CONCLUSIONS Utilizing a consumer-based wearable activity tracker as either the primary component of an intervention or as part of a broader physical activity intervention has the potential to increase physical activity participation .
BACKGROUND The range of benefits associated with regular physical activity participation is irrefutable .
Despite the well-known benefits , physical inactivity remains one of the major contributing factors to ill-health throughout industrialized countries .
Traditional lifestyle interventions such as group education or telephone counseling are effective at increasing physical activity participation ; however , physical activity levels tend to decline over time .
Consumer-based wearable activity trackers that allow users to objective ly monitor activity levels are now widely available and may offer an alternative method for assisting individuals to remain physically active .
OBJECTIVE This review aim ed to determine the effects of interventions utilizing consumer-based wearable activity trackers on physical activity participation and sedentary behavior when compared with interventions that do not utilize activity tracker feedback .
Incorporating Novel Mobile Health Technologies Into Management of Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients Treated With Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid: Rationale and Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Background Osteoarthritis ( OA ) of the knee is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States . One relatively new strategy that could be helpful in the management of OA is the use of mHealth technologies , as they can be used to increase physical activity and promote exercise , which are key components of knee OA management . Objective Currently , no published data on the use of a mHealth approach to comprehensively monitor physical activity in patients with OA are available , and similarly , no data on whether mHealth technologies can impact outcomes are available . Our objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth technology as part of a tailored , comprehensive management strategy for patients with knee OA . Methods The study will assess the impact of a smartphone app that integrates data from a wearable activity monitor ( thereby both encouraging changes in mobility as well as tracking them ) combined with education about the benefits of walking on patient mobility . The results from the intervention group will be compared with data from a control group of individuals who are given the same Arthritis Foundation literature regarding the benefits of walking and wearable activity monitors but who do not have access to the data from those monitors . Activity monitors will capture step count estimates and will compare those with patients ’ step goals , calories burned , and distance walked . Patients using the novel smartphone app will be able to enter information on their daily pain , mood , and sleep quality . The relationships among activity and pain , activity and mood , and sleep will be assessed , as will patient satisfaction with and adherence to the mobile app . Results We present information on an upcoming trial that will prospect ively assess the ability of a mobile app to improve mobility for knee OA patients who are treated with intra-articular hyaluronic acid . Conclusions We anticipate the results of this study will support the concept that mHealth technologies provide continuous , real-time feedback to patients with OA on their overall level of activity for a more proactive , personalized approach to treatment that may help modify behavior and assist with self-management through treatment support in the form of motivational messages and reminders
CONCLUSIONS Utilizing a consumer-based wearable activity tracker as either the primary component of an intervention or as part of a broader physical activity intervention has the potential to increase physical activity participation .
BACKGROUND The range of benefits associated with regular physical activity participation is irrefutable .
Despite the well-known benefits , physical inactivity remains one of the major contributing factors to ill-health throughout industrialized countries .
Traditional lifestyle interventions such as group education or telephone counseling are effective at increasing physical activity participation ; however , physical activity levels tend to decline over time .
Consumer-based wearable activity trackers that allow users to objective ly monitor activity levels are now widely available and may offer an alternative method for assisting individuals to remain physically active .
OBJECTIVE This review aim ed to determine the effects of interventions utilizing consumer-based wearable activity trackers on physical activity participation and sedentary behavior when compared with interventions that do not utilize activity tracker feedback .