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Effects of using activity trackers and coaching on activity levels

Title
Effects of using activity trackers and coaching on activity levels

Research Area
Tackling Inactivity

Author
Kiessling, B et al; ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal

Summary of Findings
173 staff at Indiana University were selected to be part of a piece of research whereby they were each given a FitBit Flex activity tracker and took part in at least 8 coached exercise sessions over a 10 week period. The coaches in the sessions were also students of Indiana University who had been upskilled as part of the programme. Surveys were completed by the participants both before and after the 10 week period. 83% of participants had previously used some form of activity tracker or pedometer prior to the research starting. Most predicted that an activity tracker was likely to be a good motivational tool and would encourage them to move more. Following the coaching sessions, participants reported that the fitness trackers had been easy to use and had indeed motivated them to move more. They felt their step count and overall activity levels had increased as a result. Additionally most felt more confident in achieving and maintaining regular physical activity and had a greater awareness of their activity.

The researchers noted that previous studies found although those exercising seemed to have an increased desire for knowledge about activity trackers that coaches often did not feel confident in discussing this with them. In this piece they found the coaches were more successful following training on activity trackers and their features. Some of the coaches reported initial difficulty in focussing on activity in all forms rather than exercise specifically. This however developed throughout the programme with many participants finding small ways to add extra activity in to their daily lives such as not going to the nearest water fountain or toilet facilities. Overall 93% of the participants felt that the coaching sessions had helped them develop effective health and fitness goals while 90% felt the combination of the tracker and the coaching had helped them sustain these goals.

Implications
This research looks at the benefits of activity trackers in combination with coaching both on activity levels but also knowledge and awareness. It raises questions about the move away from a focus on exercise towards activity as a whole. It also provides helpful insight into whether activity trackers are an effective way of reaching parts of the community that are not already engaged through traditional methods.