315 PMCID: PMC9446133 DOI: 10.2196/34734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease associated with chronic back pain and restricted mobility and physical function. Increasing physical activity is a viable strategy for improving the health and quality of life of patients with axSpA. Thus, quantifying physical activity and sedentary behavior in this population is relevant to clinical outcomes and disease management. However, to the best of our knowledge, no systematic review to date has identified and synthesized the available evidence on the use of wearable devices to objectively measure the physical activity or sedentary behavior of patients with axSpA. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to review the literature on the use of wearable activity trackers as outcome measures for physical activity and sedentary behavior in patients with axSpA. METHODS PubMed, PEDro, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched in July 2021 for relevant original articles, with no limits on publication dates. Studies were included if they were original articles, targeted adults with a diagnosis of axSpA, and reported wearable device-measured physical activity or sedentary behavior among patients with axSpA. Data regarding the study's characteristics, the sample description, the methods used for measuring physical activity and sedentary behavior (eg, wearable devices, assessment methods, and outcomes), and the main results of the physical activity and sedentary behavior assessments were extracted. RESULTS A total of 31 studies were initially identified; 13 (13/31, 42%) met the inclusion criteria, including 819 patients with axSpA. All the studies used accelerometer-based wearable devices to assess physical activity. Of the 13 studies, 4 (4/31, 31%) studies also reported outcomes related to sedentary behavior. Wearable devices were secured on the wrists (3/13 studies, 23%), lower back (3/13, 23%), right hip (3/13, 23%), waist (2/13, 15%), anterior thigh (1/13, 8%), or right arm (1/13, 8%). The methods for reporting physical activity and sedentary behavior were heterogeneous. Approximately 77% (10/13) of studies had a monitoring period of 1 week, including weekend days. CONCLUSIONS To date, few studies have used wearable devices to quantify the physical activity and sedentary behavior of patients with axSpA. The methodologies and results were heterogeneous, and none of these studies assessed the psychometric properties of these wearables in this specific population. Further investigation in this direction is needed before using wearable device-measured physical activity and sedentary behavior as outcome measures in intervention studies in patients with axSpA. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020182398; https://tinyurl.com/ec22jzkt. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/23359.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Soulard
- Université Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, La Tronche, France
- LabCom Telecom4Health, Orange Labs & Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Inria, Grenoble INP-UGA, Grenoble, France
- Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Thomas Carlin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, La Tronche, France
- LabCom Telecom4Health, Orange Labs & Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Inria, Grenoble INP-UGA, Grenoble, France
| | - Johannes Knitza
- Université Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, La Tronche, France
- LabCom Telecom4Health, Orange Labs & Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Inria, Grenoble INP-UGA, Grenoble, France
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nürnberg, and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Vuillerme
- Université Grenoble Alpes, AGEIS, La Tronche, France
- LabCom Telecom4Health, Orange Labs & Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Inria, Grenoble INP-UGA, Grenoble, France
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
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25
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Tong HL, Maher C, Parker K, Pham TD, Neves AL, Riordan B, Chow CK, Laranjo L, Quiroz JC. The use of mobile apps and fitness trackers to promote healthy behaviors during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2022; 1:e0000087. [PMID: 36812578 PMCID: PMC9931267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine i) the use of mobile apps and fitness trackers in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic to support health behaviors; ii) the use of COVID-19 apps; iii) associations between using mobile apps and fitness trackers, and health behaviors; iv) differences in usage amongst population subgroups. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey was conducted during June-September 2020. The survey was developed and reviewed independently by co-authors to establish face validity. Associations between using mobile apps and fitness trackers and health behaviors were examined using multivariate logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were conducted using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Three open-ended questions were included to elicit participants' views; thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS Participants included 552 adults (76.7% women; mean age: 38±13.6 years); 59.9% used mobile apps for health, 38.2% used fitness trackers, and 46.3% used COVID-19 apps. Users of mobile apps or fitness trackers had almost two times the odds of meeting aerobic physical activity guidelines compared to non-users (odds ratio = 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 3.46, P = .03). More women used health apps than men (64.0% vs 46.8%, P = .004). Compared to people aged 18-44 (46.1%), more people aged 60+ (74.5%) and more people aged 45-60 (57.6%) used a COVID-19 related app (P < .001). Qualitative data suggest people viewed technologies (especially social media) as a 'double-edged sword': helping with maintaining a sense of normalcy and staying active and socially connected, but also having a negative emotional effect stemming from seeing COVID-related news. People also found that mobile apps did not adapt quickly enough to the circumstances caused by COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Use of mobile apps and fitness trackers during the pandemic was associated with higher levels of physical activity, in a sample of educated and likely health-conscious individuals. Future research is needed to understand whether the association between using mobile devices and physical activity is maintained in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Ly Tong
