It would be easy to dismiss activity trackers such as Fitbits as gimmicks.
But, according to a new study, 80 percent of users of such devices have continued with their use for at least six months.
The researchers say this suggests the gadgets – including wearable devices and smartphone apps – help motivate users to increase exercise levels.
And design elements such as rewards through points, levels, badges and financial incentives especially can keep people on track with their fitness goals.
However, as users tend to be younger with higher-incomes, the people who need healthy lifestyle changes the most may not be taking advantage of the technologies, the researchers say.
A study that found 80% of users of devices such as Fibits continue to use them for at least 6 months suggests the gadgets may help motivate users exercise (stock photo)
Key findings
A team at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, commonly known as Penn Med, analyzed data from subscribers of a national health and wellness organization between 2014-2015.
Participants overwhelmingly used FitBit trackers (76 percent), with Apple devices being the second most common (9 percent).
The researchers tracked when participants first activated their activity tracker, how frequently the device was used in the first six months following activation, average daily step counts and sociodemographic characteristics.
Results of the study showed that while overall activity tracker use was 1.2 percent, it was nearly double (2.8 to 3.1 percent) among younger individuals.
During the two-year study period, only 0.1 percent of elderly people (over age 65) activated a device, though 90 percent of those participants were still using it six months later.
People with annual household incomes under $50,000 used devices at lower rates of 0.7 to 1 percent.
Targeting older and lower-income groups
The investigators say their findings can help shape wellness programs aimed at targeting older and lower-income populations.
‘Many people are excited by the potential of using activity trackers to monitor healthy behaviors,’ said Dr Mitesh Patel, director of Penn Med’s Nudge Unit.
‘We found that though use grew over time, it really varied depending on individual characteristics like age and income.’
They also say more effort is needed to initially engage individuals to start using activity trackers.
‘Gamification and financial incentives are commonly used within wellness programs, but their impact has not been well studied,’ Dr Patel added.
‘Our findings provide initial evidence suggesting that these types of engagement strategies may show promise for keeping sustained use high.
‘However, more studies are needed to determine the best way to combine these types of engagement strategies with activity trackers to improve health outcomes.’
The results were published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.