There was no significant between group difference in six-minute walk test distance .
Conclusions Our meta- analysis showed WPAM with exercise prescription or advice are superior to no device in improving CRF in the maintenance phase of CR and no cardiac adverse events were reported with WPAM use .
Our qualitative analysis showed evidence in favour of WPAM with exercise prescription or advice for both CRF and step count .
WPAM with exercise prescription or advice did not change sedentary time .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) is a component of cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) .
However , life-long engagement in PA is required to maintain benefits gained .
Wearable PA monitoring devices ( WPAM ) are thought to increase PA .
There appear to be no review s which investigate the effect of WPAM in cardiac population s. We firstly aim ed to systematic ally review r and omised controlled trials within the cardiac population that investigated the effect WPAM had through the maintenance phase of CR .
We specifically examined the effect on cardiorespiratory fitness ( CRF ) , amount and intensity of daily PA , and sedentary time .
Utilizing wearable technology to increase physical activity in future physicians: A randomized trial
This study examined the use of activity trackers alone or combined with weekly communication through email to improve activity and body composition over one academic year in medical students . This r and omized clinical trial conducted at the New York Institute of Technology from July 7 , 2016 through June 4 , 2017 enrolled 120 medical students . The first group ( Fitbit-Plus ) wore activity trackers and received weekly emails offering fitness challenges and lifestyle modification challenges . The second group ( Fitbit-Only ) received only activity trackers and did not receive weekly emails . The third group ( Control ) was asked not to purchase an activity tracker of any kind throughout the study . All groups had a body composition analysis prior to the start of the academic year and at the end of the first academic year . Outcome measures included step count and body composition ( body fat percentage and lean body mass ) . The results showed the overall mean daily steps were greater in the Fitbit-Plus group than the Fitbit-Only group for the academic year ( 7429 ± 2833 vs. 6483 ± 2359 ) with only months April and May showing a significant difference between the groups ( p = 0.011 ; p = 0.044 ) . Body fat percentage decreased in the Fitbit-Plus overweight women ( 2.1 ± 1.6 % ) lean body mass increased in the Fitbit-Plus group in overweight men ( 2.4 ± 4.6 lbs . ) . A subsequent finding of this study showed improved body composition in a small sub-group of over-weight students . Weekly behavioral challenges combined with an activity tracker  increased step count in medical students compared to an activity tracker alone . Clinical trials.gov Identifier : NCT02778009
There was no significant between group difference in six-minute walk test distance .
Conclusions Our meta- analysis showed WPAM with exercise prescription or advice are superior to no device in improving CRF in the maintenance phase of CR and no cardiac adverse events were reported with WPAM use .
Our qualitative analysis showed evidence in favour of WPAM with exercise prescription or advice for both CRF and step count .
WPAM with exercise prescription or advice did not change sedentary time .
Background Physical activity ( PA ) is a component of cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) .
However , life-long engagement in PA is required to maintain benefits gained .
Wearable PA monitoring devices ( WPAM ) are thought to increase PA .
There appear to be no review s which investigate the effect of WPAM in cardiac population s. We firstly aim ed to systematic ally review r and omised controlled trials within the cardiac population that investigated the effect WPAM had through the maintenance phase of CR .
We specifically examined the effect on cardiorespiratory fitness ( CRF ) , amount and intensity of daily PA , and sedentary time .