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carol Maher
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kate Parker
- Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences
| | - Tien Dung Pham
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ana Luisa Neves
- NIHR Imperial Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Department of Community Medicine, Information and Decision in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Benjamin Riordan
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Clara K. Chow
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Liliana Laranjo
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Juan C. Quiroz
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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26
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Fröberg A. The COVID-19 pandemic: The importance of physical activity among faculty members. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:1597-1600. [PMID: 33048633 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1817037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed serious challenge to societies worldwide. To prevent person-to-person transmission of the coronavirus and avoid associated morbidity and mortality, several public health measures have been introduced by various health organizations and authorities, such as social distancing policies and quarantine. While necessary, these public health measures are likely to have implications for people's physical activity behaviors. This viewpoint is intended for faculty members and focus on the importance of physical activity for health. Suggestions on how to stay physically active during the COVID-19 pandemic are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Fröberg
- Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ferguson T, Olds T, Curtis R, Blake H, Crozier AJ, Dankiw K, Dumuid D, Kasai D, O'Connor E, Virgara R, Maher C. Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health: a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Lancet Digit Health 2022; 4:e615-e626. [PMID: 35868813 DOI: 10.1016/s2589-7500(22)00111-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Wearable activity trackers offer an appealing, low-cost tool to address physical inactivity. This systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (umbrella review) aimed to examine the effectiveness of activity trackers for improving physical activity and related physiological and psychosocial outcomes in clinical and non-clinical populations. Seven databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Ovid Emcare, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched from database inception to April 8, 2021. Systematic reviews of primary studies using activity trackers as interventions and reporting physical activity, physiological, or psychosocial outcomes were eligible for inclusion. In total, 39 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were identified, reporting results from 163 992 participants spanning all age groups, from both healthy and clinical populations. Taken together, the meta-analyses suggested activity trackers improved physical activity (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0·3-0·6), body composition (SMD 0·7-2·0), and fitness (SMD 0·3), equating to approximately 1800 extra steps per day, 40 min per day more walking, and reductions of approximately 1 kg in bodyweight. Effects for other physiological (blood pressure, cholesterol, and glycosylated haemoglobin) and psychosocial (quality of life and pain) outcomes were typically small and often non-significant. Activity trackers appear to be effective at increasing physical activity in a variety of age groups and clinical and non-clinical populations. The benefit is clinically important and is sustained over time. Based on the studies evaluated, there is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of activity trackers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ty Ferguson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Timothy Olds
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rachel Curtis
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Henry Blake
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alyson J Crozier
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kylie Dankiw
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dorothea Dumuid
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Daiki Kasai
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Edward O'Connor
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rosa Virgara
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carol Maher
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition, and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Physical Activity Evaluation Using Activity Trackers for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention in Patients with Prediabetes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148251. [PMID: 35886100 PMCID: PMC9322784 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prediabetes is a reversible condition, but lifestyle-changing measures, such as increasing physical activity, should be taken. This article explores the use of Fitbit activity trackers to assess physical activity and its impact on prediabetic patient health. METHODS Intervention study. In total, 30 volunteers (9 males and 21 females), aged 32-65 years, with impaired glucose levels and without diabetes or moving disorders, received Fitbit Inspire activity trackers and physical activity recommendations. A routine blood check was taken during the first and second visits, and body composition was analyzed. Physical activity variability in time was assessed using a Poincare plot. RESULTS The count of steps per day and variability differed between patients and during the research period, but the change in total physical activity was not statistically significant. Significant positive correlations between changes in lipid values, body mass composition, and variability of steps count, distance, and minutes of very active physical activity were observed. CONCLUSIONS When assessing physical activity, data doctors should evaluate not just the totals or the medians of the steps count, but also physical activity variability in time. The study shows that most changes were better linked to the physical activity variability than the total count of physical activity.
