MONITOR TYPE: PARTICIPANT EVALUATIONS OF TWO TYPES OF ACTIVITY TRACKING DEVICES DURING A WALKING INTERVENTION

Publication Date

4-5-2019

Document Type

Poster

Degree Type

Undergraduate

Department

Kinesiology & Recreation

Mentor

Anna Rinaldi-Miles

Mentor Department

Kinesiology & Recreation

Abstract

Physical activity tracking devices have gained popularity with mixed results. One potential factor may be participants' perceptions and preferences of the type of activity monitor. PURPOSE: The purpose is to investigate usage and adoption issues as well as the perceived impact for two types of activity trackers. METHODS: A 2-arm randomized trial was used to compare the influence of type of data engagement on activity with two types of activity monitors: 1) a hip accelerometer (New Lifestyles 1000) (n = 19) requiring manual logging (MANUAL) and 2) a wrist accelerometer (Fitbit Charge 2) (n = 19) with digital logging (DIGITAL). Participants wore the activity trackers for four weeks with instructions to meet daily step goals. At the end of the study they completed an online questionnaire evaluating their experiences with the activity trackers. The open-ended question responses for each participant were analyzed qualitatively by a content analysis. Meaning units (n = 166) from responses were coded and organized into categories and sub-categories. RESULTS: For both MANUAL and DIGTIAL groups, the top identified categories regarding the perceived impact of the devices were 1) awareness of daily activity patterns (n = 28), 2) influenced motivation (n = 15), and 3) enhanced intuitive understanding of activity (n = 14). Differences between groups were found in prominent themes related to usage and adoption. The MANUAL users identified three themes equally: 1) concern about security of device while wearing (n = 8), 2) issues with ease of wearability (n = 8), and 3) positive experiences (n = 8). The DIGITAL users identified top themes: 1) no issues (n = 8) and usability problems (n = 8) equally, and 3) questioning accuracy (n = 6). CONCLUSION: Participants in both groups identified similar themes related to the impact of the devices indicating the both types of trackers were found to be perceived similarly impactful. Differences emerged in usage and adoption. Users of both types of trackers identified negatives and positives to tracker type indicating the importance of matching tracker type with personal preferences to maximize usage.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS