ERIC Number: EJ1153620
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-8756-5943
EISSN: N/A
Qualitative Assessment of an Electronic Activity-Tracking Device: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Considerations in Behavior Change Interventions for Health Educators
Ball, James W.; Bice, Matthew R.; Adkins, Megan M.
Health Educator, v47 n1 p20-26 Spr 2015
Motivating people to engage in regular physical activity (PA) is a constant struggle for many health education professionals. The purchase of activity-tracking devices (Fitbit, Nike Fuel Band, etc…) has been a popular trend in recent years, presumably to assist users to increase their PA. However, limited research has examined consumer feedback and overall device impact. The purpose of this study was to examine consumer feedback of electronic activity device use and assess how devices can be effectively implemented in health related interventions. Participants (n = 42) in the current study participated in an 8-week intervention, which included the inclusion of a popular electronic activity-tracking device. One-on-one interviews were conducted after the 8-week intervention. Four themes emerged: (a) the device made participants more conscious of their daily exercise habits; (b) participants enjoyed instant feedback and technology compatibility; (c) the device was limited with components important to consumers; and (d) total fuel points achieved varied with different movements. Immediate feedback can make people more conscious of their PA, however, the device was limited in components that were considered important to the participants. Interventionists should consider using electronic activity-tracking devices as one component of PA interventions too supplement other behavior change techniques.
Descriptors: Qualitative Research, Behavior Change, Intervention, Health Education, Physical Activities, Measurement Equipment, Exercise, Interviews
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A