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De Santis KK, Jahnel T, Matthias K, Mergenthal L, Al Khayyal H, Zeeb H. Evaluation of Digital Interventions for Physical Activity Promotion: Scoping Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2022; 8:e37820. [PMID: 35604757 PMCID: PMC9171604 DOI: 10.2196/37820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Digital interventions are interventions supported by digital tools or technologies, such as mobile apps, wearables, or web-based software. Digital interventions in the context of public health are specifically designed to promote and improve health. Recent reviews have shown that many digital interventions target physical activity promotion; however, it is unclear how such digital interventions are evaluated. Objective We aimed to investigate evaluation strategies in the context of digital interventions for physical activity promotion using a scoping review of published reviews. We focused on the target (ie, user outcomes or tool performance), methods (ie, tool data or self-reported data), and theoretical frameworks of the evaluation strategies. Methods A protocol for this study was preregistered and published. From among 300 reviews published up to March 19, 2021 in Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases, 40 reviews (1 rapid, 9 scoping, and 30 systematic) were included in this scoping review. Two authors independently performed study selection and data coding. Consensus was reached by discussion. If applicable, data were coded quantitatively into predefined categories or qualitatively using definitions or author statements from the included reviews. Data were analyzed using either descriptive statistics, for quantitative data (relative frequencies out of all studies), or narrative synthesis focusing on common themes, for qualitative data. Results Most reviews that were included in our scoping review were published in the period from 2019 to 2021 and originated from Europe or Australia. Most primary studies cited in the reviews included adult populations in clinical or nonclinical settings, and focused on mobile apps or wearables for physical activity promotion. The evaluation target was a user outcome (efficacy, acceptability, usability, feasibility, or engagement) in 38 of the 40 reviews or tool performance in 24 of the 40 reviews. Evaluation methods relied upon objective tool data (in 35/40 reviews) or other data from self-reports or assessments (in 28/40 reviews). Evaluation frameworks based on behavior change theory, including goal setting, self-monitoring, feedback on behavior, and educational or motivational content, were mentioned in 22 out of 40 reviews. Behavior change theory was included in the development phases of digital interventions according to the findings of 20 out of 22 reviews. Conclusions The evaluation of digital interventions is a high priority according to the reviews included in this scoping review. Evaluations of digital interventions, including mobile apps or wearables for physical activity promotion, typically target user outcomes and rely upon objective tool data. Behavior change theory may provide useful guidance not only for development of digital interventions but also for the evaluation of user outcomes in the context of physical activity promotion. Future research should investigate factors that could improve the efficacy of digital interventions and the standardization of terminology and reporting in this field. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/35332
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Karolina De Santis
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany.,Leibniz-Science Campus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tina Jahnel
- Leibniz-Science Campus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Katja Matthias
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Applied Science Stralsund, Stralsund, Germany
| | - Lea Mergenthal
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
| | - Hatem Al Khayyal
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany.,Leibniz-Science Campus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Bielefeld University of Applied Science, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany.,Leibniz-Science Campus Digital Public Health Bremen, Bremen, Germany.,Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Dehghan Ghahfarokhi A, Vosadi E, Barzegar H, Saatchian V. The Effect of Wearable and Smartphone Applications on Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Cardiovascular Health Outcomes in Overweight/Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Biol Res Nurs 2022; 24:503-518. [PMID: 35535558 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221099556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advances in the device and smartphone technology have resulted in a convenient option for providing physical activity strategies; this is especially important during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of wearable and smartphone-based interventions to promote physical activity and improve quality of life and cardiovascular health outcomes among overweight/obese adults. DATA SOURCES We searched