Most modern fitness trackers are electronic devices that you just wear in your wrist to trace steps, total physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep. They often work with a smartphone app or website that lets you track your progress over time using graphs and statistics. Advanced fitness trackers may also record heart rate and GPS-related results akin to your route, speed and distance.
People can stay energetic without using fitness trackers, but their self-monitoring features show you how to set realistic goals and track your progress. Self-monitoring is one. effective Behavior modification techniques
So let's take a have a look at the evidence about these trackers.
1. Fitness trackers work within the short term.
Basic pedometers (mechanical step counters) have been around for a very long time and when people use them, their activity levels increase. Today's fitness trackers are mainly fancy pedometers. Therefore, there isn't a reason to consider that their additional features and functionality make them less efficient.
Of the few rigorous randomized controlled trials of advanced fitness trackers, most found positive short-term results. For example, a the study Comparing individuals who used pedometers to those that used Fitbits found that Fitbit users were 62 minutes more physically energetic per week. Other the study also found that individuals using fitness trackers took significantly more steps than those in a control group, but only measured results over a brief time period.
2. Fitness trackers work best with other strategies for long-term results.
Fewer studies have checked out how people use fitness trackers for greater than three months to inform in the event that they work in the long run. lots Reports Many people advise to stop using them soon. Reasons include the necessity to recharge the device incessantly and sync with an app or website.
More importantly, fitness trackers must be a part of one. A holistic behavior change strategy To develop a lifelong fitness habit. But this just isn't the case more often than not.
For example, one Workplace studies Physical activity increased after 12 months when fitness trackers were combined with organizational support in the primary three months. Support included educational information, goal setting, social support and team challenges.
Oh High profile studies It showed that when people were financially rewarded for using fitness trackers, it didn't improve their health in the long run. However, such extrinsic rewards are usually not a robust behavior change strategy, because they don't increase it. encouragement Privileges have to proceed after removal.
So constructing healthy lifelong activity habits requires behavioral support with fitness trackers.
3. Basic fitness tracker functions are correct.
Several Reviews indicate that almost all fitness trackers provide accurate and reliable measures of physical activity, for instance counting steps and minutes of activity. Most users take step count as an afterthought. The most important event of fitness trackers.
But these reviews also suggest that measures of energy expenditure, calorie count and sleep are less accurate. This just isn't necessarily an issue for recreational users as measurement error occurs. Periodically. This means you may still accurately estimate whether you're making progress since the device all the time overestimates or underestimates in the identical way.
4. Fitness trackers affect your mood.
some people Reports feeling guilty or exposed for not wearing your fitness tracker; Others suggest it may harm their relationship with their doctor.
But there are various studies that show that. Strong positive effects Regular physical activity on mental health, including improved mood, quality of life, stress, anxiety and depression. Although there isn't a direct evidence, it is probably going that the positive mental health effects of being energetic outweigh the potential negative mental health effects of wearing fitness trackers.
5. Despite media reports, fitness trackers are here to remain.
Fresh topic Highlighted financial difficulties for market leader Fitbit and others like Jawbone. Sales are slow and profits are low. Many consider that fitness trackers are a brief fad.
We don't think that may occur. The global wearables market is forecasted. to grow More than US$34 billion per yr by 2019. More importantly, fitness trackers are still evolving rapidly, with various brands launching latest models that boast higher features and performance. It is difficult to remain on top as a market leader in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
Health professionals are also able to use fitness trackers for specific patient groups, akin to those in recovery. Breast cancer or to be Hemodialysis. This demonstrates the flexibility of trackers to be integrated into healthcare systems.