relevant databases up to 18 November 2021 for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials lasting 4 or more weeks that investigated the impacts of wearables and smartphone applications on physical activity, quality of life and health outcomes. RESULTS Twenty-six studies including 2373 participants were included. There was a significant pooled standard mean differences (SMD) for the comparison between intervention versus control in steps per day (SMD: 0.54; p = 0.0003), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (SMD: 0.47; p = 0.02), quality of life (SMD: 0.33; p = 0.0006), body weight (mean difference (MD), -1.61 kg; p = 0.009), and BMI (MD, -0.59 kg/m2; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups for systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that wearable and smartphone-based interventions are effective strategies in promoting physical activity and can provide a direct contact line to health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Dehghan Ghahfarokhi
- Sport Management Department, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 48425University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Vosadi
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 68259Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran
| | - Hamed Barzegar
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 48425University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Saatchian
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 305467Imam Reza international University, Mashhad, Iran
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Wang W, Cheng J, Song W, Shen Y. The Effectiveness of Wearable Devices as Physical Activity Interventions for Preventing and Treating Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e32435. [PMID: 35394447 PMCID: PMC9034426 DOI: 10.2196/32435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents remains a global public health issue. Wearable devices may offer new opportunities for prevention and intervention in obesity. Previous systematic reviews have only examined the effect of the wearable device interventions on preventing and treating obesity in adults. However, no systematic review has provided an evaluation of wearable devices as physical activity interventions for preventing and treating obesity in children and adolescents. Objective The purpose of this review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable devices as physical activity interventions on obesity-related anthropometric outcomes in children and adolescents. Methods Research articles retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EBSCO from inception to February 1, 2021, were reviewed. The search was designed to identify studies utilizing wearable devices for preventing and treating obesity in children and adolescents. The included studies were evaluated for risk of bias following the Cochrane recommendation. Meta-analyses were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of wearable devices as physical activity interventions on body weight, body fat, BMI z-score (BMI-Z), BMI, and waist circumference. Subgroup analyses were performed to determine whether the characteristics of the interventions had an impact on the effect size. Results A total of 12 randomized controlled trials (3227 participants) were selected for meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, wearable device interventions had statistically significant beneficial effects on BMI (mean difference [MD] –0.23; 95% CI –0.43 to –0.03; P=.03; I2=2%), BMI-Z (MD –0.07; 95% CI –0.13 to –0.01; P=.01; I2=81%), body weight (MD –1.08; 95% CI –2.16 to –0.00; P=.05; I2=58%), and body fat (MD –0.72; 95% CI –1.19 to –0.25; P=.003; I2=5%). However, no statistically significant effect was found on waist circumference (MD 0.55; 95% CI –0.21 to 1.32; P=.16; I2=0%). The subgroup analysis showed that for participants with overweight or obesity (MD –0.75; 95% CI –1.18 to –0.31; P<.01; I2=0%), in the short-term (MD –0.62; 95% CI –1.03 to –0.21; P<.01; I2=0%), wearable-based interventions (MD –0.56; 95% CI –0.95 to –0.18; P<.01; I2=0%) generally resulted in greater intervention effect size on BMI. Conclusions Evidence from this meta-analysis shows that wearable devices as physical activity interventions may be useful for preventing and treating obesity in children and adolescents. Future research is needed to identify the most effective physical activity indicators of wearable devices to prevent and treat obesity in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Wang
- Department of Basic Education, Zhejiang Tongji Vocational College of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Basic Education, Zhejiang Tongji Vocational College of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijun Song
- Department of Basic Education, Zhejiang Tongji Vocational College of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Basic Education, Zhejiang Tongji Vocational College of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
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McCormack GR, Petersen JA, Ghoneim D, Blackstaffe A, Naish C, Doyle-Baker PK. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN 8-WEEK PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION INVOLVING WEARABLE ACTIVITY TRACKERS AND AN eHEATLH APPLICATION: A MIXED METHODS STUDY. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e37348. [PMID: 35404832 PMCID: PMC9115656 DOI: 10.2196/37348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health promotion interventions incorporating wearable technology or eHealth applications can encourage participants to self-monitor and modify their physical activity and sedentary behavior. In 2020, a Calgary (Canada) recreational facility developed and implemented a health promotion intervention (Vivo Play Scientist program) that provided commercially-available wearable activity tracker (WT) and a customized eHealth dashboard to participants, free-of-cost. OBJECTIVE To independently evaluate the effectiveness of the Vivo Play Scientist program for modifying physical activity and sedentary behavior during the initial 8-weeks of the piloted intervention. METHODS Our concurrent mixed-methods study included a single-arm repeated-measures quasi-experiment and semi-structured interviews. Among the 318 eligible participants (≥18 years of age) registered for the program, 87 completed three self-administered online surveys (baseline, T0; 4-weeks, T1; and 8-weeks, T2). The survey captured physical activity, sedentary behavior, use of wearable technology and eHealth applications, and sociodemographic characteristics. Twenty-three participants were recruited using maximal variation sampling, and completed telephone-administered semi-structured interviews regarding their program experiences. Self-reported physical activity and sedentary behavior outcomes were statistically compared between the three time points using Friedman's tests. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 39.8 (SD 7.4) years and 74.7% were female. Approximately half of all participants had previously used wearable technology (46.0%) or an eHealth application (49.4%) prior to the intervention. On average, participants reported wearing the WT (Garmin Vivofit4) on 6.4 (SD 1.7) days in the past week at T1 and on 6.0 (SD 2.2) days in the past week at T2. On average participants reported using the dashboard on 1.6 (SD 2.1) days in the past week at T1 and 1.0 (SD 1.8) days in the past week at T2. The mean time spent walking at 8-weeks was significantly higher compared with baseline (T0 180.34 vs. T2 253.79 min/week, P=.005), with no significant differences for other physical activity outcomes. Compared to baseline, the mean time spent sitting was significantly lower at 4-weeks (T0 334.26 vs. T1 260.46 min/day, P<.001) and 8-weeks (T0 334.26 vs. T2 267.13 min/day, P<.001). Significant differences in physical activity and sitting between time points were found among subgroups based on the household composition, history of wearable technology use, and history of eHealth applications use. Participants described how wearing the Vivofit4 was beneficial in helping them to modify physical activity and sedentary behavior. The social support as a result of multiple members of the same household participating in the program, motivated changes in physical activity. Participants experienced improvements in their mental, physical, and social health. CONCLUSIONS Providing individuals with free-of-cost commercially-available wearable technology and an eHealth application has the potential to support increases in physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in the short-term, even under COVID-19 public health restrictions. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin R McCormack
- University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive, Calgary, CA.,Waseda University, Tokyo, JP
| | | | - Dalia Ghoneim
- University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive, Calgary, CA
| | | | - Calli Naish
- University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive, Calgary, CA
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Larsen LH, Lauritzen MH, Sinkjaer M, Kjaer TW. The Effect of Wearable Tracking Devices on Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Inactive Adults: Crossover Study. JMIR Cardio 2022; 6:e31501. [PMID: 35289763 PMCID: PMC8965682 DOI: 10.2196/31501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Modern lifestyle is associated with a 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 if personal characteristics and health outcomes can predict adoption of the device. Methods In total, 62 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 (PA) behavior on a wrist-worn tracking device. Data collected included estimated cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, blood pressure, perceived stress levels, and self-reported adoption of using the tracking device. Results In total, 50 participants completed the study (mean age 48, SD 13 years, 84% women). Relative to the control period, participants increased cardiorespiratory fitness by 1.52 mL/kg/minute (95% CI 0.82-2.22; P<.001), self-reported PA by 140 minutes per week (95% CI 93.3-187.1; P<.001), daily step count by 982 (95% CI 492-1471; P<.001), and participants’ fat percentage decreased by 0.48% (95% CI –0.84 to –0.13; P=.009). No difference was observed in blood pressure (systolic: 95% CI –2.16 to 3.57, P=.63; diastolic: 95% CI –0.70 to 2.55; P=.27) or perceived stress (95% CI –0.86 to 1.78; P=.49). No associations were found between adoption of the wearable tracking device and age, gender, personality, or education. However, participants with a low perceived stress at baseline were more likely to rate the use of a wearable tracking device highly motivating. Conclusions Tracking health behavior using a wearable tracking device increases PA resulting in an improved cardiorespiratory fitness among inactive adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mikkel Sinkjaer
- Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Troels W Kjaer
- Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Casado-Robles C, Viciana J, Guijarro-Romero S, Mayorga-Vega D. Effects of Consumer-Wearable Activity Tracker-Based Programs on Objectively Measured Daily Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:18. [PMID: 35099630 PMCID: PMC8804065 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-021-00407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Background The popularity of consumer-wearable activity trackers has led the scientific community to conduct an increasing number of intervention studies integrating them to promote physical activity (PA) and to reduce sedentary behavior (SB) levels among school-aged children. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to estimate the effects of consumer-wearable activity tracker-based programs on daily objectively measured PA and SB among apparently healthy school-aged children, as well as to compare the influence of participants’ and programs’ characteristics. Methods Eligibility criteria were: (1) participants: apparently healthy school-aged children (< 18 years old); (2) intervention: aimed to promote PA and/or to reduce SB incorporating consumer-wearable activity trackers; (3) comparator: baseline measurements and/or a control/traditional group; (4) outcomes: objectively measured daily PA and/or SB levels; (5) study design: pre-experimental, quasi-experimental, and true-experimental trials. Relevant studies were searched from eight databases up to December 2020, as well as from four alternative modes of searching. Based on the Cochrane Risk-of-bias tool 2, the risk of bias was assessed following four domains: (1) randomization process; (2) missing outcome data; (3) measurement of the outcomes; and (4) selection of the reported results. Based on a comprehensive systematic review, meta-analyses of the Cohen’s standardized mean difference (d) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with a random-effects model were conducted to estimate the overall effects, as well as the within- and between-study subgroups analyses effects, of the programs on daily total steps, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), total PA and SB. Results Forty-four publications (i.e., 45 studies) were included in the systematic review (5,620 unique participants; mean age = 12.85 ± 2.84 years) and 40 publications (i.e., 41 studies) in the meta-analysis. Programs had a mean length of 11.78 ± 13.17 weeks and most used a waist-worn consumer-wearable activity tracker (77.78% waist-worn; 22.22% wrist-worn). Programs characteristics were: goal-setting strategies (64.06%); participants’ logbooks (56.25%); counseling sessions (62.50%); reminders (28.13%); motivational strategies (42.19%); and exercise routine (17.19%). Results showed a statistically significant moderate favorable effect on daily total steps (d = 0.612, 95% CI 0.477–0.746), small favorable effect on daily MVPA (d = 0.220, 95% CI 0.134–0.307), trivial favorable effect on daily total PA (d = 0.151, 95% CI 0.038–0.264) and trivial unfavorable effect on daily SB (d = 0.172, 95% CI 0.039–0.305). Subgroups analyses showed a higher effect for daily total steps and daily MVPA levels in females and the physically inactive for daily total steps (p = 0.003–0.044). Programs with educational counseling and/or goal-setting strategies, as well as a greater number of strategies, were more effective for improving children’s daily total steps, and wrist-worn activity trackers were more effective than waist-worn trackers for improving their daily MVPA levels (p = 0.001–0.021). Conclusions Consumer-wearable activity tracker-based programs seem to be effective in promoting school-aged children’s daily total steps and MVPA levels, especially for females and those that are physically inactive. These programs should include specific goal-setting, educational counseling, and wrist-worn trackers as especially effective strategies. However, due to the certainty of evidence being from “low” to “moderate”, future well-designed primary research studies about the topic are needed. PROSPERO: CRD42020222363. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-021-00407-6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús Viciana
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Daniel Mayorga-Vega
- Department of Didactic of Musical, Plastic and Corporal Expression, University of Jaen, Paraje de las Lagunillas, Campus de Las Lagunillas, Edificio Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación I (D2-D136), 23071, Jaén, Spain.
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Jung J, Cho I. Promoting Physical Activity and Weight Loss With mHealth Interventions Among Workers: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e30682. [PMID: 35060913 PMCID: PMC8817216 DOI: 10.2196/30682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity (PA) is a vital factor in promoting health in the workforce. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions have recently emerged in workplace health promotion as an effective strategy for inducing changes in health behaviors among workers; however, the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in promoting PA and weight loss for workers is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of current evidence on the effectiveness of mHealth interventions in promoting PA and weight loss among workers. METHODS We searched relevant databases, including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, and the Cochrane Library, for publications on mHealth interventions in the English or Korean language from inception to December 2020. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of mHealth in improving PA and weight loss were retrieved. A meta-analysis with a random effects model and subgroup analyses was performed on PA types and mHealth intervention characteristics. RESULTS A total of 8 studies were included in this analysis. More than half of the studies (5/8, 63%) were identified as having a high risk of bias. The mHealth intervention group showed a significant improvement in PA (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.22, 95% CI 0.03-0.41; P<.001; I2=78%). No significant difference in weight loss was observed when comparing the intervention group with the control groups (SMD 0.02, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.10; P=.48; I2=0%). A subgroup analysis was also performed; walking activity (SMD 0.70, 95% CI 0.21-1.19; P<.001; I2=83.3%), a multicomponent program (SMD 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.33; P=.03; I2=57.4%), objective measurement (SMD 0.58, 95% CI 0.05-1.10; P<.001; I2=87.3%), and 2 or more delivery modes (SMD 0.44, 95% CI 0.01-0.87; P<.001; I2=85.1%) were significantly associated with an enhancement in PA. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that mHealth interventions are effective for improving PA among workers. Future studies that assess long-term efficacy with a larger population are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Jung
- Department of Nursing, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inhae Cho
- College of Nursing, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Motahari-Nezhad H, Fgaier M, Mahdi Abid M, Péntek M, Gulácsi L, Zrubka Z. Scoping review of systematic reviews of digital biomarker-based studies (Preprint). JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 10:e35722. [DOI: 10.2196/35722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Western MJ, Armstrong MEG, Islam I, Morgan K, Jones UF, Kelson MJ. The effectiveness of digital interventions for increasing physical activity in individuals of low socioeconomic status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2021; 18:148. [PMID: 34753490 PMCID: PMC8576797 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-021-01218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital technologies such as wearables, websites and mobile applications are increasingly used in interventions targeting physical activity (PA). Increasing access to such technologies makes an attractive prospect for helping individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES) in becoming more active and healthier. However, little is known about their effectiveness in such populations. The aim of this systematic review was to explore whether digital interventions were effective in promoting PA in low SES populations, whether interventions are of equal benefit to higher SES individuals and whether the number or type of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in digital PA interventions was associated with intervention effects. METHODS A systematic search strategy was used to identify eligible studies from MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus and The Cochrane Library, published between January 1990 and March 2020. Randomised controlled trials, using digital technology as the primary intervention tool, and a control group that did not receive any digital technology-based intervention were included, provided they had a measure of PA as an outcome. Lastly, studies that did not have any measure of SES were excluded from the review. Risk of Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2. RESULTS Of the 14,589 records initially identified, 19 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Using random-effects models, in low SES there was a standardised mean difference (SMD (95%CI)) in PA between intervention and control groups of 0.06 (- 0.08,0.20). In high SES the SMD was 0.34 (0.22,0.45). Heterogeneity was modest in both low (I2 = 0.18) and high (I2 = 0) SES groups. The studies used a range of digital technologies and BCTs in their interventions, but the main findings were consistent across all of the sub-group analyses (digital interventions with a PA only focus, country, chronic disease, and duration of intervention) and there was no association with the number or type of BCTs. DISCUSSION Digital interventions targeting PA do not show equivalent efficacy for people of low and high SES. For people of low SES, there is no evidence that digital PA interventions are effective, irrespective of the behaviour change techniques used. In contrast, the same interventions in high SES participants do indicate effectiveness. To reduce inequalities and improve effectiveness, future development of digital interventions aimed at improving PA must make more effort to meet the needs of low SES people within the target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max J. Western
- Centre for Motivation and Health Behaviour Change, Department for Health, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY UK
| | - Miranda E. G. Armstrong
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Science, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, 8 Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TZ UK
| | - Ishrat Islam
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4YS UK
| | - Kelly Morgan
- Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer), School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3BD UK
| | - Una F. Jones
- School of Healthcare Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN UK
| | - Mark J. Kelson
- Department of Mathematics/Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Exeter, Laver Building, Exeter, EX4 4QE UK
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Exploring the Use of Mobile and Wearable Technology among University Student Athletes in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21134472. [PMID: 34208798 PMCID: PMC8271363 DOI: 10.3390/s21134472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The markets of commercial wearables and health and fitness apps are constantly growing globally, especially among young adults and athletes, to track physical activity, energy expenditure and health. Despite their wide availability, evidence on use comes predominantly from the United States or Global North, with none targeting college student-athletes in low- and middle-income countries. This study was aimed to explore the use of these technologies among student-athletes at the American University of Beirut (AUB). We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 482 participants (average age 20 years) enrolled in 24 teams during Fall 2018; 230 students successfully completed the web-based survey, and 200 provided valid data. Fifty-three (26.5%) have owned a fitness tracker, mostly for self-monitoring. The most popular were Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin. Similarly, 82 students (40%) used apps, primarily MyFitnessPal, Apple Health, and Samsung Health. Nevertheless, many participants discontinued use due to loss of interest or technical issues (breaking, usability, obsolescence, or lack of engagement). Wearable devices were considered superior to mobile phones alone as physical activity monitors. However, forming regular habits made self-monitoring via technology irrelevant. Further research is needed to better understand what motivates continuous use among student-athletes, who could use trackers to improve athletic performance and overall health.
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Li C, Chen X, Bi X. Wearable activity trackers for promoting physical activity: A systematic meta-analytic review. Int J Med Inform 2021; 152:104487. [PMID: 34020170 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although wearable activity trackers hold a promise of nudging people toward a more active lifestyle, current research reveals inconsistent findings regarding the effectiveness of them. The objectives of this paper are two-fold: (1) to synthesize evidence on the effects of wearable activity trackers for improving physical activities, and (2) to identify potential moderators of effect size. METHODS A systematic meta-analytic review was conducted. Forty-eight eligible papers based on forty-four distinct trials were identified through a systematic literature search process. Two authors independently extracted information from each study based on predefined data fields. Random-effects meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta-regression analysis were employed. RESULTS First, interventions with wearable activity trackers significantly increased daily steps and weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity but had no impact on light physical activity or sedentary behavior. Second, daily steps and weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with participants' characteristics (i.e., gender, age, medical condition, and baseline physical activity level) and intervention features (i.e., sensors, modes of expert support, and intervention duration). The identified factors explained 53 % of the total variance for weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. CONCLUSIONS The use of wearable activity trackers effectively improves conscious exercise behavior, including daily steps and weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, but not effective for modifying habitual behavior, such as light physical activity and sedentary behavior. We also explicitly show that the extent to which the interventions with wearable activity trackers help users is contingent on the type of users and the design and delivery of interventions. Future studies are called to validate the findings and to offer theoretical explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caining Li
- School of Management, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Xinhua Bi
- School of Management, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Conner RP. The Wenckebach phenomenon. Heart Lung 1987; 16:506-18. [PMID: 3654242 PMCID: PMC9813819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The introduction of new medical technologies such as sensors has accelerated the process of collecting patient data for relevant clinical decisions, which has led to the introduction of a new technology known as digital biomarkers. Objective This study aims to assess the methodological quality and quality of evidence from meta-analyses of digital biomarker–based interventions. Methods This study follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline for reporting systematic reviews, including original English publications of systematic reviews reporting meta-analyses of clinical outcomes (efficacy and safety endpoints) of digital biomarker–based interventions compared with alternative interventions without digital biomarkers. Imaging or other technologies that do not measure objective physiological or behavioral data were excluded from this study. A literature search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library was conducted, limited to 2019-2020. The quality of the methodology and evidence synthesis of the meta-analyses were assessed using AMSTAR-2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2) and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations), respectively. This study was funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund of Hungary. Results A total of 25 studies with 91 reported outcomes were included in the final analysis; 1 (4%), 1 (4%), and 23 (92%) studies had high, low, and critically low methodologic quality, respectively. As many as 6 clinical outcomes (7%) had high-quality evidence and 80 outcomes (88%) had moderate-quality evidence; 5 outcomes (5%) were rated with a low level of certainty, mainly due to risk of bias (85/91, 93%), inconsistency (27/91, 30%), and imprecision (27/91, 30%). There is high-quality evidence of improvements in mortality, transplant risk, cardiac arrhythmia detection, and stroke incidence with cardiac devices, albeit with low reporting quality. High-quality reviews of pedometers reported moderate-quality evidence, including effects on physical activity and BMI. No reports with high-quality evidence and high methodological quality were found. Conclusions Researchers in this field should consider the AMSTAR-2 criteria and GRADE to produce high-quality studies in the future. In addition, patients, clinicians, and policymakers are advised to consider the results of this study before making clinical decisions regarding digital biomarkers to be informed of the degree of certainty of the various interventions investigated in this study. The results of this study should be considered with its limitations, such as the narrow time frame. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/28204
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Affiliation(s)
- R P Conner
- Providence Memorial Hospital Coronary Care Unit, El Paso, TX
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